THE MINUTES OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION January 31, 1961 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten The Hon. Victor E. Moore Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. Philip Carroll, representing Commissioner Gennetti Mr. Harry G. McDowell, Deputy Director of Finance Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Secretary Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk Unless otherwise stated, all actions reported herein are taken after motions properly presented, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the November 29, 1960 Meeting were approved as circulated. REPORTS: Mr. Trautwein, Chairman of the ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE being absent, the secretary was asked to read his report. This was approved. Report is attached. Illegal work on the facade of 1120 Spruce was discussed at length. It was resolved that a letter be sent to the owner, calling his attention to the increase in value to his property and the surrounding area, resulting from his careful restoration of the house; and that a letter of congratulation be sent to Magistrate Cibotti, who heard the case. It was resolved that the Department of Licenses and Inspections be asked to notify the owner of every building on the certified list, informing them that a building permit must be obtained before any work is begun and that any exterior change must be approved by the Historical Commission. It was also resolved that a letter to the editors of the daily newspapers be written by the Chairman. These resolutions were approved. Dr. Nichols' report of the HISTORIC VALUES COMMITTEE was read. It was approved and is attached. It was recommended that a letter be sent to the Planning Commission, to the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation and to the Redevelopment Authority, calling attention to the enclosed list of certified buildings in Washington Square West and asking that it be taken into consideration as plans for the rehabilitation of that area are formulated. THE MINUTES -2- January 31, 1961 Dr. Tinkcom's report of the COMMISSION'S ACTIVITIES was read and approved. Report is attached. It was recommended that a letter be written to Councilman Gaetano Giordano, noting the Commission's interest in the bills, No. 758 and No. 763, now before City Council. Councilman Moore agreed to speak to Councilman Giordano, Chairman of the Committee of Licensees and Inspections. The members approved. Mr. Simon reported
It was recommended that a letter be written to Councilman Gaetano Giordano, noting the Commission's interest in the bills, No. 758 and No. 763, now before City Council. Councilman Moore agreed to speak to Councilman Giordano, Chairman of the Committee of Licensees and Inspections. The members approved. Mr. Simon reported that Dr. Tinkcom works on a part time basis for the Commission and part time for the Longwood Library on the Dupont Papers. She has been asked to take an eighteen-month's leave of absence from the Commission in order to devote her entire time to cataloging the Dupont Papers. It was moved and seconded that the request be refused. THE DESIGN PROPOSED FOR THE NEW TOWN HOUSES ON THIRD STREET - Von Moschzisker correspondence. The background of the matter was reviewed at Mr. Moore's request. It was therefore agreed that it is advisable to call a special meeting to discuss this with Messrs. Rafsky, Amsterdam and Robin. Councilman Moore and Mr. Batten agreed to make preliminary arrangements for this meeting. NEW, HIGH-RISE APARTMENT HOUSE FOR THE SOUTH SIDE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE The Chairman reported that he had talked with Mr. Larsen, Chairman of the Art Commission, who, at that time, had no information about the proposed building. It was noted that the Historical Commission has no jurisdiction in the matter. PLAN TO WIDEN SEVENTH STREET - Walnut to South Streets. Mr. Batten reviewed correspondence between himself and the originator of the plan, saying that he viewed the proposal with disfavor and had referred the matter to the Department of Streets, the City Planning Commission and City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 P. M. Respectfully submitted Charles E. Peterson, Secretary