Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
Monday, January 8, 2018
Place |
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Memorial Town Hall, 52 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT |
Present |
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REGULAR: John Pfeiffer (Chairman), John Forbis (Vice Chairman), ALTERNATE: Cynthia Taylor, Jeff Cooley |
Absent |
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Dini Mallory, Barbara Traskos |
Guests |
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Kevin Counter, Dave Vitali |
Agenda |
9:00 |
Call to order, Quorum call, Approval of minutes, Communications |
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9:05 |
Public Open Forum |
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9:15 |
Plaque Program Update |
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9:30 |
38 Lyme Street – remodeling plans |
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10:00 |
Secretary’s Report - Budget, Active CofAs |
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10:15 |
Any other new or old business to come before the Commission (HD signage regulations) |
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10:30 |
Adjournment |
A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order at 9:05 a.m. by Chairman John Pfeiffer who authorized Jeff Cooley and Cynthia Taylor to vote.
John Forbis moved, seconded by Jeff Cooley, to approve the November and December minutes as presented. All present voted in favor, motion passed.
1. Communications: John Pfeiffer, as chairman of the HDC, received a letter from David Griswold in response to Rev. Jungkeit’s letter about the signs. The letter was read into the minutes:
David H.W. Griswold
3 Chadwick Drive
Old Lyme, Connecticut 06371
January 5, 2018
Mr. John Pfeiffer
Chairman, Historic District Commission
52 Lyme Street
Old Lyme, Connecticut 06371
Dear Chairman Pfeiffer:
First, I want to thank the Historic District Commission for helping to preserve the historic nature of our town by requesting the removal of the signs from the Old Lyme Congregational Church. As I said at your meeting, I have no problem with the welcoming message, but the way the signs were displayed. It would establish a bad precedence. Perhaps the Congregational Church should look at St. Ann’s church which has very appropriate signage.
In answer to Reverend Jungkeit’s letter to the Commission, the Reverend makes note of commercial signs on Main Street, flags on Main Street, and the architecture on Main Street. He states that these signs represent commercialism, nationalism, and wealth, implying that can be construed as unwelcoming. That’s quite a stretch.
I would politely suggest if Reverend Jungkeit finds the aforementioned to be so offensive, he should consider relocation. This town can continue to be welcoming and still maintain the beauty charm, and respect for past generations that the Historic District Commission strives to maintain.
Sincerely,
David H. W. Griswold
cc: Reverend Steven Jungkeit, Senior Minister, First Congregational Church
Mr. David Long, Chairman, Board of Trustees, First Congregational Church
Ms. Bonnie Reemsnyder, First Selectwoman
2. Public Open Forum: no participation
3. Plaque Program Update: Martha Hansen
209 Mile Creek Road: Research is continuing. Martha did some research on taverns in colonial times and found that they took many forms and it was very common for rural families to open their homes as taverns.
32 Lyme Street: Cynthia Taylor has been working on the research. Her house was moved to its location after it was built. She has the name of the original builder, but is having problems filling in the ownership in the 1800s because there are many Waits in the property records.
5 Bailey Road: Alexandra Escher is interested in a historic plaque for her home, believed to have been built by Captain Cunningham ca 1820. Martha Hansen will work with her on the project.
26 Sill Lane: Caroline Ronchini has requested historical information about her home. Martha Hansen will contact her.
4. 38 Lyme Street – renovation plans. Kevin Counter and Dave Vitali
Dave Vitali has purchased the house and is renovating it. The plans have not been completed, but any changes made to the outside of the building will come before the HDC for consideration.
5. Secretary’s Report:
The budget request has been submitted to the Finance Department.
Active (Open) CofAs:
- 55 Lyme Street, screening fence for propane tank and AC unit, September 2018.
- The Lyme Art Association has two projects in process – parking lot lighting and new cedar shingles for the building, September 2018.
- Regional School District 18, new signs for High School and Center School, November 2018
6. Any Other New or Old Business:
HD signage regulations were discussed briefly. The HDC is guided by town zoning regulations regarding signage, and also by Historic District regulations which are set by the federal government. The HDC does not have the authority to change regulations.
The HDC has openings for two members. If you are interested please contact the Selectman’s Office at town hall.
7. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Hansen
Secretary
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