MIDDLE HADDAM HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, May 28, 2009 @ 6:30 pm
Location: Eaton Smith Meeting Room – East Hampton
Minutes
- Call to Order – Chairman Royster called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm.
- Roll Call / Seating of Alternates – Roll call was taken. Present was Commissioners Doug Mackeown, Richard Walsh, James Royster, George Coshow, and Gina Ritchie. Not present were Commissioners David Kneeland, Ray Krupa, and Chris Dart. Gina Ritchie and George Coshow were seated for David Kneeland and Ray Krupa.
- Public remarks - Items Not on Agenda – None.
- Public Hearings:
a) App. #424-Filed by Ronald W./ McCutcheon & estate of Curtiss S. Johnson, Jr.,
77 Middle Haddam Rd. Seeking a COA to repair Post Office loading dock and posts.
There was no one to speak on behalf of this application. Nannette Woodcock, 1 Knowles Landing Road, stated it was unfair of the applicant to put the commission in this position. The applicant could have put something more attractive as a replacement. The applicant needed to go through proper procedures. There were no other public comments. The commission discussed the application.
Commissioner Mackeown moved that the application be denied because the cement stairs are not appropriate. The posts are not appropriate too. Architecturally they don’t match the structure and the posts aren’t appropriate because of the size and they are visible from the road. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gina Ritchie. The motion was discussed. Motion Failed 1-4-0
Chairman Royster moved that Application #424 be approved as submitted and proposed that the commission suggest that they make the posts less conspicuous. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Coshow. Motion Carried 3-2-0
Commissioners Royster, Coshow and Walsh were in favor and Commissioners Ritchie and Mackeown were against the motion.
b) App. #425-Filed by Paul and Anne Rapo. 50 Middle Haddam Rd. Seeking a COA to replace storm windows. Mr. Rapo believes that this application will be an improvement. There were no public comments.
Commissioners Coshow moved to accept this application and it was seconded by Chairman Royster. Motion Carried 5-0-0
c) App. # 426.-Filed by Michael and Wendy Zimmerman. 34 High Point Drive. Seeking a COA to remove existing deck and construct a new sunroom. Mr. Zimmerman added a photo to the application. There were no public comments. Commission Walsh moved to accept Application #426 and it was seconded by Chairman Royster. Motion Carried 5-0-0
5. Approval of minutes & motions
c. April 23, 2009 Regular meeting minutes & motions – The April 23, 2009 minutes were accepted with corrections presented by Commissioner Mackeown.
6. Correspondence - There was a letter sent to George Fellner regarding Application #420. A letter was received from George Selmont regarding his action plan.
d. other – The commission discussed signs. Commissioner Mackeown moved to have the town come before the commission for signage. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Coshow. The motion was discussed further and Commissioner Mackeown and Coshow withdrew their motions.
7. Reports
e. Expenditures – Rivereast and Middletown Press monthly expenditures.
f. Historic District boundary description update – Commissioner Mackeown presented the findings. There are three areas of concern. It is their recommendation that the document go to the Town Manager and then onward to the Town Attorney. Chairman Royster moved the report dated May 26, 2009 prepared by Commissioners Walsh and Mackeown by transmitted to the town manager with the request that it be sent on to the Town Council for a review and recommendations. There was discussion on the motion. Motion Carried 5-0-0
g. Other - None
8. New business:
h. Other- Commissioner Coshow had questions on a taxpayer, Mrs. Danzinger, who came before the commission and whether or not application money was received.
Mary Jo Schaffer, 111 Middle Haddam Road, asked questions of the commission for future projects that she is considering. The commission directed her to obtain the handbook from online that would answer a lot of her questions.
9. Unfinished business:
i. 35 Middle Haddam Rd. (Michelle Baz, Shawn France) – A letter was sent by Jim Carey to Michelle Baz and Shawn France. There has been nothing further reported from Mr. Carey since the letter was sent.
10. Public remarks – Nannette Woodcock, 1 Knowles Landing Road – Nannette asked the commission to check with Jim Carey about zoning issues with 35 Middle Haddam Road.
11. Adjournment – Commissioner Coshow moved to adjourn at 7:50 pm and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Mackeown. Motion Carried 5-0-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Patricia Kratochvil
Recording Secretary
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