Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT 21 January 2010 The regular meeting off the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on 21 December 2010 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5 p.m. Members Present: Malcolm Edgar, Chairman Desiree Champagne Judith Hamblen Gideon Loewenstein Marco Middleton Pamela Muccilli Cort Murphy Members Absent: Nancy O’Neil I. REGULAR MEETING A. Minutes Minutes of the regular November meeting were approved unanimously as presented. B. Chairman’s Report Dr. Edgar reported that he and Mr. Loewenstein had attended a workshop sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. The featured speaker was Donovan Rypkema, a principal of PlaceEconomics, a Washington, D.C. based real estate and economic development consulting firm. Mssrs. Edgar and Loewenstein described in detail the topics addressed by Mr. Rypkema that were particularly germane to the issues and problems facing the Historic District Commission. The report led to a lengthy discussion about how the commission must step up its efforts in the preservation of valued properties in Norwich. There was unanimous agreement that it is essential to coordinate communication and united action among the municipal agencies and commissions. Mr. Loewenstein volunteered to initiate contact with the mayor and other principals as a first step toward creating cohesive efforts for preservation in Norwich. [A recap of the issues discussed at the workshop is attached to these minutes.]  The chairman provided an update on the budget proceedings for the commission, advising that, as requested by City Manager Bergren, budget requests were submitted reflecting five, ten and fifteen percent reductions. A discussion followed. Members aired misgivings as to how the commission can continue to fulfill its responsibility if resources are pared down much further. Edgar described a letter from EBI Consulting requesting an opinion by the commission for erecting a communications tower at St. Peter and Paul Church. As the project is not within historic districts of Norwich, there is no need for formal action on behalf of the commission. An informal search has begun looking for future commission members with architectural/historic preservation backgrounds. C. Old Business The group agreed to move forward with plans for to present a program for the public co-sponsored by the commission and the Norwich Historical Society. Ms Champagne will oversee the date, location and publicity for the event. Members of the historical society will be contacted to attend the next commission meeting. D. New Business The nominating committee comprised of Ms Muccilli and Mssrs. Murphy and Middleton recommended that the current slate of officers be reelected to serve another term. On motion made and seconded, the slate was unanimously elected. Malcolm S. Edgar – Chairman Cort Murphy – Vice Chairman Judith Hamblen – Secretary Based on the discussion of the relevance of the workshop previously discussed, the group agreed that all members be kept informed of future opportunities. Edgar reported that he had contacted the public works department about a section of the Norwichtown Green that had been curb-cut and paved, creating a parking space. A query about an apparent construction project on Cemetery Lane resulted in agreement that one of the members will investigate before the next meeting. E. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Malcolm S. Edgar, Chairman