Demolition Application for 135 Sullivan Avenue
Public Hearing Meeting Minutes
On Thursday, February 19, 2015, a public hearing was held in the Madden Room of South Windsor Town Hall, 1550 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT to consider imposing a Delay of Demolition on a structure located at 135 Sullivan Avenue.
The hearing was opened at 7:30 p.m.
Demolition Delay Committee (DDC) members in attendance were: Arthur Utay, chair; Viney Wilson; Wayne McKinney; and Water FitzPatrick.
The applicant, Environmental Services, Inc, was represented by Wayne Gerlt,, and Peter Demallie, Design Professionals.
Prior to commencement of presentations and comments, Attorney Gerlt demanded the recusal of Committee member FitzPatrick claiming he had a conflict of interest, based on comments made at the February 10, 2015 Planning and Zoning Committee meeting. The P&ZC meeting concerned development of property (which included 135 Sullivan) which Mr. Fitzpatrick had publically expressed an opinion. The DDC chair concluded that while there was no evidence Mr. Fitzpatrick’s P&ZC comments were coloring his objectivity, it nonetheless could cast a cloud over this public hearing, and Mr. FitzPatrick agreed to remove himself from the DDC. However, the Chair invited him to remain in the audience to observe and participate at his discretion.
Mr. Gerlt objected, stating that Mr. FitzPatrick was required to remove himself from the premises, as his presence would influence the remaining committee members. While this issue was being discussed, Mr. Fitzpatrick voluntarily removed himself from the room to allow the hearing to continue.
This hearing was triggered by a letter from the South Windsor Historic District Commission dated February 5, 2015, requesting a Delay of Demolition.
Peter Demallie stated the applicants did not believe the house at 135 Sullivan was a significant structure, as defined by the Demolition and Delay Ordinance, for two reasons. First, although the house’s age (75 years or older) brought it within the purview of the ordinance, it was not the house commonly believed by HDC to be the historic property in question. Secondly, the historical provenance of the existing structure had been lost through modifications and updates.
The earliest map of this area of South Windsor is the 1869 Baker and Tilden Altas. In the proximate location of 135 Sullivan, a house is identified as belonging to the O’Briens. Subsequent maps (1933 and later) show two distinct houses, 135 Sullivan and a second house that is identified as Obrien’s. Subsequent maps from the 1960’s show only one remaining house, identified by the applicant as 135 Sullivan. Mr. Patria, sitting in the audience, stated that he had lived next door for 72 years and remembers Albert Schweir, the owner of 135 Sullivan, being paid by his family to tear down the O’Brien house.
Mr. Demallie also presented information to refute the claim that 135 Sullivan was historically significant. The applicants retained the services of David Holmes, an architectural historian, to evaluate the property for this purpose. His report found little or minimal historical fabric remaining in the house. Similarly, an affidavit submitted by Environmental Services on behalf on Jonathon Fitzsimmons, their Health and Safety officer, stated that he found no historical materials in the building.
The applicant also toured the property with two members of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Mr. Todd Levine and Ms. Jenny Scofield. Mr. Demallie stated their opinion was that that the house had no remaining historical fabric. This perspective was echoed by Mr. Bob Urso and Mr. Stanley Nadolny, both of whom accompanied Mr. Demallie and the SHPO representatives on a tour of the house. When questioned by the DDC Chair if the SHPO had provided a written assessment of their inspection, Mr. Demallie responded in the negative.
Mr. Gary Pitcock spoke in support of delaying demolition. He pointed out the soon-to-be published third volume of the South Windsor Historical Survey considers this house significant due to its association with the Increase Clapp house (59 Sullivan Avenue) and tobacco farming in the region.
With public commentary concluded, the DDC temporarily adjourned the meeting to discuss the demolition application. Based on the facts presented, the DDC concluded not enough historical fabric and provenance existed to delay demolition.
The hearing was reconvened to announce the Committee’s decision.
The hearing was formally concluded at 8:26 p.m.
Submitted,
Art Utay
Chair, Demolition Delay Committee
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