DRAFT THE SIXTY-SECOND STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 29 May, 1962 Present were: Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. R. Norris Williams Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. Philip Carroll, representing Commissioner Corleto Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk All actions mentioned herein, unless otherwise stated, were taken after motions properly presented, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES for the April 24th Meeting were amended to include the following: "Mr. Peterson produced a copy in Spanish of the restoration standards promulgated by the Institute de Cultura of Puerto Rico for structures within the 'historic zone' of the City of San Juan. Dr. Nichols took it with the idea of getting a translation made. According to laws of 1957 and 1959 taxes are forgiven on property owners complying with the regulations." It was moved and seconded that hereafter the Minutes should contain the decisions of the Meeting only. This was approved. REPORTS Historic Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. This committee did not meet, because Dr. Nichols is absent. Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. This was approved as read and ordered to be attached to the official copy of the Minutes. The Commission's activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Dr. Tinkcom's report was approved and ordered to be filed with the official copy of the Minutes. Action on this report was taken as follows: Richard S. Fuller's present contract to be augmented in the amount of $400.00. This was approved. THE MINUTES -2- May 29, 1962 REPORTS continued Two proposals from the Redevelopment Authority involving the area around the Second Street Market and "The East Poplar Redevelopment Area", asking the Commission to study the first; and to make recommendations for preservation of buildings which it considered of interest in the second. This was approved. Decertification of 116 Pine Street. This was approved. The Commission's cooperation with the firm making a study of the Southwark area to be known as Queen Village will be given, wherever possible. This was approved. OLD BUSINESS Letters to architects. No replies have as yet been received. Preston Retreat. The Chairman reported that all efforts to find a buyer have failed; that it is probable that the Commission may have to concede to its demolition. A request will be made by the National Park Service to photograph the interior, the Commission to have
as yet been received. Preston Retreat. The Chairman reported that all efforts to find a buyer have failed; that it is probable that the Commission may have to concede to its demolition. A request will be made by the National Park Service to photograph the interior, the Commission to have copies. Schuylkill Arsenal. Demolition was begun before the permit was approved by the Historical Commission. It was approved that the Commission go on record in a letter to the Department of Licenses and Inspections objecting that the matter was not first referred to the Commission. The Commission also requested Department to give advance notice of pending demolition of certified buildings, under the City's jurisdiction, so that another effort may be made to save it. 1018 Waverly Street. It was approved that a statement be prepared for the City Solicitor demonstrating that the preservation of this building has a bearing on the upgrading of the street; that before and after photographs of 217 Delancey Street and 328-330 South Third Street be furnished him as examples of restoration of similar small, dilapidated houses. Mr. Peterson agreed to view the house. The American Institute of Architects Meeting, May 1, 1962. It was approved that this report be filed with the official copy of the Minutes. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Harbeson's Report. This was ordered to be filed. THE MINUTES -3- May 29, 1962 NEW BUSINESS continued Annapolis Roundtable Conference on the Growth of Historic Towns. This report was ordered to be filed. It was agreed that a letter be sent to Mr. William L. Slayton, Commission, Urban Renewal Administration, calling his attention to the fact that "in the entire Urban Renewal Manual, there is no mention of the preservation of historic buildings or historic areas." The Stated Meeting was adjourned for an Executive Session, the Staff being asked to remain. Mr. Carroll reported on the review of the Philadelphia Historical Commission's budget for 1963 by the Managing Director. The request for an increase in the Executive Secretary's salary was not submitted as part of the budget, but discussed separately and informally. Mr. Wagner suggests that a letter be written to the Mayor on this matter. Mr. Carroll stated that the Commission should appeal to the Mayor for an increase in its budget for research, justifying the request with a specific report of what it intends to accomplish with the increase, which cannot be accomplished
that a letter be written to the Mayor on this matter. Mr. Carroll stated that the Commission should appeal to the Mayor for an increase in its budget for research, justifying the request with a specific report of what it intends to accomplish with the increase, which cannot be accomplished with the present funds. It was recommended that the Commission review its own program in the light of this proposal. It was further recommended that Mr. Lloyd be asked how many submissions will probably be sent in for review in Units I & II of Washington Square East and, on this information, report to the Mayor approximately what the work load for the Commission might be. The Chairman asked Mr. Carroll to prepare a letter to the Managing Director, asking for a re-review of the Commission's Budget for 1963, incorporating these ideas. Immediate action was recommended in the matter of Mrs. Maurer's salary. It was approved that a letter to Mayor Tate be composed, using the approach that position and salary of the Executive Secretary of the Historical Commission ought to be comparable to that of the secretaries of similar boards. Mr. Carroll agreed to have a draft of this for the next meeting. Executive Session was adjourned at five o'clock. Respectfully submitted &c....