Historic District Commission

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT Minutes of November 19, 2014 Meeting The regular meeting of the Historic District Commission was held on November 19, 2014 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5:15 P.M. Members Present: Gideon Loewenstein, Chairman Nancy O’Neil Pamela Muccilli Scott Learned Tim Dowhan Members Absent: Judith Hamblen Also Attending: Guest, Christy Gilluly I. Public Hearing: The Public Hearing convened at 5:20 pm. COA #320: Robert and Mona Morin 77 Union St. Replace windows on right side of house Chairman Loewenstein informed members that Mrs. Morin had called earlier in the day stating she would not be able to attend this meeting due to having had a surgical procedure this morning; furthermore Mr. Morin is not able to attend since he would not be home from work until later and the contractor also is unable to attend. Mrs. Morin expressed concern about any delay in receiving a COA since their application to the city and state for grants to rehab the property cannot be processed until a COA is received. In an effort to expedite the COA the chairman picked up documents she had previously been asked to provide that included supporting information regarding the windows to be installed; the submitted documents however did not have the requested details specific to the windows. Accompanying photos also indicated that windows on three sides of the house are to be replaced. The Public Hearing concluded at 5:35pm. II. Regular Meeting: The regular meeting convened at 5:35pm A. Action on COAs: COA #320: Following a discussion regarding making a decision based on hardship relative to the specific circumstances in this case the commission members agreed to act on this COA application. On a motion made by Scott Learned and seconded by  Pamela Muccilli COA # 320 was approved by the commission with the following stipulations: 1. The homeowner must first provide to the commission a manufacturer’s catalog tear- sheet with specifications and representative photos or sketches that are specific to the windows to be installed. 2. The windows to be installed on the first and second floors front, side, and rear of the house, should be double hung with applied muntins and match the existing windows. 3. The windows should be wood with vinyl clad. COA #318: Action on this COA application was tabled at the October meeting. The application is to install solar panels on the rear garage roof facing Lowthorpe Meadows. The homeowner, Robert Lasch intends to install the solar panels in the springtime. The current time frame gives the homeowner sufficient time to start work prior to the expiration date of the COA. Tim Dowhan moved that COA #318 be approved as discussed at the October 15th meeting. Scott Learned seconded and the motion passed unanimously. B. Minutes: On motion made by Nancy O’Neil seconded by Tim Dowhan the minutes of the October 15, 2014 meeting were accepted. Learned and Muccilli abstained. C.Old Business: Preservation Awards: Commission member Muccilli presented seven possible candidates for review. On a motion by Learned, seconded by Muccilli three properties were unanimously approved for the 2014 preservation plaque awards: 2 Canterbury Turnpike, 276 Scotland Road and 70 Peck Street. Plaques will be ordered and Pam Muccilli will prepare a presentation to be conducted at a future City Council meeting. New member recruitment: Christie Gilluly informed she has submitted her application to be a HDC member and is scheduled to meet with City Council committee. Chairman Loewenstein and members welcomed her participation. One alternate position remains to be filled. Satellite dishes: Before acting on adopting new regulations similar to the Groton regulations regarding satellite dishes the commission members agreed to review the current HDC Procedures and Regulations adopted in 2009 and propose any necessary revisions so as to be consistent with the state Handbook for Connecticut Historic Districts. A draft of revisions will be provided to members for review prior to having a public hearing on the changes. New forms: Scott Learned will tie in any changes with proposed revisions to HDC procedures and regulations.  D. New Business: Member terms: Terms of Pam Muccilli (5 years) and Tim Dowhan (2 years) will expire at the end of 2014. Both agreed to continue to serve and the Mayor’s office will be notified. COA extension: Scott Learned requested an extension for COA # 315 that was approved on July 23, 2014 for reconstruction of skylights. On a motion by Muccilli, seconded by Dowhan the motion was approved with Learned abstaining for the COA to be extended for six months from the current expiration date. Mr. Learned reported on a new crosswalk, possibly with signs, across East Town St going from the Norwichtown Green to the United Community and Family Services building. The members questioned the effects, if any, this crosswalk might have on the historic district. E. Chairman’s Report Chairman Loewenstein reported that welcome letters had been sent to three new property owners in the HDC: 7 Harland Rd., 29 West Town St., and 407 Washington St. He responded to a prospective owner’s request for information regarding replacement of the wooden shakes roof at 6 Ox Hill Road with new wooden shakes. F. Next Meeting The next regularly scheduled meeting is December 17, 2014. G. Adjournment On motion by Learned, seconded by O’Neil the meeting adjourned at 6:40pm. Respectfully submitted Gideon Loewenstein Chairman GL/mtl