Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT Minutes of June 18, 2014 Meeting The regular meeting of the Historic District Commission was held on June 18, 2014 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5:15 P.M. Members Present: Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman Judith Hamblen Pamela Muccilli Nancy O’Neil Scott Learned Members Absent: Tim Dowhan Also Attending: Property owner Robert Allen. I. Public Hearing: The Public Hearing convened at 5:17 pm. COA # 314 Robert Allen 8 West Town Street Construct a new wooden fence to replace an existing damaged fence. Mr. Allen presented a sketch and sample materials to the Commission for the construction of the new fence. The fence will be constructed of cedar posts and pickets stained a light cream color with the finished side visible from the street. He expressed the hope that there will not be another auto accident damaging the new fence. He related his unsuccessful efforts to get help from the State to resolve the traffic issues which have contributed to the accidents. He also informed the Commission of his intent to replace the architectural shingle roof in the near future with the same type of shingle. The Public Hearing concluded at 5:25pm. II. Regular Meeting: The regular meeting convened at 5:25pm A.Action on COAs: COA 314: on motion made by Muccilli and seconded by Learned COA # 314 was unanimously approved by the commission. B.Minutes: On motion made by Learned and seconded by Hamblen, the minutes of the meeting of May 21, 2014 were accepted. C. Old Business: 1. Chairman Loewenstein sent letters to property owners:  Jihan Said, COA #303, was informed her COA issued 10/17/13 had expired and in response she phoned indicating her intent to restore the roof architectural features and also install new windows. She was advised to submit a new COA for the work.  David Figarsky, COA #310. Mr. Figarsky did not respond to the request to proceed with the work on the electrical service installation. Building Inspector Jim Troeger was copied on the letter. 2. There has not been any report from the State regarding the Leffingwell House Museum signs. The Chairman will continue to try to get a status report. 3. Member Scott Learned presented information on the revisions he made to the COA forms and letter to property owners. Chairman Loewenstein was joined by the other Commission members in thanking him for all his efforts that went into the work of revising the documents. These revisions clarify the role of the HDC and the responsibilities of property owners. Discussion followed with the recommendation that the documents be mailed annually, in March, to all property owners in the two historic districts and a request be made to the City to have them posted on the HDC page of the website. It is expected that the new format will contribute to improved compliance with HDC guidelines. On motion by Hamblen and seconded by Muccilli, the revisions to HDC forms presented by Scott Learned were unanimously approved with the addition of a statement clarifying COA expiration dates. D. New Business: Chairman Loewenstein reported that a realtor and the new homeowner contacted him regarding installation of a Radon mitigation system at 20 Huntington Place which will be placed at the back of the structure with bushes concealing it from the street. Members congratulated Scott Learned on his coming wedding. Pam Muccilli distributed additional CD copies of photos of buildings in both historic districts. Judy Hamblen will have additional copies made. E.Chairman’s Report: o Homeowners at of 193 Broadway have planted the hedge to shield the view of their temporary swimming pool from Otis St. o The new owner of 20 Harland Rd, Jason Largent sent a lengthy letter to Chairman Loewenstein indicating he has considerable knowledge of preservation. He plans to paint the house in similar colors and sent paint  samples. Pam Muccilli suggested he use colonial colors. o The new fence at 61 East Town St has been painted white. o Brett Grant from 19 Huntington Place, COA #313 emailed the Chairman with information about his efforts to determine property lines. He hired a surveyor to do some preliminary work with inconclusive results. It will cost another approximately $2000 to do a full survey and he may not replace the fence. F. Next Meeting Because of Commission member vacations there will not be a quorum available for the regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, July 16, 2014. It was agreed that the meeting be held the following week on July 23rd. G. Adjournment On motion by Muccilli and seconded by O’Neil the meeting adjourned at 6:25pm. Respectfully submitted Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman GL:mtl