Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT 16 June 2011 The regular meeting of the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on 16 June 2011 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5 p.m. Members Present: Malcolm Edgar, Chairman Robert Champagne Gideon Loewenstein Judith Hamblen Marco Middleton Nancy O’Neil Pam Muccilli Absent: Cort Murphy Other Attendees: Markus Vesligaj and Jenny Reilly Maloyid Perkins Patrick McLaughlin James Vance W. Phillips Barlow The public hearing was convened at 5:00. I. HEARING – COA # 287 30 Huntington Lane Restoration of main entrance Markus Vesligaj presented a description with photos and drawings of the proposed project addressing water damage and dry rot involving the front entrance to this home. In addition to replacement of the involved woodwork, this application includes the construction of a protective roof covering the landing, which would be supported by two columns, two pilasters and decorative brackets. The architectural details of the door and its surrounds will be preserved. COA # 288 Joao Pontes and Maloyid Perkins 174 Broadway Window replacement This is a complex issue (ref. COA # 285) regarding window replacement complicated by a series of errors or misunderstandings: June 16 2011.doc  1. The windows were installed prior to a COA application being processed. 2. Mr. Wayne Sharkey, Community Development Officer wrongly advised Mr. Perkins that only the front (east or street) side windows needed to be considered in the COA application. 3. Mr. Troeger, Building Official, issued a permit, although he did add a hand-written note that the permit would be valid only following action by this commission. 4. The building permit concerned the replacement of 43 window systems, whereas the COA application indicated only the 10 window systems on the front of the home. Because of these issues, a number of meetings took place with Edgar, Loewenstein, Perkins, Greg Arpin and James Troeger. In sum, the appearance of the east (street) side windows, with full screen coverage of each unit, was satisfactory. The north and south side windows have only half screen coverage and, in a few cases no screen coverage, making it obvious that the mullions are applied to the interior surface and are not true dividers. However, full screen coverage makes the window systems of the north and south sides of the house appear much like the east side. The COA application #288 therefore stipulates that full screen coverage be part of each window system on the north and south sides of the main structure. The public hearing was adjourned at 5:17 p.m. II. REGULAR MEETING A. The regular meeting convened following the COA presentations. a. Vote on Certificate of Appropriateness # 287 On motion made by P. Muccilli and seconded by G. Loewenstein, the certificate was approved by unanimous vote. b. Vote on Certificate of Appropriateness #288 On a motion made by M. Middleton and seconded by R. Champagne, the certificate was approved by unanimous vote. B. Minutes The minutes of the May meeting were approved as presented by unanimous vote. C. Chairman’s Report a. In response to notification to all property owners by Norwich Department of Public Utilities that all home meters will be upgraded and replaced, Edgar contacted John Bilda at DPU to reinforce the commission’s interest in avoiding the obvious display of these devices on historic structures. Mr. Bilda’s response was that there will be no change in their locations. June 16 2011.doc  b. Edgar mentioned his involvement with Place Economics (Donovan Rypkema) at several meetings as that group studies the economic impact of historic preservation efforts. Detailed reports are to come. D. Old Business Edgar met with Greg Arpin, Building Official, regarding the capping of chimney linings. A major issue concerns manufacturer specifications and requirements which must be heeded in the installation of the lining. In some instances the cap may rise above the brick or stone chimney by six inches or so. In others it may be possible to place a square of slate or bluestone on two or three bricks at each corner of the chimney. By general consensus either solution would be satisfactory. E. New Business Mr. Patrick McLaughlin, City Engineer, assisted by architects W. Phillips Barlow and James Vance, presented a proposed historic preservation of the main and west stairs and entrances to City Hall. A number of photos and drawings were included. The presenters emphasized their commitment to preserving or replacing historically accurate architectural details. As they are applying for federal and state grants, this will involve the historic district commission in a Preservation Act Section 106 review. F. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Malcolm S. Edgar, Chairman June 16 2011.doc