Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT 15 April 2010 The regular meeting off the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on 15 April 2010 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5 p.m. Members Present: Malcolm Edgar, Chairman Desiree Champagne Judith Hamblen Gideon Loewenstein Marco Middleton Pam Muccilli Cort Murphy Nancy O’Neil I. PUBLIC HEARING – COA # 275 Richard Drena 5 Town Street Mr. Drena supplemented his COA with photographs of the exterior of the structure on Town Street. His intention is to complete a full restoration of the building. However, COA #275 requests approval of Phase I of the project only, the replacement of an exterior wall on the north side of the house, damaged due to an improperly installed skylight. The work will also include repair to the roof. II. REGULAR MEETING A. Vote on Certificate of Appropriateness COA # 275 was approved as submitted by unanimous vote. A copy of the application is on file. B. The minutes of the March meeting were approved with minor correction. C. Chairman’s Report Chairman Edgar reported that the house on 96 Union Street has been sold. Ms Muccilli, who has been in contact with the new owners, asked Edgar to review historic district limitations with them. Edgar advised that the owners and the roofer will comply with preservation guidelines. They will also be submitting a COA for future work. The owner of the house at 32 Scotland Road, Joseph Verdier, contacted Chairman Edgar to request approval for roof repairs related to water damage. Because the project April 15 2010.doc  is property maintenance only and will complete the repairs without structural change, Edgar advised he could complete the work without COA. Edgar was also contacted by the electrical contractor who is updating the electrical service at 32 Huntington Place. The contractor and the owner agreed to keep the meter in the basement. D. Old Business Ms Champagne presented an update on the plans for the public meeting scheduled for May 26. She said it will take place at City Hall in Room 335 at 7:00. She will be responsible for the refreshments. She anticipates attendance at about forty. Chairman Edgar advised that he contacted Mary Dunne, grants coordinator for the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. Ms Dunne is most supportive of the effort and expressed interest in attending the meeting. Ms Champagne outlined the Norwich Historical Society public relations plan. It was agreed that she should continue to coordinate publicity efforts with them and Miranda Creative as well. The group agreed that the local newspapers must be involved and supportive. Ms Champagne, Ms Muccilli and Dr. Edgar will work on the format and invitation for a direct mailing to historic district property owners. Ms Muccilli has also agreed to complete a PowerPoint presentation for the meeting. E. New Business Mr. Loewenstein asked that the commission record formal recognition of and congratulations to the three new property owners who are enriching the historic districts by their projects. The properties are at 407 Washington Street, 5 Town Street and 96 Union Street. Ms Muccilli reported that she visited the Assessor’s Office to discuss the inclusion of historic district designation on the assessor’s sheet. She said the assessor was very helpful, and promised that the software currently in use could accommodate Ms Muccilli’s request. The project should take about four weeks to implement. Ms Muccilli intends to follow up to verify completion. The group expressed gratitude for her resolution of a long-standing issue. F. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Malcolm S. Edgar, Chairman April 15 2010.doc