Plan of Conservation & Development Plan Implementation Committee

PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 – 6 PM Virtual/Remote Meeting A. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Frank Manfredi called at the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. B. INTRODUCTIONS OF MEMBERS AND GUEST PARTICIPANTS: Present: Committee on the City Plan: Frank Manfredi and Les King, Norwich Community Development Corp: Jason Vincent, Harbor Management Commission: Tucker Braddock, Norwich Historical Society: Regan Miner, Norwich Public Utilities: Chris LaRose Others Present: Assistant City Planner Dan Daniska C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 11, 2020 On a motion by Tucker Braddock, seconded by Les King, the commission approved the minutes of the Norwich Plan of Conservation and Development: Plan Implementation Committee (POCD PIC) meeting of March 11, 2020. D. OLD BUSINESS: None presented. E. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Review & Discuss:  Chapter entitled “Leverage Assets” - Section entitled “Capitalize on Historic Assets” - Pages 22-23 of Implementation Element & Pages 52-55 of Strategic Element o Subsection A: “Protect Historic Resources”  A1: Continue to protect and preserve historic resources  A2: To help encourage restoration and rehabilitation of historic properties  A3: Consider preparing a cultural resources plan for the City o Subsection B: “Support Historic Preservation Efforts”  B1: Continue to support the efforts of private groups and “sensitive” owners  B2: Continue to encourage historic organizations to publicly recognize significant historic resources through signage, publicity, and ceremonies  B3: Maintain the designation as a Certified Local Government  B4: Become recognized as a Preserve America community Regan Miner, Executive Director of the Norwich Historical Society and Chairperson of the Norwich Historic District Commission, gave a PowerPoint presentation of the historical society’s activities that have supported the POCD. She gave a brief overview of the historical society’s founding in 2001 to preserve, protect and promote the rich history of Norwich. The Norwich Historical Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The historical society has established Walk Norwich Trails. Two new trails were added recently, the Norwich Freedom Trail and the Millionaires’ Triangle. Many of the sites on the trails are located in locally or nationally registered historic districts. The society gives second Saturday and Walktober guided walks. They provide virtual experiences and recently received a grant to improve this access. They are also working on distance learning materials. They continue to connect people to these culturally important sites. A number of building restoration projects are being led by the society. Near the Leffingwell Inn, the society is working on the sliver smith shop and the David Greenleaf House. More work is planned on both buildings including utilizing the Greenleaf House as adjunct space for the Leffingwell Inn as a multi-purpose event space. The Pease-Calkins House on West Town Street, circa 1659-1700, was facing demolition but with the society’s help will be purchased by the Calkins Family Association with a plan to close by the end of May. They hope to eventually open the house to the public. The society has focused on capitalizing on Norwich’s historic assets to increase heritage tourism efforts with the hope of having Norwich become a destination like Salem, MA. In the fall of 2018 they brought a heritage tourism consultant to speak to the city council. They got a grant to work on this effort. They have engaged a consultant and continue this work. Uncas Leap Heritage Area is a favorite spot of both residents and visitors. With rich history and natural beauty, it is an example of a property with multiple stakeholders, including residents and members of the Mohegan Tribe. Jason Vincent noted that the falls are one of the region’s most beautiful and valuable assets. Throughout its history, the Mohegan Tribe connected with the founders of our country. He feels Uncas Leap could become a national historic site. Ms. Miner also spoke to the society’s efforts to encourage historic organizations to recognize significant historic resources through signage, publicity and ceremonies. Examples include the Samuel Huntington Wreath Laying, Ellis Walter Ruley Memorial Park designation on the State Freedom Trail which will be celebrated in September 2020, and Walk Norwich signs. She noted that the Norwichtown Village Overlay District was formed in the city. The Preserve America application has been completed but not yet approved. The society is open to working on a cultural resource plan for the city and will continue to promote the heritage assets, and provide resources for residents and visitors alike. Jason noted that historic properties in Norwich can be exempted from flood regulations which allows investment without substantial improvement regulations. This allowed the Ponemah Mills project to go forward. City Planner Deanna Rhodes identified this exemption and passed the information on to other municipalities.  Next Steps and Accountability for Section - “Capitalize on Historic Assets” Chair Manfredi noted that Ms. Miner’s presentation addressed all of the implementation criteria. 2. Round Table - Reports from Committee Members and Guests None presented. F: OTHER ITEMS 1. Meeting Reminder for July 8, 2020: Prepare to Review & Discuss Chapter entitled “Leverage Assets” - Sections entitled “Protect Natural Resources” and “Protect Coastal Resources” - Pages 24-26 of Implementation Element & Pages 56-59 of Strategic Element. Chair Manfredi announced this meeting. Mr. Daniska noted that this meeting may be held virtually. G. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Les King, seconded by Chris LaRose, the POCD PIC meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary