Historic District Commission

DRAFT HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT Minutes of May 21, 2014 Meeting The regular meeting of the Historic District Commission was held on May 21, 2014 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5:15 P.M. Members Present: Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman Judith Hamblen Pamela Muccilli Nancy O’Neil Members Absent: Tim Dowhan Scott Learned Also Attending: Regan Miner representing the Norwich Historical Society, property owners Brett and Gina Grant, Robert Allen. Others: Patricia Lucente I. Public Hearing: The Public Hearing convened at 5:17 pm. COA # 313 Bret and Gina Grant 19 Huntington Place Construct a new wooden fence to replace an existing fence. Mr. and Mrs. Grant presented plans to construct a new wooden fence in the same location as the existing 15 year old fence which is deteriorating and would be removed. The new 8’ x 59’ fence will be cedar, stained gray to match the house. In question is the exact location of the fence: according to Norwich assessor’s maps the fence is on the abutting property but the Grants question the accuracy of the Assessor’s maps. In order to get zoning approval they would have to either move the new fence location to be on their property, or get a survey done to clearly identify property boundaries; both of these would be very costly and create a hardship for them. A third option is to get approval from abutting property owners to put the new fence in the current location which separates the adjacent parking lot from the Grant’s property. The Public Hearing concluded at 5:30pm. II. Regular Meeting: The regular meeting convened at 5:30pm A. Action on COAs: COA 313: Discussion was held regarding the need for the Grant’s to get a resolution to the property line issue. On a motion by Hamblen and seconded by O’Neil, COA 313 was DRAFT approved unanimously with the stipulation that the fence be constructed after obtaining necessary approvals. COA #312 re signage for Norwich Historical Society (NHS) 69 East Town St. which had been tabled at the April meeting was discussed with new information provided by NHS representative, Regan Miner. The dimension of the sign is 24”x 30” and the wood sign with an iron metal bracket would be located 9 feet from the building. The sign will be painted with a cream colored background. Pictures and details were provided. NHS will also replace the dilapidated railing on the front steps with in-kind material and design. NHS hopes to have the center open by July. On a motion made by O’Neil and seconded by Muccilli, COA 312 was unanimously approved with the stipulation that the sign meet zoning requirements.. B. Minutes On a motion made by Hamblen and seconded by O’Neil, the minutes of the April 16, 2014 meeting were approved. C. Old Business 1) Chairman Loewenstein reported on the meeting that he and Scott Learned attended with Mayor Hinchey, and the City Manager and Attorney and three Board members from the Society of the Founders of Norwich (SFN) on May 6th regarding the signage issue for Leffingwell House Museum. There was no resolution of the issue at the meeting. Mr. Loewenstein then informed Greg Farmer , Connecticut Circuit Rider for the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation who submitted a request for clarification on the question of jurisdiction from the Attorney General’s office. In the meantime Mr. Farmer has advised that the DOT is reviewing the situation and he will keep the HDC informed of the outcome. 2) Work on the electrical service installation at 2 Cemetery Lane has not begun. The mother of the property manager recently died and this most likely is a factor. 3) Property owner, Robert Allen attended this meeting and informed the Commission of his plans to construct a wooden fence to replace the temporary fence currently placed to protect pedestrians from falling down the incline. He had previously informed Mr. Loewenstein about his plans and the problem of cars frequently running into the fence and damaging it and the extreme expense of frequent repairs. Because his property is on a state road Mr. Loewenstein asked a contact to ask the DOT if there is any help from them to resolve the problem; this request is still being explored. In the meantime if state help is not available Mr. Allen is filing an application for a COA for a new fence for the June meeting. 4) New forms being developed by Scott Learned will be reviewed by members with their input. DRAFT D. New Business Homeowners of 193 Broadway were referred to HDC when they applied for a zoning permit for a temporary swimming pool to be put up in their back yard. Mr. Loewenstein visited the site and determined the pool would be visible from Otis St. He consulted the CT Circuit Rider who informed that a COA is not necessary for a temporary pool. The homeowners plan to have the pool up only during warm weather. They were asked to plant a hedge along the chain-link fence to shield the view from Otis St. to which they agreed. The new owner, Jason Largent, of 20 Harland Rd. responded to a welcome letter sent by Chairman Loewenstein. When he moves into the house he will apply for a COA prior to performing any work. E. Chairman’s Report Construction of the new fence at 61 East Town St is in progress. It was recommended to the homeowner to paint the fence white so as to be compatible with other wood fences on the Green. F. Next Meeting Wednesday, June 18, 2014 G. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:20pm. Respectfully submitted Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman GL:mtl