Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT Minutes of February 19, 2014 Meeting The regular meeting of the Historic District Commission was held on February 19, 2014 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5:15 P.M. Members Present: Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman Pamela Muccilli Tim Dowhan Judith Hamblen Nancy O’Neil Absent: Scott Learned Also Attending: Guest: Mark Visligaj Property Owners: Jeffrey Mann and David Figarsky. Representing The Founders Society of Norwich were Gregory Farlow, President, Eagle Scout Blake Wawrzynowicz, David Wawrzynowicz, Richard Guidebeck, Max Wawrzynowicz, John Turcotte, Blake LaPierre, Fran Houle, and Ronald LaPierre Jr. I. PUBLIC HEARING: Convened at 5:15 pm COA# 308 Jeffrey Mann 122 Union St Replace windows Mr. Mann corrected the COA address from 116 to 122 Union St. He presented his request to replace all windows on the house with vinyl wrapped one-over-one Harvey windows. He also informed of his plans to restore two round windows on the top floor to their original shape. COA# 310 David Figarsky Town and Elm Realty 2 Old Cemetery Lane Permanent power installation Mr. Figarsky needs to install two new electric meters which will be affixed to the building on the Cemetery Lane side of the property, out of view from the Town St. side of the property. These meters will replace a temporary installation. He also indicated he has plans to paint the building, most likely, the same color gray. COA# 309 Gregory Farlow Founders Society of Norwich 348 Washington St Signage Replacement  Mr. Farlow told the commission of the Founders’ intention to paint the Joseph Carpenter House and was informed that painting does not require a COA. However, member Judy Hamblen offered her expertise on Colonial era paint. Mr. Farlow then apologized for not obtaining a COA for the two new signs installed at the Leffingwell House Museum in December, 2013. Details of his oversight were spelled out in a letter dated January 9, 2014 sent to Chairman Loewenstein wherein he attributed the misjudgment to a change in the leadership of the Founder’s Society and a change of Boy Scout involved in the sign project. He then introduced Eagle Scout Blake Wawrzynowicz who presented to the HDC a detailed report on his project which encompassed the construction of the new signs. The two signs consist of a 4' x 10' main panel, and a 2' x 8' changeable message panel, fastened to aluminum 4" x 4" x 10' posts that are set in concrete in the ground. Chairman Loewenstein commended Blake on his presentation and the extensive work he undertook for his project but added that the Commission still needed to address the appropriateness of the signs erected in a historical district without a COA. Other members of the Commission added their commendations as well. Discussion followed regarding R20 zoning size requirements, the dimensions of the actual signage verbiage, and the siting of the signs on State property which Mr. Loewenstein had confirmed had been done without proper authorization. The Public meeting concluded at 5:55pm. II. REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting convened at 5:55 pm. A. Action on COA #s308, 309, and 310 On motion made by Muccilli and seconded by Hamblen, COA #308 was approved unanimously with the stipulation that the two round windows at the top of the building be restored to their rounded condition. On motion made by Muccilli and seconded by O’Neil, COA #310 was approved with stipulation that the electrical meters be installed as per City requirements. On motion by Muccilli and seconded by O’Neil a decision on COA #309: was tabled to be continued at the next regular meeting on March 19, 2014 since further clarification is needed regarding zoning regulations and the location of the signs on state property. The motion was approved unanimously. The use of historically appropriate materials and design also will be addressed at that time. Prior to the next meeting the Chairman will contact the zoning department and obtain clarification of the zoning requirements. B. Minutes On motion made by Muccilli and seconded by Dowhan, the minutes of the January 15, 2014 meeting were approved. Hamblen and O’Neil abstained. C Old Business Mr. Loewenstein reported that Pamela Muccilli and Scott Learned were appointed as regular members at the City Council meeting on February 3rd and Tim Dowhan was confirmed as an alternate member. There are still two alternate members needed and Commission members were asked to think of possible candidates to be discussed at the next meeting. Guest, Mark Visligaj is still considering applying. David Figarsky has had discussion with the Chairman about other improvements needed at the Cemetery Lane property and will apply for a COA when he is ready to proceed. They also discussed the possibility of an historic preservation grant since the property is of historic interest. D. New Business None to be reported. E. Chairman’s Report Both the Chairman and Secretary attended the City FOI training on January 21st. Tim Dowhan also attended the evening session which was very informative. A handout summarizing key points will be sent by Mr. Dowhan to all members. On January 27th the Chairman and Secretary attended a presentation by the Norwich Heritage Trust and its partners on a project proposal for the restoration and reuse of the Reid and Hughes building. They also attended a lecture given by Patricia Staley based on her book, “Norwich in the Gilded Age”. Mr. Loewenstein contacted former HDC member, Dr. Crootof to obtain photos he took of historic district properties. Ms. Muccilli stated she also has them and will make digital copies for all members. The photos will be put on the Norwich web site and also can be used in a future book. Mr. Dowhan also has an old publication published by the Norwich Bulletin with old photographs. He will try to get more info on the possible availability of additional copies of the publication. F. Next Meeting Wednesday, March 19, 2014 G. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:45pm. Respectfully submitted Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman GL:mtl