MINUTES OF THE 157th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 25 May 1971 Present were: Mr. Charles R. Tyson, Chairman Mr. William A. Costello, Commissioner of Public Property Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. Edward Pinkowski Mr. Henry J. Magaziner, Architectural Advisor to the Commission Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Unless otherwise noted, all actions taken herein were the result of motions correctly set forth, seconded and carried REPORTS Staff Recommendations for Certifying Buildings, Dr. Tinkcom, Historian No report. Architectural Committee Report, Mr. John F. Lloyd, Chairman The Chairman asked the Secretary to read the report, which was approved and directed to be filed with the official copies of these Minutes. The Chairman then read a letter from Mr. Lloyd, who is resigning from the Chairmanship of the Architectural Committee. After some discussion, it was approved that Mr. Lloyd's resignation be accepted with regret and with thanks for his past services. It was also approved, on motion from Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Costello, that Mr. Magaziner be appointed Chairman of that committee. The motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Magaziner accepted the appointment. This was approved. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Among continuing concerns of the Historical Commission are two certified buildings, 706 and 708 S. Front Street, which the State Highway Department will not release for sale. Dr. Tinkcom reported that City Planning Commission had been asked to assist this Commission in their preservation. Mr. Magaziner asked if it were possible to ask the Governor of Pennsylvania to intervene. The Chairman recommended, instead, that a letter be sent to Mr. John Bunting, who might be willing to speak to the Governor. It was approved that Dr. Tinkcom prepare a note to Mr. Bunting in this regard. Dr. Tinkcom's report was approved and directed to be filed as above. OLD BUSINESS 541 Pine Street. Mr. Costello reported that he had asked the Chief Engineer of the Department of Public Property to view this certified building. The Chief stated that the sixth street wall as well as the Pine St. wall needs resetting and repointing. He declared the building to be sound and stated that he had checked with the Building Inspector of the Department of Licenses and Inspections who himself had found more The Minutes 5.25.71 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued 541 cont. the
well as the Pine St. wall needs resetting and repointing. He declared the building to be sound and stated that he had checked with the Building Inspector of the Department of Licenses and Inspections who himself had found more The Minutes 5.25.71 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued 541 cont. the building to be sound. It was the opinion, therefore, that this matter should be reported to Redevelopment Authority, which had asked the Historical Commission to release the building for demolition. The Chairman asked what procedure ensues when word of a building's deterioration is received by the Historical Commission. Commissioner Costello stated that the Department of Licenses and Inspections will inspect the structure and report. Should the building prove to have been abandoned, it is possible for the City to acquire and to demolish it. Mr. Tyson will furnish the information on which he based the above query. NEW BUSINESS The Historical Commission's support of the Bicentennial at the Byberry site. Mr. Pinkowski asked the Historical Commission to write to the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission supporting the present plan for a Bicentennial celebration at Byberry. The Chairman asked if this were a legal stand for this Commission, as this is a new project, not one calling for preservation in the prescribed sense. Mr. Costello agreed that support by Philadelphians is needed, but not necessarily in Byberry. Mention was made of the public hearing scheduled for June 18th. It was agreed that the Historical Commission would check with Counsel and draft the supporting memorandum if this is permitted. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:25 P.M. Respectfully submitted, M. R. Maurer, Secretary