HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, NORWICH, CONNECTICUT

19 July 2012

The regular meeting of the Norwich Historic District Commission was held on 19 July 2012 in Room 319, Norwich City Hall at 5 p.m.

Members Present: Malcolm Edgar, Chairman Robert Champagne Judith Hamblen Gideon Loewenstein Pam Muccilli

Absent: Marco Middleton Cort Murphy Nancy O’Neil

I. REGULAR MEETING

A. COA Revision

Based on a request from Thomas Callinan, [COA# 292, approved November 17, 2011], the commission voted to add review of COA #292 to the agenda.

Chairman Edgar advised that Thomas Callinan had contacted him regarding the COA approved by the commission at the November 17, 2011 meeting. The approved application requested the installation of 4/4 wooden sashes to be placed on either side of the existing 24-pane window system on the south wall of the kitchen addition. Callinan contacted the chairman because the 4/4 system is no longer available; he asked for permission to install 6/6 units instead.

The commission reviewed the requested change and agreed that it would not materially change the architectural balance of the window system.

On motion made and seconded, the modification to COA # 292 was approved by unanimous vote.

B. Minutes

The minutes of the April 2012 meeting were approved as presented by unanimous vote. It was noted that, as there was insufficient business to come before the commission, no meetings were held in May and June.

Sent via email 8-6-12 C. Chairman’s Report

Edgar reported that he’d been approached concerning projects that the commission has traditionally approved without COA applications.

There were three requests for replacement of asphalt shingle roofing with architectural shingles:

417 Washington Street – Karen Andrew

374 Washington Street – Gregory Boyd

410 Washington Street – Malcolm Edgar

Two projects also considered to be routine maintenance were:

39 East Town Street – Charles Pease Replacement of porch decking

409 Washington Street – Robert Nowicki Repair of football sized area of water rot in rear siding.

On motion made and seconded, the projects were unanimously approved.

Edgar reiterated his intention not to be a candidate for the chairman position after this year. He requested that each member of the commission consider again his/her function on the commission and to envision the best plan to carry out Historic District Commission business in the future. All members need to reconsider their commitment and how they can contribute to our mission most effectively.

D. Old Business

Edgar asked all members to consider candidates for the Historic Preservation Awards. He expects a vote for winners at the September meeting.

E. New Business

The chairman made note of two raised garden projects recently begun in the Norwichtown Historic District: Leffingwell Inn and 420 Washington Street. They are detached structures and of low profile. After thorough discussion, it was agreed that such gardens do not require commission review.

F. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Malcolm S. Edgar, Chairman

Sent via email 8-6-12