Historic District Public and Regular Meeting Minutes

Meeting date: 
Monday, June 16, 2014

 

 

 

Washington Historic District

 

MINUTES

Public Hearing & Regular Meeting

June 16, 2014

 

7:30 PM                                    Upper Level Meeting Room                                   

MEMBERS PRESENT:      Jane Boyer, Tom Hollinger, George Krimsky, Alison Gilchrist

MEMBERS ABSENT:         Phyllis Mills

ALTERNATES PRESENT: Sally Woodroofe, Susan Averill

ALTERNATES ABSENT:    Louise Van Tartwijk

STAFF PRESENT:             Janice Roberti

ALSO PRESENT:              Rod Pleasants, Chris Charles     

PUBLIC HEARING

Brigitte Kleine and Robert Micheletto/110 Calhoun St. /rebuild existing stone wall, add gate/construct outdoor fireplace.

Ms. Boyer opened the Public Hearing at 7:35 PM to consider the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by Brigitte Kleine and Robert Micheletto to rebuild an existing stone wall, add a gate and construct an outdoor fireplace. Rod Pleasants of McGiver Morgan represented the owners Brigitte Kleine and Robert Micheletto. Mr. Pleasants provided the commissioners with plans and photos. Mr. Hollinger asked how far down the stone wall location will be. It will go as far down as Peter Klemm’s property.  Ms. Gilchrist inquired about the location of plantings and Mr. Pleasants said about 40% would be located on the road side. Mr. Hollinger asked if the new stone would match the existing stone. Mr. Pleasants replied that it will be a very good match. Ms. Gilchrist asked if the top of the stone wall would be rounded. Mr. Pleasants said it will be rounded.

Mr. Pleasants asked Ms. Gilchrist about a past concern she had regarding the stones that will be used in the refurbishment of the wall.  Ms. Gilchrist was concerned that the new stones would be too smooth and not match the existing stones. Mr. Pleasants stated that the stones would match the existing stones and stones used in/on other structures on the property.

Outdoor fireplace construction. This part of the application was added by the owners separately on 5/29/14. Mr. Krimsky commented that a 16’ fireplace was tall and asked if it was a wood burning fireplace. Mr. Pleasants replied yes, it is wood burning. The owners will not cook on it. They will use it for heating when they sit on their patio. Mr. Krimsky questioned the 16’ height and why this location was chosen. Mr. Pleasants explained that this location was the only place that wouldn’t block the view.  Ms. Gilchrist expressed a concern that the fireplace might detract from the historic look of the home and barn. Ms. Boyer then asked if there were any comments or questions. There were none.

MOTION:     To close the Public Hearing to consider the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by Brigitte Kleine and Robert Micheletto to rebuild the existing stone wall with a gate and to construct an outdoor fireplace.

Ms. Boyer closed the Public Hearing at 8:00 PM.

REGULAR MEETING

Ms. Boyer opened the Regular Meeting at 8:01 PM and seated alternate Susan Averill for Phyllis Mills.

Brigitte Kleine and Robert Micheletto/110 Calhoun St. /construction of an outdoor fireplace.

The Commission discussed the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for an outdoor fireplace by Robert Micheletto and Brigitte Kleine, 110 Calhoun Street. When asked for comments from the commission, the following questions and comments were verbalized:

Ms. Gilchrist - The fireplace is industrial looking. Concerned it will not fit in with the Historic District style. She does not object to its construction and does not think it will set a precedent for a rash of future outdoor fireplace construction.

Mr. Hollinger - The structure is too tall. He asked Mr. Pleasants if the owners would consider building a more historic style fireplace. He referenced beehive style fireplaces. He expressed concern regarding a possible proliferation of non-historic style, non-functional outdoor fireplaces.

Ms. Averill - She does not have a problem with size or style.

Mr. Krimsky - He concurs with Mr. Hollinger with concerns that 16’ is too tall. He asked Mr. Pleasants if it could be lower in size.

MOTION:     To approve the Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by Brigitte Kleine and Robert Michelleto, 110 Calhoun Street for the construction of an outdoor fireplace.  By Mr. Hollinger, seconded by Ms. Gilchrist and passed 5-0.

Pending Business

Terry and Kelley Pillow/132 Calhoun St. /Construct new home, pool house and barn.

Rod Pleasants of Mcgiver Morgan represented the owners Terry and Kelley Pillow. The first topic that was discussed was the 6/12/14 site walk on the property. Ms. Boyer commented that without any trees, the entire house would be visible from Calhoun Street. Mr. Krimsky concurred and mentioned that even with trees the house could be visible in the winter without tree leaves. Mr. Pleasants explained that the property was deed restricted meaning that twelve (12) trees would have to be in place and remain. The trees would block any view of the house from the road. Next, Ms. Gilchrist stated that the commissioners would like to be updated on the revisions and the information requested at the 4/21/14 meeting (the stones to be used for the house facing, the lighting fixtures, pool fencing material).Mr. Pleasants explained that the Town of Washington’s regulations will not allow an accessory house to be built before the primary residence. Mr. Pleasants also stated that the owners may not build the studio building due to driveway access problems which Mr. Pleasants explained. He displayed revised plans and went over them with the commissioners. He also brought a stone sample which he indicated was the stone type decided on by the owners.  Ms. Boyer asked if the stones will be local stones. Mr. Pleasants replied that they would be local stones.George Krimsky and Tom Hollinger inquired about possibly breaking up the clapboarding with stone to give the home more of a cottage style.Mr. Pleasants noted the commissioners comments and indicated that he will speak to the owners. Ms. Gilchrist asked about the window styles and size being concerned that the large windows might emit a large amount of light at night. Mr. Pleasants explained that the owners will be installing draperies on all the windows. He too commented on the very large size of the windows and in his professional opinion would like to see them smaller. Ms. Gilchrist also asked if the amount of doors on the home could be decreased to help with the amount of light being emitted. A discussion followed. Mr. Krimsky and Mr. Hollinger inquired about possibly lowering the roof line over the master bedroom and sitting area stating that if this was accomplished, there would be no concern with the large of amount of clapboard being used and with the introduction of so much stone. Mr. Pleasants explained that this area needed the full 1200 square feet allotted due to furniture, bathroom and closet footage requirements. He said that he could “step down” the roof line which could be accomplished without sacrifice to the bedroom and sitting area footage. This revision would also make that area more aesthetically pleasing. Ms. Averill asked if outdoor light fixtures were chosen yet. Mr. Pleasants said no final decision had been made but they were leaning toward lantern style fixtures in a bronze or black finish. Mr. Krimsky asked Mr. Pleasants what the next step was relating to the town’s requirements regarding primary/accessory home building. Mr. Pleasants stated that he has to appear before the Zoning Board.  Mr. Pleasants noted the commissioners’ questions and concerns and will address these and provide answers for the next Historic District Meeting on 7/21/14.

MOTION:   To continue the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by Terry and Kelley Pillow, 132 Calhoun Street for the construction of a new home, pool house and barn. By Mr.Hollinger, seconded by George Krimsky and passed 5 to 0.

Subsequent Business Not on the Agenda

Chris Charles, conservationist, was present at the meeting. He asked the commission what the procedure was for determining whether a plot of land was located in the Historic District. Mr. Charles researched a few maps that he found but the maps were conflicting. He then decided to seek guidance from the Commission. Mr. Hollinger asked what size the lot was and Mr. Charles said approximately 1/4 acre. It is located in the northwest corner of the Strawman, LLC land on Beebrook Road. Mr. Charles will converse with the Washington Land Use Administrator Janet Hill.

Pending Business

A.  Formation of a committee within the Commission to review and update its rules and regulations. Jane Boyer appointed Tom Hollinger, George Krimsky, Alison Gilchrist and Louise Van Tartwijk. The time frame allotted for this review would be one year. Ms. Boyer asked the Town of Washington staff member Jan Roberti to research the state agency that would be approving the final revisions. Ms. Roberti will provide the information at the next meeting.

B.  Site walk, 110 Calhoun Street, Thursday, June 12, 2014. Members participating were Jane Boyer, Tom Hollinger, Sally Woodroofe, Susan Averill and Louise Van Tartwijk. The inspection took place from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

MOTION:   To adjourn the meeting. By Ms. Gilchrist, seconded by Mr.Hollinger.

Ms. Boyer adjourned the meeting at 9:45 PM.                     

FILED SUBJECT TO APPROVAL

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Janice P. Roberti, Clerk