Historic District Commission

DRAFT HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT October 17, 2013 The regular meeting of the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on October 17, 2013 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5:15 P.M. Members Present: Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman Robert Champagne Malcolm Edgar Judith Hamblen Scott Learned Nancy O’Neil Absent: Cort Murphy Pamela Muccilli Also in Attendance: Patty Said Jihan Said Dion DeVega for Reliance House I. PUBLIC HEARING: Convened at 5:15 pm COA # 303 Jihan Said 96 Union St Restore architectural roof details and installation of temporary propane tanks COA # 278 Reliance House 81 Union St Extension of approved work and additional third window Jihan Said and her mother, Patty Said presented information regarding the need for three 100 gallon propane gas tanks as Norwich Public Utilities will not be able to provide natural gas to their premises until the road can be dug up to lay the gas lines. Since repaving of the street was recently completed Public Works will not disturb the pavement for several years. Until that time heating will be provided by propane. A diagram showing the location of the tanks was submitted to show they would not be visible from the street. Ms. J. Said informed that she has the roof railings and spindles that were removed when the roof was repaired, some of which are rotted. She will replace these roof elements to restore its prior appearance. She is looking for a contractor to perform the DRAFT work. Dion DeVega, contractor for Reliance House, presented the request to extend the original COA as the replacement of windows had been partially completed on those at the front of the building. Reliance House, per Sue Caplet, is now ready to complete installation of the side windows according to the stipulations set out in the COA. In addition, a window on the third floor will have to be resized smaller and replaced. The public hearing was closed at 5:40 II. REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting convened at 5:40. A. Action on COAs #303, #278 i. On motion made by Hamblen and seconded by O’Neil, COA #303 was approved as presented by unanimous vote. ii. On motion made by Edgar and seconded by Hamblen, the extension of COA #278 was approved by unanimous vote with stipulation that the additional third floor window be of the same material and style as the other approved windows. B. Minutes i. On motion made by O’Neil and seconded by Hamblen, the minutes of the September meeting were approved. C. Old Business Mr. Loewenstein gave a status update on several properties: i. Roof replacement at 335 Washington St has been completed. Commission members commented on the attractive look and its slate- like appearance. ii. Work on the substructure of the roof at 17 West Town St. is underway with visible activity. iii. Mr. Loewenstein has discussed the situation at 85 Town St with Building Inspector Troeger who suggested some time would be needed to work out the problems there. Ms. Hamblen reported a new door and window had been installed. iv. Repairs of the Briggs barn at the corner of Harland Rd and Lathrop Lane have been completed and the building is restored to its original condition. DRAFT v. Mr. Loewenstein asked the members to suggest new members for the commission and to contact them to fill the upcoming vacancy. D. New Business Preservation Awards: Mr. Champagne reported on the suggested buildings for the 2013 awards and presented photos of the buildings that he and Ms. Muccilli had viewed. These possibilities include St. Patrick’s Cathedral; 33 Otis St. built 1870; 116 Union St; 101 Broad St built 1880; 193 Broadway; and 165 Rockwell St built 1853. After some discussion it was agreed that a previously awarded property could be considered again if substantial new restoration work has been done. Candidates left over from last year’s list also can be reconsidered and nominees will be put forth at the November meeting. Mr. Loewenstein reported that the four plaques have been manufactured. E. Chairman’s Report The owner of 21 West Town St, Paul Thompson will submit a COA to replace his roof with architectural shingles. The owner of 185 Broadway informed Mr. Loewenstein and confirmed by Dr. Edgar’s visit, that the roof will be replaced with the same shingles and therefore no COA is necessary. Dr. Edgar distributed an article from the July/August 2013 Connecticut Preservation News concerning Connecticut enabling legislation to cover the gap in preservation protections that have not been available to properties on the National Register of Historic Places. This legislation could increase the responsibilities of the HDC if Norwich were to adopt the new program. F. Next Meeting November 21, 2013 G. Adjournment On a motion by Edgar, seconded by Champagne, the meeting was adjourned at 6:05pm. Respectfully submitted Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman GL:mtl