Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT Minutes of April 16, 2014 Meeting The regular meeting of the Historic District Commission was held on April16, 2014 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5:15 P.M. Members Present: Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman Tim Dowhan Judith Hamblen Scott Learned Pamela Muccilli Nancy O’Neil Also Attending: Bill Champagne and Regan Miner representing the Norwich Historical Society, property owners Kylene and Ryan Thompson, and Richard Guidebeck. I. Public Hearing: The Public Hearing convened at 5:17 pm. COA #312 Norwich Historical Society (NHS) 69 East Town St Erect a new Sign Mr. Champagne explained that the property, owned by the City of Norwich, has been leased to the NHS and the group intends to use the building as a heritage information center and therefore wishes to place a sign at the front of the building. A series of photos depicting a sign in various colors was presented. Ms. Hamblen stated the scroll at the top of the sign was Victorian in style and asked that it be removed. Mr. Champagne and Ms. Miner were asked to get specific dimensions and location on the site in addition to the materials to be used in its construction. Both agreed to return to the next HDC meeting on May 21st with complete documentation so a decision can be rendered. They also intend to replace the dilapidated railing on the front steps with in-kind material and design. COA # 311 Kylene and Ryan Thompson 61 East Town St Construct a new fence around the property on East Town St and Mediterranean Lane Mr. and Mrs. Thompson explained that they recently purchased the property and have three small children, thus the need for a fence. They presented computerized renderings depicting the fencing and its location and said it is compliant with zoning requirements regarding height of the fence. It will be constructed from wood that will be painted either white or the same color as the house. There will be a manually operated gate of the same materials as the fence across the driveway. The Thompsons were asked for specific details regarding size of the fence posts and gate, the spacing between the fence stiles, and detail of the caps on the posts. They agreed to have that information to the HDC members by the following day to expedite the process which they hoped to start right away. The Public Hearing concluded at 5:50pm. II. Regular Meeting: The regular meeting convened at 5:50pm A. Action on COAs: COA 311: Discussion was held regarding the number and types of fences on properties surrounding The Norwichtown Green and the desirability of maintaining some consistency with existing structures. On motion by Judy Hamblen and seconded by Pamela Muccilli and unanimously approved, COA # 311 will be approved upon receipt of the detailed drawings as described at this meeting. These details will include the specific size of the fence posts and gate, the spacing between the fence stiles, and detail of the caps on the posts. COA 312: A motion made by O’Neil and seconded by Learned, was unanimously approved to table a decision until the May 21st meeting when requested details will be presented. B. Minutes On a motion made by Learned and seconded by Dowhan, the minutes of the March 19, 2014 meeting were approved; Hamblen abstained. C. Old Business 1. A discussion ensued regarding the March 31, 2014 letter from Gregory Farlow, President of the Society of the Founders of Norwich (SFN), in reply to the HDC letter notifying him that COA #309 had been denied. His letter had been copied to Mayor Hinchey, City Attorney Driscoll and State Senator Osten. Following receipt of the letter Chairman Loewenstein contacted Atty. Driscoll who researched the matter and concluded that the city does not have jurisdiction over the Leffingwell House Museum signs since they are on state property. However, he expressed concern about the manner in which the SFN responded to the HDC decision since the SFN is also an organization concerned with preserving the heritage of the city. 2. T. Dowhan opened discussion of the 65 day requirement for the HDC to act on COA applications. The initial application from the SFN was not valid as it was not on the required form, not signed, and incorrectly completed. Mr. Farlow was asked to submit a correct application which was received by Chairman Loewenstein on January 20, 2014; therefore the date of this valid application was the correct date for determining the time frame for HDC action. Other inaccuracies were noted in the letter. 3. HDC members found the actions of the SFN and tone of their letter to be contrary to the interests of historic preservation groups and should be addressed. Learned made a motion seconded by O’Neil that a letter be sent to  Mayor Hinchey and the City Council describing the HDC actions and noting the lack of cooperation and disregard for the role of the HDC by the SFN. A copy of this letter will be sent to Mary Dunne and Greg Farmer at the State Historic Preservation Office. Further, that a follow-up letter be sent to the state DOT regarding placement of the signs on state property. The motion passed unanimously. 4. COA approved work that has not been completed in a timely manner: roof replacement at 17 West Town St, temporary fence at 8 West Town St, and mitigation of work done at 2 Cemetery Lane without a COA or building permit. Chairman Loewenstein reported he had discussed again all three issues with Building Inspector Troeger. The temporary fence is to protect pedestrians from falling down the incline but is to be replaced with a permanent approved structure. Dowhan made a motion seconded by Learned for a letter to the property owners with a copy to Mr. Troeger and City Atty. Driscoll alerting them to the need to complete approved work. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Review of new forms developed by S. Learned will continue with additional input from members. T. Dowhan suggested copies of the new forms, when completed, be distributed at the Building and Zoning departments. 6. Mark Visligaj presently is not able to commit the time necessary to apply to serve on the HDC. Two alternate positions remain vacant and recruitment of possible candidates is necessary. D. New Business None to report. E. Chairman’s Report No other business to report. F. Next Meeting Wednesday, May 21, 2014 G. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:45pm. Respectfully submitted Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman GL:mtl