Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT 17 September 2009 The regular meeting off the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on 17 September 2009 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5 p.m. Members Present: Malcolm Edgar, Chairman Desiree Champagne Gideon Loewenstein Marco Middleton Cort Murphy Nancy O’Neil Members Absent: Judith Hamblen I. HEARING COA #268 Glenn Rubino 27 Town Street Privacy fencing Mr. Rubino did not attend the meeting to present his proposal. Discussion of the project was tabled. COA # 269 Malcolm S. Edgar 410 Washington Street Roof replacement Dr. Edgar presented a proposal for replacing the existing roof at 410 Washington with cedar shingles on the front of the house and garage, and with architectural shingles on the back of the structures. II. REGULAR MEETING A. COA # 269 was approved by the commission with Dr. Edgar recusing himself from the vote. B. The minutes of the June meeting were approved with minor corrections.  C. Chairman’s Report 1. On behalf of the group, Chairman Edgar congratulated Ms Muccilli on her appointment to the Norwich Historic District Commission and welcomed her to the meeting. 2. Following the distribution of an updated committee member list, on motion made, seconded and unanimously passed, the board approved the distribution of board call, agenda and minutes via email, effective with notification of the October meeting. A reminder will be sent to each commission member to print and bring hard copy to meetings. 3. Christian DeCarlo inquired about the need for a COA to replace the roof at 172 Broadway with architectural shingles. Edgar advised him that as the project represents no change in the structure, he does not need commission approval. 4. The roofing contractor hired to replace the roof at 37 East Town Street, home of Maribel Raue, also inquired about a COA for similar roof replacement and was given the same information. C. Old Business 1. Chairman Edgar circulated a copy of an amended letter that is sent to property owners in the historic districts. Following suggestions from the committee, further revisions will be made. 2. Dr. Edgar contacted Jeffrey Mann regarding the ongoing restoration of his house at 161 Union Street. He is awaiting a second delivery of custom windows, the first shipment having been incorrect. Mr. Mann is also replacing the adornment on the eaves of the house. 3. Dr. Robert Crootof has been working with Mary Dunn regarding the planned photographic inventory of the two historic districts. Existing guidelines for photographic record predate current photographic technology, an issue that Dr. Crootof will continue to try to resolve. D. New Business 1. Linda Lamothe of 47 East Town Street is planning to replace existing 6-over- 1 windows at the front of the structure and is researching architecturally appropriate options. She will be requesting a COA at some time in the future  2. The commission discussed a COA that had been issued about six years ago for shingle replacement on the property at 43-45 East Town Street. At the time, the sample of proposed synthetic shingles was not approved. They remain in place and the project has not been completed. Further discussion will take place on the need for updating a COA and completion of the project. 3. Mr. Middleton advised that he will be replacing the roof on his property at 380 Washington Street and questioned the need for a COA. Citing Section 5.3.1 of the Rules of Procedure and Regulations that states “maintenance and repair using materials in kind and without change in design” are exempt from COA, members agreed that Mr. Middleton need not submit a COA. 4. Because of budgetary constraints and the current dearth of qualifying properties, it was determined that, in lieu of preservation awards this year, the commission will participate in planning an open meeting to be presented jointly by the Norwich Historic District Commission and the Norwich Historic Society. Members Champagne, Loewenstein, and Muccilli agreed to participate in coordinating the meeting which should take place in early 2010. 5. In the absence of Mr. Rubino, no action could be taken on COA # 268. Copies of the proposal were reviewed briefly and Dr. Edgar was authorized contact the property owners, recommending that the COA be updated requesting a period appropriate fence. 6. The meeting schedule for 2010 was circulated. E. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Malcolm S. Edgar, Chairman