Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT 15 July 2010 The regular meeting off the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on 15 July 2010 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5 p.m. Members Present: Malcolm Edgar, Chairman Marco Middleton Pam Muccilli Cort Murphy Nancy O’Neil Members Absent: Desiree Champagne Judith Hamblen Gideon Loewenstein The public hearing was convened at 5:02. I. HEARING – COA # 279 Linda and Robert Crootof 8 Elm Avenue Replacement clapboard siding Dr. Crootof presented photographs identifying the deteriorating siding and a sample of the proposed clapboard to the commission. His COA requests the use of HardiePlank, a factory primed fiber cement lap siding. Following a lengthy discussion and to accommodate Dr. Crootof’s travel issue, commission convened the regular meeting at 5:10 p.m. II. REGULAR MEETING A. Vote on Certificate of Appropriateness # 279: On motion made by M. Middleton and seconded by P. Muccilli. COA # 279 was approved by unanimous vote. B. The public meeting was reconvened at 5:12 July 15 2010.doc  I. HEARING – the public hearing was reconvened at 5:12 p.m. COA # 280 John H. and Mark Robbins 44 East Town Street Reconsideration of exterior stairway at rear of building Mr. Robbins requested reconsideration of an exterior staircase at the rear of the house located at 44 East Town Street. (COA # 270 – October, 2009) The design of the staircase has been changed to comply with code requirements, specifically that no horizontal space between the banister and the stair treads exceeds four inches. This is accomplished by the use of balusters. This application also includes material establishing precedent for the use of exterior stair systems in colonial Norwich architecture, namely Perkins Old Houses of the Ancient Town of Norwich, pp 88, 93, 321, 391 and 394. It was also noted that the essential character of the building is not compromised by the proposed stair system. Mr. Robbins presented a petition confirming his qualifications to complete the requested project, signed by neighbors and individuals familiar with his work. He provided designs for the proposed stairway. The commission reviewed the details of the plan and of alternatives. The public hearing was adjourned and regular meeting reconvened at 5:55 p.m. II. REGULAR MEETING A. Vote on Certificate of Appropriateness # 280: A motion for approval was made by C. Murphy and seconded by P. Muccilli, including the provision that the construction of stairway spindles be reviewed by the commission as the project continues. COA # 280 was approved with M. Middleton dissenting. B. Minutes The minutes of the June meeting were approved as presented. C. Chairman’s Report Chairman Edgar circulated a letter from Joanne Philbrick recommending a house on the Norwichtown green for consideration for a preservation award. July 15 2010.doc  The group discussed the need to present the awards in 2010. Edgar asked that the members begin looking for candidates for the awards, recommending that pictures of the properties be included in order to facilitate selection of honorees. The photographic inventory of the historic districts has been completed. The new owners of the property at 5 Town Street are constructing a deck at the rear of the house. Because of the location, it does not require approval of the commission. D. Old Business There was no old business to come before the commission E. New Business A general discussion addressed funding for the Historic District Commission, a comparison of expenses in recent years, and the need to monitor funds available and expenditures. F. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Malcolm S. Edgar, Chairman July 15 2010.doc