Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT 18 February 2010 The regular meeting off the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on 18 February 2010 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5 p.m. Members Present: Malcolm Edgar, Chairman Judith Hamblen Gideon Loewenstein Pamela Muccilli Cort Murphy Nancy O’Neil Members Absent: Desiree Champagne Marco Middleton Guests: Mr. Scott Benoit, President Performance Windows and Siding Colchester, CT I. REGULAR MEETING A. New Business The commission members agreed to change the order of the agenda in order to accommodate a presentation by Mr. Benoit and his associate, Kimberly. The commission had approved a COA submitted by Mr. Edward Detoffol in 2007, requesting authorization to replace existing windows. Subsequent to approval, Mr. Detoffol’s contractor reneged on the contract and the project was not completed. Mr. Detoffol intends to reapply for the same project and asked Mr. Benoit to provide examples of the windows he intends to install in the residence at 20 Huntington Place. Mr. Benoit showed the commission examples of the windows originally approved and the alternative Mr. Detoffol has chosen to complete the project. The windows appear to be appropriate. However the commission took no action on the project. The board advised that, as the original approval is outdated, Mr. Detoffol must submit a new COA request. Approval of the COA will be contingent on the appearance of the existing windows being unchanged. Mr. Benoit was excused and the commission returned to its original agenda.  B. Minutes Minutes of the regular January meeting were approved unanimously as presented. C. Chairman’s Report Dr. Edgar reported he had followed up with the Public Works Department concerning the paved indentations on the Elm Avenue side Norwichtown Green to determine if they made and paved the cuts. The indented areas have evolved into parking spots. He has had no response. Following up on the report that windows were being installed at 4 Cemetery Lane without sanction from the Historic District Commission, Dr. Edgar visited the site and discovered that the scope of the work extends beyond window installation and involves considerable construction. Edgar notified the building official who issued a cease and desist order to the property owners. They have been advises that in order to complete the project, the work must be approved through COA application and approval. D. Old Business There has been no further response to the chairman’s inquiries about future candidates for the commission with architectural/historic preservation backgrounds. E. New Business Dr, Edgar and Mr. Loewenstein are planning to meet with City Manager Alan Bergren in the near future. Mr. William Champagne will also participate in the meeting. The agenda will be a discussion of the ideas presented by Donovan Rypkema at the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, and to enlist his support for historic preservation efforts in Norwich. Dr. Edgar will schedule a meeting with Commission member Desiree Champagne and William Champagne to continue the efforts for provide a program for the public co-sponsored by the commission and the Norwich Historical Society. The board acknowledged with regret the passing of Marguerite Armstrong who, for decades was a dedicated, devoted and enthusiastic supporter of the Norwich community in so many ways. E. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Malcolm S. Edgar, Chairman