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Historic District Commission Minutes
Church Corner Workshop
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Place: |
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Memorial Town Hall, 52 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT |
Present: |
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Kenneth Levin (Cochairman, Regular), Jim Bechtel (Cochairman, Regular), Barbara Traskos (Regular), Tom Keogh (Regular), Nina Peck (Regular), Joanne DiCamillo (Alternate), Elizabeth Chamberlain (Alternate) |
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Absent: |
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John Forbis (Alternate), |
Agenda: |
2:00 |
Brad Schide, Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation |
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Public Comments |
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Adjournment |
The following members of the Church Corner Committee attended the workshop: Sarah McCracken, Janet Sturges, Tim Griswold, Stanford Brainerd, David Rahr and Celine Sullivan. Joanne DiCamillo and Ken Levin are the HDC’s representatives on the Church Corner Committee. Ted Crosby was absent.
The workshop began at 2:00 P.M.
Ken Levin introduced Brad Schide from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation who supplied background information:
- The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation provides advice and information but does not have regulatory authority. Historic District Commissions are governed by state statute and do not have jurisdiction over roadways. HDCs may express opinions and make suggestions but do not have the authority to issue Certificates of Appropriateness for road repairs and improvements.
- In answer to a question concerning bump-outs, Mr. Schide did not know of any specific cases where bump-outs were avoided in a Historic District. He added that while Lyme Street is in a Historic District, it has not been designated as a “Historic Roadway” or “Scenic Highway.”
Comments from the HDC and Church Corner Committee members:
- The Church Corner Committee was formed four years ago to review the final phase of the Lyme Street Improvement Project. The Committee consists of two representatives each from: Christ the King Church, First Congregational Church, Historic District Commission and neighboring residents. In addition, the First Selectman is also a member.
- In February, 2008, the HDC reviewed and recommended changes to the plan submitted by the Church Corner Committee.
- During peak times at the Church Corner (usually on Saturdays when the Soup Kitchen is open and Sunday mornings during services), fire trucks and ambulances cannot negotiate the corner. There are too many cars parked on each side of the road and on the South Green. If the parking is better defined and also prohibited on the South Green, the corner will be safer for everyone. The STEAP Grant of $425,000, awarded to Old Lyme in April, 2008, will pay for most of the project. Work is planned to begin during the summer of 2009 (after the White Elephant Sale).
- The present plan is the simplest design that maintains public safety while, at the same time, provides adequate parking.
Comments from the floor:
- It was asked if, because of the existence of the Historic District, the road might qualify as a “Historic Roadway.” Mr. Schide replied that the street would require a special designation in order to qualify. There was a concern voiced that if parking is too well defined, the area will resemble a parking lot. However, it was noted that parking spaces will not be individually marked - there will be only one straight white painted line to match the rest of Lyme Street.
The workshop ended at 3:07 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Hansen
Recording Secretary
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