Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT 20 November 2008 The regular meeting off the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on 20 November 2008 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5 p.m. Members Present: Chairperson: Malcolm Edgar Desiree Champagne Gideon Lowenstein Cort Murphy Members Absent: Judith Hamblen Marco Middleton Nancy O’Neil Also Present: Building Officials: James Troeger Steve Way Joe East REGULAR MEETING Chairman’s Report To accommodate the invited guests and by agreement of the board, the meeting began with the first item of the report from the Chairman. 1. Discussion took place with Commission members and the Building Officials regarding two property issues: 17 West Town Street – This structure has been effectively abandoned because the septic system is broken and there is no non‐ledge space to relocate it. The nearest city sewer line is at the head of Town, Street, a significant distance away. Mr. Troeger has been in contact with  the owner, Mr. Wayne J. Cosentino, in hopes of gaining a resolution. Edgar suggested that, at the least, the structure be secured from water and snow damage through maintenance of roof and siding. The metal scaffolding surrounding the house should also be removed. Mr. Troeger will keep the commission informed. 21 West Town Street – The chair showed a series of photographs including: frontal view before a hedge was planted, three views of the hedge which now almost completely hides the house from sight, four views taken inside the hedge documenting: a) an elaborate wooden pergola supporting mature wisteria vines b) twin double‐hung window system on east side of the first floor which is inappropriate for an 18th century house c) four new vinyl window systems, two on the south side, two on the west side, that have snap‐fit mullions d) one vinyl window system on the west side of the second floor that was installed approximately two years ago e) out of plumb installation of vinyl window systems on the west side of the structure This work has been done over a number of years, largely hidden from public view because of the hedge, but with building permits. Mr. Troeger admitted to and apologized for issuing these building permits, explaining that he mistakenly assumed this house was not within the boundaries of the historic district. The chair also pointed out that commission members were not as attentive to activities behind the hedge as they should have been. The framing of the vinyl windows is not finished and Mr. Troeger has asked the Thompsons to await commission decision before completing the project. The commission members requested that the window units on the west side be adjusted to restore symmetry and verticality. The window framing may then be completed. No further projects should be started without the commission processing a Certificate of Appropriateness. These several requests were presented by the chair as motions and were passed by unanimous vote. Minutes of October Meeting Approval of minutes of October meeting was deferred. Chairman’s Report 1. The public meeting to discuss NHDC affairs including standards and guidelines, etc. is postponed until next year.  2. The study group reports re. formation of the two historic districts have been received. A copy has been give to the Reference Desk at Otis Library. Two copies will be kept with Norwich Historic District records and be available to commissioners. 3. The wooden Construction Award plaque format has been approved and will be available soon. 4. The letter from William Champagne concerning future cooperative ventures between this commission and the Norwich Historic Society was distributed. Old Business In regard to COA #259, it was reported that, based on appraisals by Edgar and Lowenstein, the significant issues concerning the new structure have already been approved (Ref. Minutes of April 2008 and May 2008.) The one outstanding issue is compliance with the footprint limits. The chair has been in close contact with Building Official Greg Arpin who has reviewed the elevations and floor plans for the new construction at 29 West Town Street. Mr. Arpin has confirmed that the footprint limits are being respected. There is therefore no need to process a new COA. Chairman Edgar will write a narrative summary of this matter to include in the COA #259 file. New Business There was no new business to be discussed. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Malcolm S. Edgar, Chairman