Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT 20 June 2013 The regular meeting of the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on 20 June 2013 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5:02 P.M. Members Present: Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman Malcolm Edgar Pamela Muccilli Cort Murphy Nancy O’Neil Absent: Judith Hamblen Scott Learned Also in Attendance: Nancy Khybery REGULAR MEETING A. Minutes On motion made by Edgar and seconded by Murphy, the minutes of the May meeting were approved with the following amendments: Old Business should be amended to state that the commission should request copies of any demolition orders from the City Building Official. New Business should include Mr. Murphy’s report that a fence had been erected at 25 Huntington Place, apparently without a permit. Ms O’Neil and Ms Muccilli recused themselves as they were not in attendance at the May meeting. Ms. Khybery, the new owner of the property at 25 Huntington Place, was present in anticipation of a COA submission at the July meeting. She explained that she had bought the property on line with no contact with real estate agents. She described plans for the property, noting that one skylight was already installed at the time of acquisition; she explained her reasons for erecting the new fence. A discussion followed addressing zoning, building permits and COA requirements. Ms Khybery was asked to amend pending COA #301 to address these issues. She was also asked to contact the Zoning Official to confirm that the fence installation was approved. June 20, 2013 B. Chairman’s Report Mr. Loewenstein anticipates two new COAs for the July meeting: #301 for various changes to property at 25 Huntington Place, and #302 to convert the existing attached greenhouse to an enclosed structure on property at 415 Washington Street. C. Old Business Dr. Edgar reported that roof replacement project at 20 Harland Road has been successfully completed. Cedar shingles were used on both the house and garage. Ms O’Neil explained that the roof replacement project at 335 Washington Street approved by COA #296 has not progressed. She will provide a detailed update at the next meeting. As COA approval was granted more than six months ago, a request for an extension will be submitted. D. New Business Ms Muccilli requested that the scheduled time of 5:00 for the start of regular meetings be changed to 5:15. She explained that it would be more convenient for some commission members and the public sector to be present as the sessions begin. Following discussion, the motion made by Ms Muccilli and seconded by Ms O’Neil to change the time of the Regular Meeting of the Norwich Historic District Commission to 5:15 p.m. was passed by unanimous vote. Dr. Edgar will review the by-laws to confirm that a change time of meetings is not in violation. The previous discussion addressing changes to the property at 25 Huntington Place was continued. Ms Khybery explained that one skylight was in place when she took ownership of this property. In addition, she met with the Building Official and the Zoning Compliance Officer and was not made aware that any of he work done required further certification. Compliance with Historic District specifications and procedures for building permits were reviewed. Ms Khybery was asked to discuss the recently completed and proposed work with her contractor and building officials. Dr. Edgar suggested the Mr. Loewenstein contact the city attorney for advice regarding options available to the Historic District Commission when a new owner inherits a feature that the commission later determines to be inappropriate. E. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m. June 20, 2013