Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT Minutes of March 19, 2014 Meeting The regular meeting of the Historic District Commission was held on March 19, 2014 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5:15 P.M. Members Present: Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman Pamela Muccilli Tim Dowhan Nancy O’Neil Scott Learned Absent: Judith Hamblen REGULAR MEETING With a quorum in attendance the Regular Meeting convened at 5:15 pm. A. Minutes On motion made by Muccilli and seconded by O’Neil, the minutes of the February 19, 2014 meeting were approved; Learned abstained. B. Old Business The tabled decision from the February 19th meeting regarding COA #309, signage for the Leffingwell House Museum was opened for discussion. Chairman Loewenstein informed Commission members that a letter had been received on March 15th from Gregory Farlow, President of the Society of the Founders of Norwich, requesting a postponement of discussion of this COA until the HDC April meeting. However, since the Commission is required to act on COA applications within 65 days of their receipt and COA #309 was received January 20, 2014, the 65 day requirement would be exceeded if not acted upon. Chairman Loewenstein then informed the members of follow-up findings since the previous meeting:  Zoning Enforcement Officer Curtis informed him that the new Leffingwell House Museum signs were installed on State property and therefore Norwich zoning rules do not apply although a zoning permit had been issued to the Museum on November 11, 2013.  A second phone call to the Department of Transportation confirmed that no one had applied for a permit for the museum’s signs.   Greg Farmer from the Connecticut Historic Preservation Office clarified that since the Museum erected the sign and not the State, the HDC still has jurisdiction over the historic district requirements. He suggested a letter be sent to the Department of Transportation regarding the situation.  A draft of the letter to the DOT was reviewed and changes suggested. The Commission then discussed the size, design, and materials of the signage which are not appropriate for signs on a property within the historic district and the unapproved installation of the signage. On motion by Muccilli and seconded by Dowhan the application for COA #309 was unanimously denied as the applicant, the Society of the Founders of Norwich, 1) did not follow the required process for obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness and 2) the signs that were erected are not congruent with historic district design, size and materials 3) Consequently, the signs must be removed. A letter will be sent to Mr. Farlow informing him of the decision and that the Commission is available for advice regarding appropriate signage for the Leffingwell House Museum. C. New Business Chairman Loewenstein reported: 8 West Town St: What appears to be a crude fence has been constructed. No building permit was issued yet for the fence. The existing fence on this property has been repeatedly damaged by automobiles over the years. He will follow-up with owner. 32 Huntington Place: A fire damaged the third floor of this property and repairs to the exterior will be necessary. A letter has been sent to the owner, who apparently does not live at the property, advising him that he must apply for a COA prior to making any repairs. Forms’ Revisions: Member Scott Learned had been asked to propose revisions to COA forms and information so that historic district property owners will have more guidance regarding requirements and procedures. Mr. Learned presented his proposed revisions, followed by expressions of appreciation and input from other members. Revised versions will be reviewed by members. Ms. Muccilli distributed CD copies of the photo files of Norwich historic district properties.  D. Chairman’s Report No other business to report. E. Next Meeting Wednesday, April 16, 2014 F. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:20pm. Respectfully submitted Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman GL:mtl