Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT November 21, 2013 The regular meeting of the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on November 21, 2013 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5:15 P.M. Members Present: Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman Malcolm Edgar Judith Hamblen Pamela Muccilli Nancy O’Neil Absent: Cort Murphy Robert Champagne Scott Learned Also in Attendance: Paul Thompson Tim Dowhan Richard Wright I. PUBLIC HEARING: Convened at 5:15 pm COA # 306 Judith Hamblen 11 Huntington Lane Replace roof cedar shakes with architectural shingles COA # 305 Paul & Marguerite Thompson 21 West Town St Replace roof cedar shakes with architectural shingles Ms. Hamblen presented her request to use Landmark TL architectural shingles in a color compatible with the original paint color of her historic house. The committee reviewed the sample and color. As there was no representative present for COA #306, the public hearing closed at 5:22pm. II. REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting convened at 5:22 pm. A. Action on COA #306 On motion made by Edgar and seconded by O’Neil, COA #306 was approved as presented. Ms. Hamblen abstained. PUBLIC HEARING RECONVENED: 5:30pm COA# 305 was presented by Mr. Thompson who showed samples of the Armour, western redwood architectural shingles he proposed to replace the cedar roof shakes on the front of the roof exposed to the street view. REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED: 5:35pm Action on COA# 305 On motion made by Edgar and seconded by Hamblen, COA# 305 was approved unanimously as presented. B. Minutes On motion made by Hamblen and seconded by Edgar, the minutes of the October meeting were approved. Muccilli abstained. C. Old Business a) Ms. Muccilli presented the six properties discussed at the October meeting and it was agreed that the four recipients should be those who had not previously received an award. On a motion by O’Neil, seconded by Muccilli, the 2013 recipients unanimously approved are: 33 Otis St, 101 Broad St, 165 Rockwell St, and 116 Union St. Mr. Loewenstein will make arrangements for the City Council presentation and Ms. Muccilli will notify the homeowners. b) Mr. Loewenstein reported on his meeting with Phillip Figarsky who was found working on the property at Town St. and Cemetery Lane without a COA and building permit. New windows and a door had been installed on the smaller building of the two on the property and are not compatible with HDC guidelines. Mr. Figarsky was given information about applying for a COA and the deadline for being heard at the November meeting. Jim Troeger of the Building Dept. was notified and this case may require legal action. D. New Business a) Ms. Muccilli advised that her new job responsibilities will preclude her attending HDC meetings. Discussion followed re a possible change of meeting date which would accommodate all members. On a motion made by Hamblen and seconded by O’Neil it was unanimously agreed to change the meeting date to the third Wednesday of the month, same time and room. Mr. Loewenstein will confirm availability of the room with this change to be effective January 2014. b) Tim Dowhan is interested in becoming a member of the HDC and he will complete the application and submit it to the Chairman. c) Marc Vesligaj had a work conflict with Thursday meetings but may be interested in becoming a member when meetings are on Wednesday. The Chairman will contact him again. d) Chairman Loewenstein reported that repeated attempts to contact member Cort Murphy by phone and email have gone unanswered. He has missed four consecutive meetings without any communication re his absence which, according to City guidelines, makes him ineligible to continue on the Commission. A motion was made by Edgar seconded by Hamblen that member Murphy be considered as resigned and the Mayor be so notified. The motion was approved with O’Neil opposed. E. Chairman’s Report a) The Chairman spoke to Dr. Bradbury about the work on his house at Washington St. which he stated is repair work on some loose roof shingles. This will require follow-up since the scaffolding is elaborate and has been in place for a long time. b) The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation is holding a meeting on Nov. 26 in Milford at 6:oo pm. Because of the hour and distance no one is able to attend the meeting which will focus on “An Act Authorizing the Establishment of Historic Preservation Commissions.” c) A Certificate of Appreciation from Mayor Nystrom was presented by Chairman Loewenstein to Dr. Edgar in recognition of the more than 15 years he has served on the HDC as a member and then Chairman. The members applauded his work and service. F. Next Meeting December 19, 2013 (if there is business to come before the Commission) G. Adjournment On a motion by Edgar, seconded by Muccilli, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15pm. Respectfully submitted Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman GL:mtl