Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT 18 November 2010 The regular meeting off the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on 18 November 2010 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5 p.m. Members Present: Malcolm Edgar, Chairman Judith Hamblen Gideon Loewenstein Marco Middleton Pam Muccilli Members Absent: Cort Murphy Nancy O’Neil The public hearing was convened at 5:00. I. HEARING – COA # 284 Gregory and Jennifer Johnson 16 Elm Avenue Replacement of windows Mr. Johnson presented the details of the window replacement. The proposed six-over-six windows will be of thermal pane glass with wood sashes, the exteriors aluminum clad and color tinted to match the house. The windows have already been installed on the north and south sides of the house. The public hearing was adjourned at 5:06 p.m. II. REGULAR MEETING A. The regular meeting convened following the COA presentation. Vote on Certificate of Appropriateness # 284 The certificate was approved on motion made by M. Middleton and seconded by J. Hamblen was approved by unanimous vote. B. Minutes The minutes of the October meeting were approved as presented by unanimous vote. November 18 2010.doc C. Chairman’s Report Chairman Edgar advised that Rob Champagne has completed all the required procedures to be considered as an alternate member of the commission, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Desiree Champagne. He reviewed the procedures and confirmed that Mr. Champagne had fulfilled them appropriately. He has not heard from the office of the city manager or the mayor yet. Edgar has been contacted by a real estate agent who felt the commission should be made aware of the listing of the property at 270 Washington Street. The house, a valuable historical structure in Norwich, is located in a mixed use area. The commission agreed that activity on the sale and subsequent use of the property should be monitored. D. Old Business The plaques for the annual Preservation Awards have been received. All recipients have been contacted and plan to attend the presentation ceremony at City Hall on December 6. Dr. Edgar and Mr. Loewenstein will attend, with Edgar making a brief presentation. Chairman Edgar explained that, during the October discussion of nominees for the award, he had misunderstood Ms Mucilli’s suggestion for consideration of 110 Union Street. He suggested that in the future, to avoid such confusion, an initial list of properties should be made earlier in the year. Some members of the group have already begun to compile such lists. In a discussion about the plaques, Mr. Middleton offered that Camaro Signs might be able to provide the awards at comparable cost. It was agreed that giving a local business the opportunity to provide the awards should be pursued. E. New Business Chairman Edgar explained the appointment procedures required of the commission. Regular members are reappointed every five years. This year Ms Hamblen and Mr. Murphy are scheduled for reappointment. Both have indicated the desire to continue to serve. Their names will be presented to the city council. Assuming their approval, their terms will end in 2015. There was a discussion of the need to recruit members, with the agreement that the group will continue to watch for eligible candidates. The group was unanimous in its endorsement of stepping up the initiative that began with public meeting hosted last May by the HDC and the Norwich Historical Society. At the event, the mayor, city manager and city council were all made aware of the importance of preserving historic structures in the city. It is time for a call to action. November 18 2010.doc  Mr. Loewenstien recommended tapping the resources of Main Street. Mr. Middleton suggested reviewing and incorporating some of the concepts introduced by Donovan Rupkema (See minutes of the HDC meeting on January 21, 2010.) The group will schedule a joint brain-storming session in the near future with a goal of compiling a list of action items. Mr. Loewenstein suggested inviting Bill Champagne to the December meeting, asking him for his opinions and recommendations. Another discussion addressed the concern about renovations that will take place as part of the recent bond endorsement. Properties not within districts but historic in value may be included. Edgar advised that the HDC has traditionally been involved. Mr. Loewenstein described an instance where efforts were rebuffed. The commission will monitor bond projects. F. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Malcolm S. Edgar, Chairman November 18 2010.doc