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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC 11-10 MinutesLANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, November 10, 2025 - 5:30 p.m. Neighborhood Empowerment Center 600 W Maple Street, Lansing, MI MINUTES – Approved 12/8/2025 1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Skillings called the meeting to order at 5:33 pm. a. Present: James Bell, Cassandra Nelson, Melissa Riba, Carol Skillings, Ashley Smith, b. Absent: Brigette Booser, Sam Troutman (excused) c. Staff: Andrew Fedewa, Stephen Bezold 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Agenda approved by unanimous consent. 3. COMMUNICATIONS – None 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None 5. DISCUSSION/ACTION a. Minutes for Approval – May 12, 2025. Ms. Riba made a motion, seconded by Ms. Nelson to approve the minutes as proposed. 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – None 7. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Mr. Fedewa stated that the new nominated Historic District Commission member is scheduled to be reviewed at the November 12, 2025 Committee on Development & Planning meeting. 8. PRESENTATIONS – None 9. OTHER BUSINESS a. HDC review of draft ordinance requiring review of demolition permits of historic structures Mr. Fedewa stated that the City Attorney is still reviewing the draft ordinance that would require HDC review of demolition permits of historically significant structures. b. HDC review of possible resources for local historic district listing The Historic District Commission discussed the now nine properties that Councilmember Kost requested HDC review for recommendation as new local districts as well as each member’s priorities. Mr. Fedewa stated that Council proposed a local historic district and study committee be created for 108 N Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, a Darius Moon house. City Council would introduce the Historic District Study Committee resolution on November 10th. Andy Schor Mayor Historic District Commission Minutes November 10, 2025 Page 2 ___________________________________________________________________________________ Commissioners discussed whether HDC should prioritize properties that have greater significance or those that may be threatened with demolition. Ms. Nelson mentioned properties like Sexton High School and St. Lawrence Hospital and the architectural and cultural value those large structures hold compared to other smaller properties. Ms. Skillings recommended the commissioners limit their scope to three or four of the most significant buildings as a starting point. Mr. Bell recommended the Cooley Haze House at 213 W Malcolm X St. as a significant site of one of few remaining mansions, many of which were removed for the construction of I-496. Mr. Fedewa stated that the 2020 sale of that property from the City included a 30-year protective covenant requiring City approval of any alterations, similar to HDC’s review. The commissioners ranked their top priority sites as St. Lawrence Hospital, Sexton High School, the Masonic Temple, and Genesee Street School. Ms. Riba made a motion, seconded by Ms. Nelson, to draft Historic District Study Committee Resolution for St. Lawrence Hospital. On a roll call vote the motion passed unanimously (5-0) c. Annual SHPO – Certified Local Government Grant Mr. Fedewa spoke on the annual CLG grant through SHPO if the commissioners were interested. Members expressed interest in reevaluating the costs of a survey of the Westside neighborhood but to this time prioritize one section to keep costs more acceptable to the City, then build on in subsequent years. Mr. Fedewa stated that staff will present the request to the Mayor. 10. PENDING ITEMS – None 11. ADJOURNMENT – 6:28 p.m.