Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
Monday, April 3, 2006
Place: |
Memorial Town Hall, 52 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT
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Present: |
Jim Bechtel (Cochairman, Regular), Kenneth Levin (Cochairman, Regular), Barbara Traskos (Regular), Elizabeth Chamberlain (Alternate), Joanne DiCamillo (Alternate), John Forbis (Alternate)
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Absent: |
Nina Peck (Regular), Tom Keogh (Regular)
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Agenda: |
1. Old Lyme Historic District – Public open forum 2. 52 Lyme Street/Town Hall – Tim Griswold: Expansion plans 3. 10 Lyme Street – Diane Delena: CofA application for new sign 4. The Historic District – Ken Levin: Plaque program 5. The Historic District – Jim Bechtel: New initiatives 6. The Historic District – Ken Levin, Tom Keogh: Possible expansion of the District 7. Business news – Betty Chamberlain 8. Secretary’s report – Anna Silberberg 9. Any other new or old business to come before the Commission 10. Adjournment 11. 80-1 Lyme Street – Tour of Gil Boro’s sculpture studio |
The meeting was called to order at 9.15 A.M. by Cochairman Jim Bechtel.
A motion was made by Joanne DiCamillo, seconded by Betty Chamberlain and voted unanimously to approve the minutes of March 6, 2006.
1. Old Lyme Historic District – Public open forum
No public participation.
2. 52 Lyme Street/Town Hall – Tim Griswold: Expansion plans
First Selectman Tim Griswold reviewed progress on renovation and expansion plans for the Town Hall. The existing building has office space limitations and code violations including fire safety and handicap access. It is not possible to expand the building to the rear (parking area) or to the north; however, it appears possible to construct an addition to the south façade (might require the purchase of the adjoining Speirs property). An elevator could be added in the rear with access to all levels. The Town is considering a purchase option on the Speirs property to allow time for further analysis.
Action: Keep the Commission informed on progress (Jim Bechtel).
3. 10 Lyme Street – Diane Delena: CofA application for new sign
A CofA application for a new sign was approved at the March 6, 2006 meeting and forwarded to Diane Delena (tenant) with the requirement that the colors be changed. A letter was also sent to Warren Hannas (landlord) suggesting standardization of sign colors on all future signs at 10 Lyme Street. There has been no response from Ms. Delena or Mr. Hannas.
Action: Continue efforts to contact Ms. Delena and Mr. Hannas (Anna Silberberg).
4. The Historic District – Ken Levin: Plaque program
Ken Levin presented preliminary research including date of construction, name of original owner and style of each building in the Historic District. There has also been an initial contact with the town historian, John Pfeiffer, to assist in the plaque program (establishing authentic dates of construction and names of original owners).
The Commission agreed that it would be desirable to have plaques listing only the original owner’s name and construction date and to cost less than one hundred dollars (cost to be paid by the present owner). Each plaque purchaser would also receive a brief history of the house/building.
Action: Continue research and attempt to coordinate with John Pffeifer (Ken Levin).
5. The Historic District – Jim Bechtel: New Initiatives
The Commission agreed to recommend that the Town of Old Lyme apply to the National Park Service to become a Certified Local Government (CLG) making the Town eligible for grants and other benefits related to historic districts.
Action: Submit required information to First Selectman Tim Griswold (Anna Silberberg).
6. The Historic District – Ken Levin, Tom Keogh: Possible expansion of the District
John Forbis presented drafts he had written describing the “Special Characteristics” of Old Lyme. The discussion will be continued at the May meeting.
Action: Review for the May meeting (all Commission members).
7. Business News – Betty Chamberlain
As the state program, Circuit Riders, is available to all Connecticut Historic District Commissions, Jim Bechtel suggested inviting a Circuit Rider representative to a HDC meeting to discuss the possible expansion of the OLHD.
Action: Contact Circuit Rider representative (Jim Bechtel).
8. Secretary’s report – Anna Silberberg
Anna Silberberg will prepare a follow-up form for CofA applications (to be reviewed at the May meeting). Also, Anna will check with Nina Peck’s office about outputting a mylar of the HD map for filing with the Town’s Land Use office.
9. Any other new or old business to come before the Commission
a. 23 Lyme Street/Cooley Gallery – Jim Bechtel: Renovations plans
Jeff Cooley wants to repair the gallery’s front steps and porch as well as the stone walkway in the front of the building. As no plans were presented, this matter will be discussed in more detail at the May meeting.
Action: Contact Jeff Cooley (Jim Bechtel).
10. Adjournment
Barbara Traskos made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11.20 A.M. The motion was seconded by Ken Levin and passed unanimously.
11. 80-1 Lyme Street – Tour of sculpture studio
The Commission visited Gil Boro’s sculpture studio.
Respectfully submitted,
Anna Silberberg
Recording Secretary
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