Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT 17 April 2008 The regular meeting off the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on 17 April 2008 in Room 210, Norwich City Hall at 5 p.m. Members Present: Chairperson: Malcolm Edgar Desiree Champagne Robert Crootof Gideon Lowenstein Marco Middleton Nancy O’Neil Absent: Judith Hamblen I. HEARING – Application for COA #257 was presented by Mr. Chet Terns. Reliance House, owners of the property at 81 Union Street, have agreed to remove the vinyl siding and underlying insulation, to replace wood clapboards and corner pilasters and crown dentil molding. The application specified “synthetic materials” for some of this work. (See COA #255.) The Commission specifically denied the use of synthetic materials. If the property owners are willing to use wood throughout this restoration project, then the Commission would approve the application. In the absence of appropriate authorities, Mr. Terns agreed to seek their endorsement of this change and, if it is obtained, he will contact Chairman Edgar to complete the application process. Application for COA #258 presented by Greg Boyd and Jessica Heffernan concerns replacement of sills and portions of front porch because of extensive deterioration. Also included is replacement of the porch roof and two front windows. The new windows will be Anderson 400 Series vinyl clad, double hung wooden sashes with muntins of the same design and dimension as the existing windows. This application was approved by unanimous vote. Application for COA #259 was presented by Glenn Rubino and Robin Wilber, and involves extensive reconstruction and renovation of sills, walls, roof, siding and windows. Front siding will be cedar clapboards, side and rear siding will be HARDIE clapboard (wood fiber and cement composition.) Roof will be architectural shingle. Windows in front will be Anderson 400 Series vinyl clad wood sashes, double hung, and reuse of current widows elsewhere. The presenters have revised their ideas regarding the roof line, porch railing and window detail. They will have the front elevation revised to incorporate these details. When available, the Chairman will consult with at least two other commission members and, if all are satisfied with the new drawings, this application will be approved. II. SECRETARY’S REPORT Minutes of the regular April meeting were approved as presented. III. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 1. The letter from the chairman to Mr. William Raevis requesting removal of the large sign affixed to the east side of his office at 86 Town Street was read. 2. Edgar and Lowenstein reported on the CLG meeting at the Old State House, Hartford, on May 14, 2008. 3. Joe Loyacano (Public Works Department) notified the chairman of new lighting fixtures placed at the Yantic, Oak Street and Hickory Street cemeteries in hopes of decreasing vandalism. III. OLD BUSINESS 1. COA #257 – Letter received from David Burnett stating willingness of Reliance House to use wood throughout the restoration of 81 Union Street. A letter of approval was issued. 2. COA #259 – A revised frontal elevation was reviewed by Edgar, Lownestein, Middleton and Champagne. This submission was approved with the provision that the second story windows be of the same dimension and vertical orientation as those on the first floor. Thus COA # 259 was approved with stipulation. 3. The discussion regarding references used for standards and guidelines pertaining to historic preservation was again visited. Michael Driscoll suggests this commission hold a public discussion and defense of any changes in reference texts before revising Section 6.3 of our Rules and Regulations. IV. NEW BUSINESS 1. A general discussion regarding appropriate use of synthetic materials was initiated with the intention of deepening our interest and education on this subject Of note:  a. References in Standards for Rehabilitation and in Preservation of Historic Architecture. b. Section 5.5 of our Rules and Regulations c. Ultimate decision in each case is up to the Commission but our guiding principles should be spelled out in our Rules and Regulations. d. Use of synthetics should result in minimal change in profile, texture or dimension. e. Synthetics should not become a dominant feature. f. Some current allowed uses include architectural shingles, vinyl clad wood sashes, brackets and columns where expense and expertise are considerations. g. Hardship cases – where special conditions are present – such as repeated wood rot in soffits or fascia boards. h. Use of synthetic materials may be considered acceptable on “new” infill structures. NOT appropriate on historic buildings. 2. Lowenstein is investigating the possible use of an old photo collection of Norwich architecture b y German Tellez. 3. Edgar will explore access to our budget accounts for reimbursement of meeting expenses, texts, etc. The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Malcolm S. Edgar, Chairman