On the agenda: Summit meeting — AI Data Center (Jul 15)

CITY OF SUMMIT HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MEETING AGENDA
MEETING DATE: JULY 15, 2026 TIME: 7:00 PM
LOCATION: CITY HALL, WHITMAN COMMUNITY ROOM
ROLL CALL: CAROLINE KING, JAMES BURGMEYER, MIKE DIGERONIMO, MARY MALLOY,
JESSICA ROY, SUSAN BRADY, NICK CURIALE, TIM SWOPE, KRISTEN PEKA, BONNIE
MORRISON (PLANNING BOARD LIAISON) (COUNCIL LIAISON)
ADEQUATE NOTICE STATEMENT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETING OF JUNE 17, 2026
ADVISORY REVIEWS: Items for Discussion
1. 11-15 Beechwood Road: Revised Site Plan dated June 4, 2026, and correspondence dated
June 23, 2026. “As a result of the Board of Adjustment hearing on April 20th, 2026… our
office has amended the plans previously presented to the Board. The attached plans have
been amended to preserve the existing facade along Beechwood Road and the side alley
while constructing a new primary structure within the existing envelope.” Revised plans
submitted 3/30/2026. HPC Staff Comments 3/26/2026 for Preliminary and final site plans
with d6 - variance for height and c - variances to construct mixed use building. The
proposed redevelopment includes the demolition of the existing building and the
construction of a four-story mixed-use office and retail building. https://
www.summitlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ashland-Road-to-Beekman-RoadVol-2.pdf p453-454 1897, Downtown Historic District, National Historic Register.
https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/hpo/docs/registration/listings/union.pdf p14. The
Downtown Historic District is included in the List of Individual Historic Landmarks and
Historic Districts of the City of Summit Ordinance. https://ecode360.com/SU4097/laws/
LF2492963.pdf. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form https://
cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/View/515/Summit-Downtown-Historic-DistrictInformation-PDF (PDF p10)
2. 527 Morris Avenue - Aubrey’s Corner: Preliminary and final major site plan with C-Variances
to permit exterior improvements and illumination. [Installation of new exterior decorative
lighting, building signs with 6’ of each other, building signs within 3’ of a side lot boundary.]
c1980
3. 190 River Road: Major Site Plan Application. Site of former Vanderpoel Castle in Summit;
taken down to make room for Rt 24 in 1968. Existing office building on top of two levels of
parking. …taking down the existing office structure and building residential above the
parking.
4. 15 Sherman Avenue: C-Variance for lot coverage to construct in-ground pool and patio.
[corner of Sherman Ave and MacGregor Road] c 1930 Colonial Revival Contributes to
district (Sherman Park) https://www.digifind-it.com/IDIViewer/web/viewer.html?file=/
Summit/data/historic_resources/Vol%207%20%205%20Prospect%20Hill%20Avenue%20to%2040%20Stanley%20Avenue.pdf
p441-442 )
NEW BUSINESS
1. Demolition applications/permits:
• 78 Mountain Avenue: The construction office is in receipt of a Demo permit for the garage
at the above address; please be advised – the HPC application is with the permit for the

new garage. 6/26/26 DCS. c 1900 Stick Style. Contributes to district (Mountain Avenue Oak Ridge Avenue) https://www.digifind-it.com/IDIViewer/web/viewer.html?file=/Summit/
data/historic_resources/Vol%205%20%20%206%20Llewellyn%20Road%20to%2014%20Oak%20Knoll%20Road.pdf
p535-536
• 50 Shunpike Road: Please be advised that we received applications for demolition of
Single Family House at the above address. 6/29/26 DCS. https://www.digifind-it.com/
IDIViewer/web/viewer.html?file=/Summit/data/historic_resources/Vol%207%20%205%20Prospect%20Hill%20Avenue%20to%2040%20Stanley%20Avenue.pdf
p465-466 c1900 Vernacular. Significance: House may have been moved to this site from
the corner of Morris Ave/Shunpike Road. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomesdetail/50-Shunpike-Rd_Summit_NJ_07901_M68702-12179 1910
2. Historic Sites Verification:
• Process implementation: 4/17/2026
• 57 Reviews during the period 4/17/2026 - 7/7/2026
• Over 60% of the No Historic Sites Verification Needed reviews were applications for
fence, AC, generator, driveway, screen, HVAC or interior only. Request made to amend
language to exclude such reviews. Additional category: retaining walls.
3. Planning Board: July 7, 2026, notice: Provided below are two documents with information
related to the city Planning Board's discussion on proposed AI Data Center ordinance and
separate Design Guidelines for commercial development from the June 29, 2026 Planning
Board meeting. https://www.cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/View/16885/DesignGuidelines---commercial-6232026 https://www.cityofsummit.org/311/Planning-Board
OLD BUSINESS
1. Ordinance: https://ecode360.com/SU4097/laws/LF2492963.pdf. Whereas, the City of
Summit desires to minimize and potentially prevent the demolition of designated historic
buildings, structures and landmarks where preservation is feasible to maintain the
established historic character of Summit’s Historic Downtown, residential neighborhoods
and other environs by requiring HPC review for such applications, promoting the
consideration of reasonable alternatives and through public education.
2. Historic Sites Verification: https://www.cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/View/16548/IsYour-Property-Historic_FAQ
3. HPC Awards 2025
4. Zoning Board Hearing Date:
• 9/23/26: 570 Springfield Ave
• 7/20/26: 11-15 Beechwood Road
• carried 4/6/26: 695 Springfield Avenue, Beacon Unitarian Church
5. Planning Board Applications:
• 7/27/26: 190 River Road
• 3/23/26: 791-795 Old Springfield Avenue
• 3/23/26: 34 Dogwood Drive/22 Hobart Road
MOTION TO ADJOURN
NEXT MEETING DATE: September 16, 2026