Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT 18 August 2011 The regular meeting of the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on 18 August 2011 in Room 335, Norwich City Hall at 5 p.m. Members Present: Malcolm Edgar, Chairman Robert Champagne Judith Hamblen Gideon Loewenstein Pam Muccilli Cort Murphy Absent: Marco Middleton Nancy O’Neil Other Attendees: Dion DeVega - Contractor Sue Caplet – Reliance House Property Manager The public hearing was convened at 5:00. I. HEARING – COA # 278 – Reliance House 81 Union Street Replacement of windows Mr. Deon DeVega advised the commission that his presentation would be based on his original COA application #278 which had not previously been presented. The board agreed to accommodate the request, thereby nullifying COA #278. DeVega then made his presentation for the replacement of windows at 81 Union Street, providing photographs of the structure and examples of the windows to be used in the project. He advised that he does not yet have a complete cost comparison for the choices available. The group discussed their preference for six-over-six windows rather than the proposed one- over-one. They agreed that six-over sixes would be more aesthetically appropriate for the structure. They concurred that aluminum clad windows with wooden sashes and interior muntins would be a reasonable alternative. Mr. DeVega again said he had no data on the costs for the alternatives, but would try to get the information as quickly as possible with the hope of moving ahead with the project. August 18 2011.doc II. REGULAR MEETING The regular meeting convened following the COA presentation. A. Vote on COA #278 The commission reviewed the alternatives presented with COA # 278 and concurred that it was important that all windows visible from the street would have the same appearance as those on the front of the structure. Motion was made by P. Muccilli and seconded by G. Loewenstein that COA # 278 be approved with the following provisions: The windows installed on the sides and rear of the house will be equal to the standards and appearance of those installed at the front of the house, wooden sashed, aluminum clad, six-over-six windows with interior grids and half screens. . In discussion prior to vote, the details of Mr. DeVega’s presentation were reviewed again, particularly the financial restrictions of the non-profit organization. Also, the consideration of residential factors such as the use of window air conditioners. The group ultimately agreed that the motion made was too restrictive. Ms Muccilli moved to rescind the motion; J. Hamblen seconded. Motion to rescind was approved unanimously. Motion was then made by P. Muccilli, seconded by G. Loewenstein that COA #278 be approved as follows: That COA #278 be approved with the preferred choice for replacement being wooden sashed, aluminum clad, six-over-six windows with interior grids and half screens. The second choice to be all vinyl six-over-six windows with interior grids and half screens. If extreme financial hardship is proven, the last choice would be one-over-one all aluminum windows with half screens. In discussion prior to vote, members stated clearly that the inclusion of three options was to accommodate the financial challenges particular to Reliance House, a non- profit organization. The structure of the motion is not intended to set precedent for non-profit organizations or consideration of financial restrictions. With Mr. Murphy recusing himself from the vote, the motion was passed unanimously. August 18 2011.doc  Mr. DeVega said he would obtain costs of the desired windows and contact Chairman Edgar as soon as he had the information. Edgar agreed to keep the members informed of any decision regarding final approval of this application. B. Minutes The minutes of the July meeting were approved as presented by unanimous vote. C. Chairman’s Report Edgar advised that the contractor completing the renovations at 202 Broadway wants to add an apartment at the back of the building and is required by building codes to install a window in a rear wall. Because the window is not visible from the street, it would not be an issue for the commission. However, Edgar pointed out, this is an example of a case when building code issues trump the Historic District Commission. The owner of a house at 415 Washington Street asked Edgar about removing parts of a deteriorated greenhouse at the rear of the structure, replacing them with two walls, thereby creating a room. The consensus of the group was that the owner should submit a COA for the work. D. Old Business Edgar met with the city zoning officer, Tianne Curtis. She has indicated that she is willing to work with the commission, particularly in matters of signage and fences in the historic districts. On a related signage issue, Edgar met with the proprietor of the business at the corner of Elm Avenue and Town Street where large and brightly colored signs had been erected. The proprietor agreed to change both color and size of the signs. A discussion followed concerning deteriorating real estate abutting historic districts. Ms Muccilli said that it appears that windows are being replaced at the property at 193 Broadway. The COA previously submitted by the owners of the building did not address any changes to windows. Dr. Edgar agreed to address the issue and advise of the need for another COA application. E. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m. August 18 2011.doc On August 19, Mr. DeVega contacted Dr. Edgar by phone, reporting that he had received cost estimates for the windows as detailed in the first option of COA #278. Based on the estimates, the project can be completed with the preferred choice for replacement being wooden sashed, aluminum clad, six-over-six windows with interior grids and half screens. The same day Dr. Edgar contacted all members in attendance at the meeting of August 18, advising them of Mr. DeVega’s information. All confirmed that the preferred choice was agreed to by the applicant. Thus, COA #278 is approved. Dr. Edgar advised Mr. DeVega by phone that the project could be completed. Respectfully submitted, Malcolm S. Edgar, Chairman August 18 2011.doc