The Wethersfield Historic District Commission held a Public Hearing on July 24, 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 7:33 PM, and read the opening comments. Commissioner Garrey read the Legal Notice as it appeared in the Hartford Courant on July 13, 2007.
APPLICATION NO. 3505-07. Chris Hayes and Amy Lawson seeking to replace the existing fencing at 95 Garden Street.
Chris Hayes and Amy Lawson of 95 Garden Street appeared before the commission. The applicants presented a plot plan of the entire street with #13 marked as the applicant's property along with photographs of the proposed fencing. The proposed fencing in the back and rear of the property will replace the stockade/picket fencing with post and rail fencing. The length of the post and rail fencing will be 2-10 ft. sections = 20 ft. on each side.
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 (Tabled from the July 10, 2007 meeting).
Homeowner, William Curtin of 29 Harmund Place appeared before the commission.
Commissioner O'Brien asked the applicant if he had discussed why the application was tabled with Kristin Stearley. He indicated that he had, and Ms. Stearley stated that during the discussion she had stressed the importance of using windows with the grids on the outside of the glass.
Commissioner O'Brien explained to Mr. Curtin that the profile of the mullion on the window is an important architectural feature of any home. Commissioner Garrey stated that vinyl windows do not adequately replicate original wood windows.
Commissioner O'Brien and Commissioner Garrey asked the applicant to speak again with Kristin Stearley regarding the types of window approved in the past and come back to the commission with other options.
Commissioner O'Brien thanked the applicant.
Robert Smart of 62 Church Street appeared before the commission to speak in favor of the application. He stated that the concept of evolving technology strikes him that the applicant is proposing one.
Ken Sokolowski of 79 Main Street appeared before the commission to speak in support of the application the way it is. He stated that if you really need to see a profile from a side of a mullion you can hire an artist to paint them on the outside of the glass to get some representation.
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 (Tabled from July 10, 2007 meeting).
The applicant was not present at the hearing. Commissioner Garrey read a fax dated July 18, 2007 from Dwight DeBow into the record. Commissioner Garrey did not have photos regarding what the windows would resemble.
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.
Upon motion by Commissioner Hart, and seconded by Commissioner Botticello 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, Hart, McLeod, O'Brien
APPLICATION NO. 3505-07. Chris Hayes and Amy Lawson seeking to replace the existing fencing at 95 Garden Street.
Upon motion by Commissioner Hart, seconded by Commissioner Garrey and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to APPROVE the application as submitted.
Commissioner Hart stated that the proposed fencing will enhance the look of the house and community.
Commissioner Hart and Commissioner O'Brien both agreed that it was a well done and thorough application.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, Hart, McLeod, O'Brien
APPLICATION NO. 3501-07. Summit Construction Services seeking to install 14 thermal replacement windows at 29 Harmund Place (Tabled from the July 10, 2007 meeting).
Upon motion by Commissioner Hart, seconded by Commissioner Botticello and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to TABLE the application.
Commissioner Hart stated that by tabling the application, the applicant would have another opportunity to review different products and have more time to make a decision.
Commissioner Garrey stated that comments were made regarding evolving technology. Technology needs to evolve further to provide windows that are energy efficient and that adequately represent the original product.
Commissioner O'Brien feels strongly that the Commission has an obligation to work with the public and try to come to a solution.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, Hart, McLeod, O'Brien
APPLICATION NO. 3502-07. Dwight DeBow seeking to replace the window sash and some replacement windows at 293 Middletown Avenue (Tabled from July 10, 2007 meeting).
Upon motion by Commissioner Botticello, seconded by Commissioner Garrey and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to TABLE the application.
Commissioner O'Brien stated that the applicant did exactly what the Commission asked for but needs more clarification on the windows, which he can do with Kristin Stearley.
Commissioner Garrey indicated that the changes to the windows be appropriate to the older colonial homes throughout the town. Commissioner Hart noted that he also would like clarification on the style of the windows.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, Hart, McLeod, O'Brien
Upon motion by Commissioner Hart, seconded by Commissioner Botticello, the minutes of the June 26, 2007 were APPROVED. Commissioner O'Brien abstained.
Page 6 - Under Other Business - Public comments on general matters of the Historic District the sentence should read: Commissioner O'Brien noted Commissioner's Wolf resignation from the HDC, and thanked her for her many years of service and dedication.
Page 6 - Report of the Historic District Coordinator the sentence should read: She will be working on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ken Sokolowski of 79 Main Street appeared before the Commission to speak about various issues. He also passed out a flyer to the Commission regarding the Silas W. Robbins House Tour, 185 Broad Street from October 5 - 14, 2007 sponsored by the Richard M. Keane Foundation.
Mr. Sokolowski addressed the Commission on several issues:
Mr. Sokolowski then addressed Kristin Stearley regarding the following questions:
Mr. Sokolowski addressed the Commission and wishes them well.
Robert Smart of 62 Church Street appeared before the Commission and endorsed the points that Ken Sokolowski made to the Commission.
None.
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey and seconded by Commissioner Botticello and a poll of the Commission, it was voted to change the scheduled meeting times from 7:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, McLeod, O'Brien Nay: Hart
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey and seconded by Commissioner Botticello and a poll of the Commission, it was unanimously voted to APPROVE the 2008 meeting dates as presented.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, Hart, McLeod, O'Brien
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey and seconded by Commissioner Hart and a poll of the Commission, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session at 8:27 PM in order to discuss pending litigation.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, Hart, McLeod, O'Brien
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey and seconded by Commissioner Hart and a poll of the Commission, it was unanimously voted to leave Executive Session at 8:28 PM.
Aye: Botticello, Garrey, Hart, McLeod, O'Brien
Upon motion by Commissioner Garrey and seconded by Commissioner Hart and a poll of the Commission, it was unanimously voted to ADJOURN the meeting at 8:28 PM.
Respectfully Submitted
TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Robert Garrey
Acting Clerk