Historic District Commission

DRAFT HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT January 15, 2014 The regular meeting of the Historic District Commission was held on January 15, 2014 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5:15 P.M. Members Present: Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman Pamela Muccilli Tim Dowhan Absent: Judith Hamblen Nancy O’Neil Scott Learned Also Attending: William and Patrice Bradbury and their contractor, John MacPherson; Homeowner, Gilbert Skillman; Guest, Marcus Visligaj Appointment of alternates: Chairman Loewenstein appointed alternate members Muccilli and Dowhan to vote as regular members due to absence of two regular members. I. PUBLIC HEARING: Convened at 5:20 pm COA #307 William and Patrice Bradbury 120 Washington St Expansion of kitchen with conversion of outside porch, including new windows, cedar roofing and clapboards. COA # 308 Jeffrey Mann 116 Union St Replace windows Homeowners Patrice and William Bradbury, with their contractor, John MacPherson presented the changes proposed in their application which include removal of a wall adjacent to external porch and enclosing the area with the existing kitchen; new historically appropriate windows; new porch cedar shingle roof consistent with existing roof; and new external clapboards similar to rest of house. Extensive drawings of the project were also submitted and reviewed. COA #308 could not be presented as Mr. Mann had informed Chairman Loewenstein on January 13th of a family medical situation and he could not attend the meeting. He requested the COA be postponed to the February HDC meeting. The Public Hearing closed at 5:37pm. DRAFT II. REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting convened at 5:37 pm. A. Action on COA #307 On motion made by Muccilli and seconded by Dowhan, COA #307 was approved with stipulations. Homeowners and their contractor explained that some of the windows in the submitted plans were not correctly shown. Ms. Muccilli pointed out that they were not consistent with historical standards and included in the approval the stipulation that all new windows be two-over-two, double hung windows. Only exception is one small window with a curved top that simulates an existing window on the older section of the house. B. Minutes On motion made by Muccilli and seconded by Dowhan, the minutes of the November, 2013 meeting were approved. C. Old Business a) The 2013 Preservation Award Plaque was presented to homeowner, Gilbert Skillman of 101 Broad St as he had not been able to attend the award presentation at the City Council meeting. He acknowledged his appreciation and will affix it to the front of his house. b) The request to Mayor Hinchey to appoint Ms. Muccilli and Mr. Learned to regular member status is pending. c) Mr. Murphy was removed as a member of the HDC following information sent to the Mayor and City Council re his absence in accordance with city ordinance. d) Mr. Loewenstein reported that the issue of the Figarsky property at Town St. and Cemetery Lane is still ongoing. Mr. Phillip Figarsky has not responded to a letter sent to him on Nov. 3rd 2013 re the need to apply for 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. Building Dept.’s George Gardner advised Mr. Loewenstein he would issue a citation regarding the work that had been done without COA approval and a Building Permit. Roof repairs on the larger building were made. D. New Business a) Robert Champagne has submitted his resignation from the HDC as has moved to Lebanon and cannot continue to serve. A letter was sent informing the mayor. With Rob’s resignation there are now two new openings that need to be filled. Members are asked to suggest and help recruit new members. DRAFT b) Mr. Loewenstein reported on new signage installed on the property at the Leffingwell House Museum without approval by the HDC. He has had several contacts with Greg Farlow, the president of the Society of the Founders of Norwich, owners of the Leffingwell. He also spoke with Zoning official, Tianne Curtis who said a building permit had been issued based on Mr. Farlow’s indication that the HDC had approved the new signage. Mr. Farlow agreed to submit an application for a COA that will be presented at the February 19th meeting. Mr. Farlow also sent a letter to the Chairman apologizing for his misunderstanding. E. Chairman’s Report The Chairman reported that he and the recording secretary met with City Clerk, Betsy Barrett, to get clarification on processes such as filling vacancies and other appointments. F. Next Meeting February 19, 2014. G. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:00pm. Respectfully submitted Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman GL:mtl