Middle Haddam Historical District Commission
Regular Meeting
March 26, 2009
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
East Hampton, CT
Unapproved Minutes
1. Call to order: Chair James Royster called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Roll Call/Seating of Alternates: Commissioners present were Chair James Royster, Vice Chair Douglas Mackeown, Clerk Richard Walsh, Christopher Dart, George Coshow, David Kneeland, Gina Ritchie and Christopher Dart. Alternate Christopher Dart was seated for the meeting. Commissioner Ray Krupa was absent.
3. Public Remarks – Items Not on Agenda - None.
4. Public Hearings:
a) COA App. #420, 18 Shipyard Road – Application filed by Edward Doherty seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to construct a new 240 square foot lounge/conservatory.
George Felner, AIA, Felner Associates Architects, presented on behalf of Edward Doherty. Mr. Felner outlined the details of the proposed 240 square foot addition to the Doherty home. A semi-octagonal area to be enclosed with glass. Stone will be used on the base of the addition, matching the home. The roof proposed is to be of a DaVinci Synthetic Slate, an engineered polymer, and a product 1/3 as light as stone. Copper will cover edges, to match house.
Commissioners discussed the roof pitch, seams, color and layout of shingles, and were concerned that the synthetic slate would not match the house.
After discussions, Chair Royster moved to grant COA Application #420 submitted by Edward Doherty, with the stipulation that real slate, matching existing slate of building be used and configured in the same manner as the existing, in lieu of synthetic slate material proposed.
After discussion, motion was amended to further stipulate that the multiple ridge caps be either copper or slate; and that gutters and leaders of the conservatory shall be identical material as existing material.
Amendment was seconded by Commissioner Kneeland. No discussion. Motion carried 5-0.
The motion, as amended, was seconded by Vice Chair Mackeown. Motion carried 5-0.
COA#421 – 3 Knowles Road – Application on behalf of the Middle Haddam Public Library seeking a COA to construct a new exterior egress staircase to the north elevation and replace existing cedar shingle with laminated asphalt composition shingles.
At 7:18 p.m. Vice Chair Mackeown recused himself and left the room. Ms. Ritchie was seated for this application by Chair Royster.
The MHHDC received a letter this afternoon from Dr. Margaret McCutcheon Faber, dated 3-26-09 opposing this application. Clerk Walsh read the letter for the record.
Mark Aldieri, AIA, presented on behalf of the Middle Haddam Library. Mr. Aldieri advised the Commission the insurance carrier for the applicant has determined that in order to utilize the second floor, the second floor needs a second means of egress. It was mentioned that the egress must be an enclosed set of stairs, exiting to the outside of the building, separate from the inside of the building, and fire escapes do not meet the Code.
Mr. Aldieri explained plans shown and discussion ensued. The shingles on the present structure are twenty (20) years old and are deteriorated (sample shown). Since wood (cedar) shingles are only guaranteed for twenty (20) years, architectural asphalt shingles are proposed. The chimney and four windows are to be removed to construct a fire wall between the building and the proposed staircase. Commissioner Walsh noted that the building will lose light and ventilation with the removal. A gas-fired direct vent for heat will be installed after elimination of the chimney. The propane tank is to be buried. Eight scenarios had been considered and all-tolled, this one was supported by the Board. Commissioners had concerns regarding appropriateness of the stairway structure. Commissioner Dart believes this is the best possible solution to the Library’s predicament. Chair Royster stated he could approve with this roofing, but would like to see a fully enclosed staircase, with
windows, and that would reflect the gambrel roof structure of the original structure.
After discussions, Chair Royster moved to disapprove application #421 – 3 Knowles Road, Application of the Middle Haddam Public Library for proposed permanent egress staircase as it is incongruous with the historic architectural aspects of the building and the district as a whole.
After short discussion, motion seconded by Commissioner Walsh. Vote: Yes (3): Royster, Walsh, Ritchie; No (2): Dart, Kneeland. Motion carried.
Commissioner Ritchie was unseated; Vice Chair Mackeown returned and was reseated.
5. Approval of Minutes and Motions
a. January 20, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes and Motions
b. January 20, 2009 Annual Meeting Minutes and Motions
With the correction of the spelling of Vice Chair Mackeown’s name, the minutes of the January 20, 2009 Regular Meeting and the January 20, 2009 Annual Meeting were approved.
6. Correspondence
a. Other: Will be discussed under 9h.
7. Reports
a. Expenditures – Vice Chair Mackeown was reimbursed for $232 spent at Staples for supplies.
b Assessor’s Office Property Listing and GIS Update – Vice Chair Mackeown stated that work continues on the official District map (approximately one week to completion).
c. Other - Commissioner Coshow stated he has the missing MHHD sign.
8. New Business
Tracey Danzinger was present to discuss the placement of a small (15’ x 20’) Carefree premade shed on her property on Shipyard Road. The Shed is to be located to the right of the garage, 50’ from the neighbor behind. Trees are to be removed, gravel will be put down for a base, septic is in front and well is in the back of the garage. This structure will not be seen from the road.
Chair Royster stated, after discussion and Commissioners in agreement, that since this shed will not be seen from any public way, he is authorized to send a letter to the Danzingers stating that the shed is not subject to approval.
9. Unfinished Business
a. 2007-08 COA Material to Building Department.
Done in December (put on agenda in error)
b. 28 Middle Haddam Road (Dzagan)
Chair Royster stated that he understands Building and Zoning has been in touch will the property owner (regarding commercial construction equipment parking) and they will cooperate.
c. 77 Middle Haddam Road (Post Office)
Concrete steps to the rear were replaced and protective rails were installed (photos shown) while the McCutcheon’s were on vacation. The MHHDC received a letter from Ron McCutcheon , dated 3-19-09 regarding the “emergency repairs” done to the loading dock made by the USPS.
After a short discussion, Vice Chair Mackeown made a motion that the repair of these steps need an application for COA; seconded by Chair Royster. Vote: Yes (4): Royster, Mackeown, Kneeland, Dart; No (1): Walsh.
10. Public Remarks
Alternate Coshow commented regarding (Library) aesthetically correct appearance.
Commissioner Walsh felt the Board (Library) was constrained by budget and the architect’s design was not the best design for the structure.
Vice Chair Mackeown stated the District has a new member at 63 Keighley Pond Road, Scott Robinson. A welcome is extended.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business before the Commission, Chair Royster made a motion to adjourn at 8:37 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Walsh.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Acting Recording Clerk
Attachments are made part of this record and are available at Town Hall.
| 
