The Wethersfield Historic District Commission held a Public Hearing on July 10, 2007 in the 1st Floor Conference Room at the Town Hall, 505 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, Connecticut.
Commissioner O'Brien, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:30PM, and read the opening comments. Commissioner Garrey read the Legal Notice as it appeared in the Hartford Courant on June 29, 2007.
APPLICATION NO. 3499-07. Paul and Clare Meade seeking to install an arched garden gate at 373 Main Street.
Clare Meade of 373 Main Street appeared before the commission. Photographs of the proposed gate were provided. The proposed gate will match two existing gates.
Ms. Meade described the gate as being located at the southeast corner of the property. It will be 12' from Main Street and at a 45 degree angle to the sidewalk. The gate will be made of wood and stand 6' to the top of the posts and 6.5' to the top of the arch. The width of the gate will be 50" to the outside posts.
Commissioner O'Brien asked whether there was anyone else wishing to speak in favor or in opposition to this application. There being no one, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
APPLICATION NO. 3500-07. Edward and Jacqueline Smith seeking to replace the existing cedar shakes with cedar/spruce clapboard siding at 524 Main Street.
Jacqueline and Edward Smith of 524 Main Street appeared before the commission. Also appearing was the contractor, Don Gove of Gove Restoration, 82 Longvue Drive.
The applicants explained that they wish to restore the house to its original look by replacing the current siding with cedar/spruce siding. Mr. Gove indicated that clear spruce siding with a 4"reveal will be used. All siding will have a square butt end. The trim will be 5 1/4".
Commissioner O'Brien asked whether there was anyone else wishing to speak in favor or in opposition to this application. There being no one, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
APPLICATION NO. 3501-07. Summit Construction Services seeking to install 14 thermal replacement windows at 29 Harmund Place.
The contractor, Steven Cisowski of Summit Construction, 141 Summer Street, Plantsville appeared before the commission. Also appearing was the homeowner, William Curtin of 29 Harmund Place.
Mr. Cisowski described the proposed windows as being vinyl clad with contour grids in between the glass and with a molded edge to duplicate the existing windows. Commissioner Wolf asked whether windows were available with the grids on the outside of the glass, and explained that with the grids in between the glass their color is darkened by the energy efficient glass. Mr. Cisowski indicated the windows were not available with the grids outside the glass. Commissioner O'Brien asked whether the applicant had discussed his application with Kristin Stearley prior to the hearing. He indicated he had, and Ms. Stearley stated that during the discussion she had stressed the importance of using a window with the grids on the outside of the glass.
Mr. Cisowski listed a number of other homes on the street with vinyl windows. He stated the homes were built in the 1940's and 1950's and that he was not sure what the historic significance of the homes and the street were. Commissioner Wolf stated that all applications and homes are reviewed individually regardless of the year they were built. She noted that a number of vinyl windows were installed on Harmund Place and Harmund Court properties without permission from the HDC. Although precedential value is important, the examples cited were not very good examples. She also stated that the commission approves a large range of windows, but the proposed windows are outside of the range.
Mr. Curtin read a statement giving the reasons why he wanted to use the proposed windows. He also stated that he had appeared before the HDC ten years ago when an addition was put on his house. He had wanted to use vinyl siding, but used more expensive wooden shingles as instructed by the HDC. The HDC's then-commissioner lived on Avalon Place, but moved to another town shortly afterward. Mr. Curtin stated he has lived in the same house for almost 45 years. He does not feel his home or the street are of historic value, and asked that his application be approved.
Commissioner O'Brien asked whether there was anyone else wishing to speak in favor or in opposition to this application. There being no one, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
APPLICATION NO. 3502-07. Dwight DeBow seeking to replace the window sash and some replacement windows at 293 Middletown Avenue.
Dwight DeBow of 293 Middletown Avenue appeared before the commission. He indicated he would like to install 13 sash replacement kits. The windows will be aluminum clad with 6/1 simulated divided lights. The window size is 30" x 46".
Mr. DeBow indicated that there are currently three windows on both sides of the house. He would like to remove the windows and install a rolling window on each side. The new windows will be 24" x 50". The grids on the windows will match the upper grid pattern on the other windows. Siding to match the existing will be installed.
Commissioner O'Brien asked whether there was anyone else wishing to speak in favor or in opposition to this application. There being no one, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
APPLICATION NO. 3503-07. Michael Morgan seeking to install an above ground pool in the rear yard at 380 Main Street.
Michael Morgan of 380 Main Street appeared before the commission. A plot plan was provided.
Mr. Morgan stated that the proposed pool will be 4' in height and will have a deck. Both will be located 300' from the street and behind a barn that is 50' wide. The proposed location will obscure the pool from all views except from Howard Avenue.
Mr. Morgan was asked whether he would be willing to plant a hedge to obscure the pool from all view. He indicated he would.
Commissioner O'Brien asked whether there was anyone else wishing to speak in favor or in opposition to this application. There being no one, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
APPLICATION NO. 3504-07. Rebecca Veniscofsky seeking to install outdoor lighting fixtures at (Morningside Village) 175-209 Spring Street.
A fax dated July 5, 2007 was read into the record. The applicant requested that the application be withdrawn.
APPLICATION NO. 3491-07. Spicy Green Bean Deli seeking to install a new sign at 285 Main Street (Tabled from the June 12, 2007 and June 26, 2007 meetings).
Commissioner O'Brien recused herself from this portion of the hearing.
Kristin Stearley, Historic District Commission Coordinator, appeared before the commission to discuss this application. She reported that the existing sign was merely repainted with a new design. The dimensions of the sign remain the same.
Commissioner Wolf asked whether there was anyone else wishing to speak in favor or in opposition to this application.
A letter from Carol Szymanski of 18 Meggat Park written in favor of the application was read into the record.
Commissioner Wolf asked whether there was anyone else wishing to speak in favor or in opposition to this application. There being no one, this portion of the hearing was declared closed.
Commissioner O'Brien returned to the meeting.
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey, and seconded by Commissioner McLeod and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to close the public hearing on the discussed applications and to open the public meeting on those applications.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, McLeod, O'Brien, Wolf
APPLICATION NO. 3499-07. Paul and Clare Meade seeking to install an arched garden gate at 373 Main Street.
Upon motion by Commissioner Wolf, seconded by Commissioner Garrey and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to APPROVE the application as submitted.
Commissioner Wolf noted that the proposed gate matches the existing previously approved gates. The proposed gate enhances the look of the house, and is appropriate for the property.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, McLeod, O'Brien, Wolf
APPLICATION NO. 3500-07. Edward and Jacqueline Smith seeking to replace the existing cedar shakes with cedar/spruce clapboard siding at 524 Main Street.
Upon motion by Commissioner Wolf, seconded by Commissioner Garrey and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to APPROVE the application as submitted.
Commissioner Wolf expressed the commission's appreciation to the homeowners for their dedication to restoring the house to its original look. Commissioner O'Brien expressed appreciation to the contractor as well.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, McLeod, O'Brien, Wolf
APPLICATION NO. 3501-07. Summit Construction Services seeking to install 14 thermal replacement windows at 29 Harmund Place.
Upon motion by Commissioner Wolf, seconded by Commissioner Garrey and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to TABLE the application.
Commissioner Wolf stated that by tabling the application, the applicant would have more time to review other options for a more appropriate window. She stated there are other products on the market that will achieve the goals the homeowner outlined, including energy efficiency and ease of maintenance. She indicated that she regretted Mr. Curtin's past experience with the commission, but hoped he would proceed with the suggestion that he meet with Ms. Stearley to discuss more appropriate options.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, McLeod, Wolf Abst: O'Brien
APPLICATION NO. 3502-07. Dwight DeBow seeking to replace the window sash and some replacement windows at 293 Middletown Avenue.
Upon motion by Commissioner Wolf, seconded by Commissioner Botticello and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to TABLE the application.
Commissioner Wolf stated that although she was pleased with most of the project, she could not clearly visualize the change to the windows on the sides of the house. She would be less concerned if the windows were located in the back of the house, but the windows that will be changed are in a prominent location. Commissioner O'Brien suggested a site visit. Commissioner Wolf indicated she thought the commissioners could view the property on their own by driving by. It was agreed that commissioners would view the property on their own.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, McLeod, O'Brien, Wolf
APPLICATION NO. 3503-07. Michael Morgan seeking to install an above ground pool in the rear yard at 380 Main Street.
Upon motion by Commissioner Wolf, seconded by Commissioner McLeod and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to APPROVE the application with the following stipulation:
Commissioner Wolf noted that the property is very deep and the proposed pool will be screened by the barn and plantings.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, McLeod, O'Brien, Wolf
APPLICATION NO. 3504-07. Rebecca Veniscofsky seeking to install outdoor lighting fixtures at (Morningside Village) 175-209 Spring Street.
Upon motion by Commissioner Wolf, seconded by Commissioner McLeod and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to DENY the application WITHOUT PREJUDICE.
The applicant can reapply within one year without a fee.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, McLeod, O'Brien, Wolf
APPLICATION NO. 3491-07. Spicy Green Bean Deli seeking to install a new sign at 285 Main Street (Tabled from the June 12, 2007 and June 26, 2007 meetings).
Upon motion by Commissioner McLeod, seconded by Commissioner Botticello and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to APPROVE the application as submitted.
Commissioner O'Brien recused herself from discussion and voting on this application.
Commissioner Wolf noted that although the new design would not be her first choice for the building, it remains the same size as the previous sign and is a nice enhancement to the building. Commissioner Garrey mentioned that the sign is nicely done and is unique.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, McLeod, Wolf
Commissioner Botticello asked for clarification on Commissioner Miglus' comment about application #3496-07 listed on page 2, which states a fence would be approved. The sentence was changed to read, "Commissioner Miglus stated the commission would probably approve some fence, if the association wishes to install a different fence, they should contact Kristin Stearley.".
Upon motion by Commissioner O'Brien the minutes of the June 26, 2007 meeting were approved with the change.
Commissioner O'Brien noted Commissioner Wolf's resignation from the HDC, and thanked her for her many years of service and dedication.
Kristin Stearley stated that she is changing her work hours beginning in August. She will be working on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 AM to 2 PM.
None.
Upon motion by Commissioner Wolf and seconded by Commissioner O'Brien and a poll of the Commission, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session at 8:25PM in order to discuss legal matters.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, McLeod, O'Brien, Wolf
Upon motion by Commissioner Botticello and seconded by Commissioner O'Brien and a poll of the Commission, it was unanimously voted to leave Executive Session at 8:41PM.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, McLeod, O'Brien, Wolf
Upon motion by Commissioner Wolf and seconded by Commissioner Botticello and a poll of the Commission, it was unanimously voted to ADJOURN the meeting at 8:41PM.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, McLeod, O'Brien, Wolf
Respectfully Submitted
TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Jennifer Wolf
Clerk