Planning to Protect Claude Nolan: A request to HPC

[sheclown]

Request made to Historic Preservation Commission:

As the plans for the Hogan Creek cleanup approach completion, it should be time to discuss the possible demolition of the small one story building in the Claude Nolan complex.  As you recall, the Claude Nolan complex was designated a landmark last spring.  The small one story shop, although part of the complex, was not afforded the landmark protection.

While we always anticipated losing the small building, it is sad to see it go.  However, what is of great concern right now is the possibility of damage to the landmarked properties adjacent to the proposed demolition site.

Therefore, I am asking you to be pro-active here.

Preservation SOS would like to see a Temporary Protection Plan in place when discussions begin about demolishing the small building.  A temporary protection plan is illustrated in the Tech-Notes of the National Park Service, see this link:

http://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/tech-notes/Tech-Notes-Protection03.pdf

This may offer some guidance as this process begins.  These are our thoughts, initially:

  1.) of particular concern will be the undermining of the foundation of the adjacent properties caused by significant removal of soil especially considering the soil is sandy.  There should be some sort of shoring of the excavated site along with a protection to the foundation of the adjacent property.  This needs to be designed by an independent engineer and followed by the demo contractor.

  2.) before any actual work is done a detailed survey of the adjacent building needs to be done along with pictures of its current state

3.) the exterior of the properties will need to be protected from debris resulting from the demolition

4.) the demo contractor needs to provide a bond sizable enough to replace the Claude Nolan landmark structures should any damage occur

5.) should the DEP find any pollutants under the landmarked buildings, alternatives to demolition will need to be followed.


Most importantly, we  would suggest this COA be handled by the commission so that an accurate transcript of the conversation with the contractor is on record.

Once the commission has determined what is appropriate for this project, could you forward it to the correct city agency handling this matter?