HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: March 1, 2010
The regular meeting of the Historic District Commission of East Hartford, Connecticut was called to order at 7:08 p.m. in the Building Department Conference Room at Town Hall by Chair David Holmes. On a roll call by Secretary Robert Pasek:
PRESENT: Chair David Holmes, Vice-Chair Steven Hudak, Travis Simpson, Gloria Visgilio-Lupi, Alternate Jeffrey Cummings and Secretary Robert Pasek.
ABSENT: Alternate Catherine Condio and Alternate Michelina Lauzier.
ALSO PRESENT: Liaison Mary G. Martin, Municipal Historian Raymond Johnson, and Mayor Melody A. Currey (at approximately 7:18pm)
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
MOTION by Ms. Visgilio-Lupi to accept the February 1, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes; seconded by Mr. Simpson. Vote was unanimous and uncontested.
COMMUNICATIONS: Those items listed on the agenda were presented. In addition:
1. Invitation from CT Trust for Historic Preservation to attend the Annual Meeting and Connecticut Preservation Awards Presentation – April 7, 2010, at the State Capitol Building, Hartford, Room 310.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS/RESIDENTS TO SPEAK: None
OLD BUSINESS:
DESIGN GUIDELINES SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE: The committee has not met yet.
MOTION by Mr. Simpson to move item 6B on the agenda (“WIC Building”) to the end of the meeting; seconded by Mr. Pasek. Vote was unanimous and uncontested.
NEW BUSINESS:
PAYMENTS: 1. Clerk – M. Enman ($75)
MOTION by Mr. Simpson to pay the above listed expense; seconded by Mr. Pasek. Vote was unanimous and uncontested.
OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: Mr. Simpson asked Ms. Martin about replacing the District sign at the southern boundary. She said that the Public Works Department has not provided her with any details yet. She will inquire about its status.
Chair Holmes inquired about the barn that is in foreclosure at 213 Naubuc Avenue. Mr. Simpson has not been able to do any research on the building at this time, but will do so in the near future.
752 MAIN STREET (“WIC BUILDING”): Chair Holmes sent a letter to the Mayor on behalf of the Commission requesting that the former WIC Building not be demolished. A tour of the building for Commission members took place last week. Ms. Martin explained to the Commission that the building had shared heat and water/sewer systems with the recently demolished building that occupied the space next door. The heat is disconnected at this time and the building will be undergoing a hazmat remediation.
Mayor Currey entered the meeting at this time and answered questions from Commissioners. Chair Holmes stated that the building does not only have historic significance, but it meets architectural preservation guidelines set forth for other redevelopment sites. Members made suggestions on possible uses of the building (day care, book store, restaurant, Town Hall offices) and inquired if all possibilities had been explored to find someone other than the Town to rehabilitate the property.
Mayor Currey is willing to do more advertising for the sale of the building and speak with the Main Street Development Site #2 developer, First Merchants, to see if they would have any interest in moving the building to their site at the corner of Governor and Main Street. After this discussion the Mayor had to return to the annual budget workshop which was being conducted concurrently in the Council Chambers.
Chair Holmes will contact the Town’s Purchasing Agent to see how long the current quote for demolition is valid. Other members expressed an interest in exploring the possibility of “mothballing” the building until future funding or a better real estate market existed.
MOTION by Mr. Simpson to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Pasek. Vote was unanimous and uncontested.
Respectfully Submitted,
__________________________
Michelle A. Enman, Clerk
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