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The Town of Washington, Connecticut

Minutes: Historic District Commission
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Disclaimer: While we have attempted to reproduce them accurately, the electronic documents you see here are not the official public documents. Official copies may be obtained on paper from the Town Clerk. Also note that minutes of recent meetings are often not yet approved by the Commission, and are subject to correction.


General information about the Historic District Commission

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Posted: April 23, 2013

April 15, 2013


MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Boyer, Mrs. Mills, Mr. Smith
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Gilchrist, Mr. Kerr
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Mr. Hollinger, Mr. Krimsky
ALTERNATES ABSENT: Mrs. White
STAFF PRESENT: Mrs. Shade
OTHERS PRESENT: Atty. Fisher, Mr. Goodwin, Rep. from FJM Construction, Mr. Yaunsem

PUBLIC HEARINGS
West Indies, LLC /96 Calhoun Street /Extend Certificate of Appropriateness to build single family dwelling.
Mrs. Boyer opened the Public Hearing at 7:30PM to consider the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by West Indies, LLC, to extend an existing Certificate of Appropriateness to build a single family house at 96 Calhoun Street. The legal notice was read which appeared in Voices on 4/7/13. Mrs. Boyer seated Alternate Krimsky for Ms. Gilchrist and Alternate Hollinger for Mr. Kerr. Atty. Fisher represented the owner.

Atty. Fisher explained to the Commission that there had been some site development issues which caused some delays. Work is proceeding now, but they need to ask for an extension on their Certificate of Appropriateness.

Mrs. Boyer asked the members if they had any further questions or comments. There were none.

MOTION:
To close the Public Hearing to consider the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by West Indies, LLC, 96 Calhoun Street, to extend the Certificate of Appropriateness to build a single family dwelling.
By Mr. Hollinger, seconded by Mrs. Mills and passed 5-0.

Mrs. Boyer closed the Public Hearing at 7:40PM.

Due to technical difficulties, there is no recording of these minutes.


Teh /8 Kirby Road /Renovations to existing house.
Mrs. Boyer opened the Public Hearing at 7:42PM to consider the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by David and Robin Teh, 8 Kirby Road, to make renovations to their existing house. The legal notice was read which appeared in Voices on 4/7/13. Mrs. Boyer seated Alternate Krimsky for Ms. Gilchrist and Alternate Hollinger for Mr. Kerr. FJM Construction and Goodwin & Co. each sent a representative on behalf of the owners.

The members looked over the drawings and photos with Jim from FJM Construction and Atty. Goodwin. It was determined that most of the work is interior or at the back of the house and is not visible from a public way. Jim told the members that they were dealing with mostly mechanical issues. They want to install triple track storm windows throughout the house, replacing any rotten wood. The photos of the house showed a power line on one side of the house that needs to be moved one foot because it is too close to a window to meet code. Also, they want to central air condition the house and the photos show 2 condensers on one side and one on the other. Mr. Hollinger asked why the air conditioners cannot be installed at the back of the house. Not possible, the driveway is in the back of the house. Mrs. Boyer asked why not put all three on the same side. Jim replied they would not work as well, would not be as efficient. He added, the new condensers do not make as much noise as the older ones. The members discussed the condensers and the fact that they would have to somehow be covered from view. Jim suggested a lattice work covering to match the lattice on the porch.

Mr. Smith noted the Commission would need a clear idea of what the new windows will look like. Mrs. Boyer agreed. They should submit a picture of the storm windows. The members discussed the condensers. They would like to see a visual representation of the lattice covering. Mrs. Boyer added, the less we see, the better.

There were no additional comments or questions.

MOTION:
To close the Public Hearing to consider the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by David and Robin Teh, 8 Kirby Road, to make renovations to their existing house.
By Mr. Hollinger, seconded by Mrs. Mills and passed 5-0.

Mrs. Boyer closed the Public Hearing at 8:05PM.

Due to technical difficulties there is no recording of these minutes.


REGULAR MEETING
Mrs. Boyer called the meeting to order at 8:06PM. She seated Alternate Krimsky for Ms. Gilchrist and Alternate Hollinger for Mr. Kerr.

West Indies, LLC /96 Calhoun Street /Extend Certificate of Appropriateness to build single family dwelling.
MOTION:
To approve the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by West Indies, LLC, 96 Calhoun Street, to extend an existing Certificate of Appropriateness to build a single family dwelling, previously approved on 4/16/12, according to the Proposed Site Plan drawing, revised 3/15/12, by Brian E. Neff, Licensed Engineer. This work is to be completed by April 16, 2014; or else this approval shall be void.
By Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Hollinger and passed 5-0.

Teh /8 Kirby Road /Renovations to existing house.
MOTION:
To approve the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by David and Robin Teh for renovations to their house at 8 Kirby Road on condition of approval by the Commission of,
1.) a manufacturer’s picture of the new triple track storm windows and,
2.) a drawing showing the location of the three air conditioning units, along with a rendering of the lattice work enclosure intended to protect the air conditioning units from public view. Lattice work is to match existing lattice on porch.
Members who attended the Public Hearing will review and approve or deny. This work is to be completed by April 16, 2014; or else this approval shall be void.
By Mr. Smith, seconded by Mrs. Mills and passed 5-0.


Other Business
Kassis /84 Green Hill Road /Replacement-in-kind repairs.
The Commission reviewed the request by Mr. Kassis to paint and make repairs to the floors and railings on his front and back porches. They approved these in-kind repairs.

Unlicensed or junked vehicles.
Mrs. Boyer will send a letter to Zoning regarding an abandoned vehicle.


Consideration of the minutes
MOTION:
To approve the 3/18/13 minutes as written.
By Mr. Hollinger, seconded by Mrs. Boyer and passed 5-0.

MOTION:
To adjourn. By Mr. Hollinger.

Mrs. Boyer adjourned the meeting at 9:00PM.

FILED SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha T. Shade, Clerk



Posted: March 26, 2013

March 18, 2013


MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Gilchrist, Mr. Kerr, Mr. Smith
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mrs. Boyer, Mrs. Mills
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Mr. Hollinger, Mrs. White
ALTERNATES ABSENT: Mr. Krimsky
STAFF PRESENT: Mrs. Shade
OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Wodtke

PUBLIC HEARING
Wodtke /81 Green Hill Road /Additions to garage and existing dwelling, replace windows.

Mr. Kerr opened the Public Hearing at 7:36PM to consider the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by Peter and Barbara Wodtke, 81 Green Hill Road, to create a writing studio above the existing garage, include an addition to the master bedroom, renovate existing interiors and replace existing windows. He read the legal notice which appeared in Voices on 3/10/13. He seated the members and seated Alternates Hollinger and White for Mrs. Boyer and Mrs. Mills. Mr. Wodtke was present.

It was noted that Crisp Architects met with the commission last month for the preliminary discussion. Mr. Wodtke said he would answer any remaining questions. Mrs. White asked if the height of the garage addition would be the same height as the main building. No, it will not. Mrs. White asked about windows and skylights on the garage addition. The members looked at the drawings and photos. It was noted that the skylights will be on the back of the garage. After a brief discussion, Mr. Wodtke stated that the proposed window on the street-side of the garage is not that important to them. He said they would be willing to keep the decorative fan shaped panel on the garage and forget about the proposed window. Mr. Wodtke told the members that most important to them will be approval to install new windows throughout the house.

Ms. Gilchrist asked Mr. Wodtke if he could assure the commission that the new windows being proposed will duplicate the existing windows in every way. Mr. Hollinger asked if some of the windows cannot be opened. Mr. Wodtke said that is true. Mrs. White asked the age of the house. Mr. Wodtke said the smaller addition is about 1770, the larger is about 1870. Mr. Hollinger noted the house has three different architectural eras.

Mr. Kerr said the windows could be an issue. He asked if the architect has decided on the new windows. He suggested that it might make more sense for the architect to tell the commission if the windows are going to be Marvin and then give us a Marvin brochure. Mr. Wodtke assured Mr. Kerr that they intend to duplicate exactly what is there today. Ms. Gilchrist said it sounds like there won’t be a problem. She will call the architect and ask him to fax the specifications for the windows from the Marvin catalog. Mr. Smith asked if the contractor will duplicate exactly or just come close. Ms. Gilchrist said the commission needs assurances, and has consistently asked for specific details, such as a manufacturer’s catalog. Mr. Wodtke stated the new windows will be exactly the same. They will be like custom-made. Mr. Wodtke asked what they could do to assure the commission about the new windows. Mr. Smith said they should submit pictures and documentation of the Marvin windows and also a sketch of each of the three types of windows. He also suggested detail #9 of the architects 10-point project description should be rewritten. Mr. Wodtke asked how much time they are likely to lose due to these changes. Mr. Kerr replied, none.

Mr. Kerr asked if there were any additional comments or questions. There were none.

MOTION:
To close the Public Hearing to consider the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by Peter and Barbara Wodtke, 81 Green Hill Road, for additions to garage and existing dwelling and replace windows.
By Mr. Hollinger, seconded by Mr. Kerr and passed 5-0.

Mr. Kerr closed the Public Hearing at 8:03PM.

This Public Hearing was recorded and is available in the Land Use Office, Bryan Memorial Town Hall, Washington Depot, Connecticut.


REGULAR MEETING

Mr. Kerr called the meeting to order at 8:04PM. He seated the members and Alternates Hollinger and White for Mrs. Boyer and Mrs. Mills.

Wodtke /81 Green Hill Road /Additions to garage and existing dwelling, replace windows.
Ms. Gilchrist said she spoke with Darren, at Crisp Architects and asked for a sketch of the eaves. He said they will match existing.

The existing decorative fan panel on the garage will stay, so detail #5 on the 10-point project description will need to be revised. Mr. Kerr noted that detail #9 will also need to be amended:

Detail #5.
The garage roof will be raised a distance of +-3ft to match the existing slope and level of the adjacent roof line. This will allow adequate floor space and ceiling height per code for a habitable space. This new finished space will be used for a writing studio. The addition of skylights and/or “roof windows” will provide daylight and ventilation for the space. The existing decorative fan panel will stay. The floor, walls and roof will be replaced with new construction for insulation as necessary. The roof slope and details will match the existing house.

Detail #9.
All existing windows will be replaced. The windows will be constructed of wood to the same dimensions as existing windows. Details of mullion profiles and casing and decorative trim are to match existing.

MOTION:
To approve the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by Peter and Barbara Wodtke, 81 Green Hill Road, to create a writing studio above the existing garage, include an addition to the master bedroom, renovate existing interiors and replace existing windows with exact matching windows. All work is to be done according to plans, drawings and the Project Description by Crisp Architects in which points #5 & #9 were amended per 3/18/13 minutes. This work is to be completed by March 18, 2014; or this approval shall be void.
By Mr. Hollinger, seconded by Mr. Kerr and passed 5-0.


Consideration of the Minutes
MOTION:
To approve the 2/11/13 minutes as written.
By Mr. Hollinger, seconded by Mr. Smith and passed 5-0.

MOTION:
To adjourn. By Mr. Kerr.

Mr. Kerr adjourned the meeting at 8:35PM.

FILED SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha T. Shade, Clerk



Posted: February 20, 2013

February 11, 2013


7:30PM, Selectmen’s Office

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Boyer, Mr. Smith
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Gilchrist, Mr. Kerr, Mrs. Mills
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Mr. Krimsky, Mr. Hollinger
ALTERNATES ABSENT: Mrs. White
STAFF PRESENT: Mrs. Shade

Mrs. Boyer called the meeting to order at 7:32PM.
She seated the members and seated Alternate Krimsky for Mrs. Mills and Alternate Hollinger for Mr. Kerr.

The members agreed to hear the preliminary discussion first so the people involved would not have a long wait.

MOTION:
To change the order of business on the agenda to hear the preliminary discussion on 81 Green Hill Road first; then continue in the order listed.
By Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Hollinger and passed 4-0.


81 Green Hill Road /Wodtke residence /Informal discussion with Crisp Architects.
Darren, an architect from Crisp Architects presented the project to the commission. Mr. Jim Crisp was also present.

Darren showed the members some existing condition photos of the Wodtke house. Also, photos of surrounding buildings in the neighborhood. He explained the change that will be most visible from the road is the garage. There is presently storage space above the garage and Mr. and Mrs. Wodtke would like a writing studio in that space. So the roof will need to be raised, at the most, three feet. Mr. Hollinger asked if there will be a dormer on the back of the garage. Darren replied there will not be a dormer; just sky-lights to allow more light into the studio.

In addition to the change in the garage, they would like to repair, or if necessary, replace all the windows. They leak cold air into the house and most cannot be opened. They would also like to replace the decorative fan shaped panel on the garage with a fan shaped window. Mr. Krimsky commented that area is very obvious from the road. Mr. Smith questioned turning a decorative panel into a sheet of glass. The shape doesn’t fit. Mr. Hollinger noted there are fan-like windows. Mrs. Boyer said the commission would need a very exact drawing of the window. She added, overall she likes the plans. The proportions of the garage are better. Mr. Crisp said they would research appropriate fan-like windows. Mr. Hollinger commented that replacement of the windows will be a topic for discussion.

Mrs. Boyer asked if there were any more questions or comments. There were none.


Consideration of the minutes
MOTION:
To approve the 12/17/12 minutes as written.
By Mr. Hollinger, seconded by Mr. Smith and passed 4-0.


The members briefly discussed researching historic properties that are not in one of the historic districts. Several houses in town would fall into that category. Mrs. Boyer asked the members to read the information from the State Statutes. To be discussed further.


MOTION:
To adjourn the meeting. By Mrs. Boyer.

Mrs. Boyer adjourned the meeting at 8:35PM.

FILED SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
Respectfully Submitted,
Martha T. Shade, Clerk



Meetings in 2012