06/03/2021 Historic District Commission Minutes

Subject to Approval
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
TOWN OF SIMSBURY, CONNECTICUT
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021 AT 7:00 P.M.
Zoom Meeting/Simsbury Community Television Live Stream

I. CALL TO ORDER

The regular Meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order at 7:01 P.M. via Zoom Meeting/Simsbury Community Television Live Stream. Also in attendance was Laura Barkowski, Code Compliance Officer; and other interested parties.

II. ROLL CALL

Commission members present were Heather Goetz (Acting Chair), Patty Hyyppa, Chad Alfeld, Scott Wilson and Mark Nyquist.

1. Appointment of Alternates
Mr. Nyquist appointed as an alternate for the meeting.

III. APPLICATIONS
1. Public Hearing
a) Application #21-01 of CRS Landscape & Excavation, Applicant; Marshall Epstein, Owner for a Certificate of Appropriateness to stabilize and install a gravel drive parking area including berm and landscaping per plans provided at 25 East Weatogue Street, Zone R-40.

Ms. Goetz read the application aloud and invited the applicant to speak.

Terri Tracey Donohue, Attorney, representing Rosedale Farms, introduced himself. He also introduced Marshall Epstein, Proprietor, Operator and Farmer of Rosedale Farms. Mr. Donohue presented the following supplemental information:
• Parking area shall be as shown and of gravel/ screened millings to be 6-8 inches in depth
• Parking area shall have all spaces marked with standard marking paint, and town staff will be asked to advise as to the location of required ADA compliant spaces
• The berm will be created from the excavation of the 30 by 100 square foot area where the barn formerly stood and have a height of 3’6”. The berm screen will be completed with the planting of 18 5 to 6 foot green giant arborvitaes. After planting the berm will be mulched.
• The work will be done in fair weather within the month of June 2021.
• There is no off site work.
The Commission was polled for questions. Ms. Goetz requested clarification on the fence that was mentioned. Mr. Donohue indicated the only fencing being proposed is the temporary silt fencing during construction. Ms. Hyyppa indicated her support for the project. Ms. Goetz also discussed that the planting proposed are not within the Commission’s jurisdiction. Mr. Alford expressed support. Upon no comments or question from the public the public hearing was closed.

MOTION: Ms. Goetz made a motion to approve Application #21-01 of CRS Landscape & Excavation, Applicant; Marshall Epstein, Owner for a Certificate of Appropriateness to stabilize and install a gravel drive parking area including berm and landscaping as presented at 25 East Weatogue Street, Zone R-40. Ms.. Hyyppa seconded and motion passed unanimously.

At this time Ms. Goetz recused herself. The Commission voted to appoint Ms. Hyyppa to act as chair on the application #21-02 and it passed unanimously.

b) Application #21-02 of Charles Goetz, Applicant/Owner for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a 60’x120’ post tension concrete tennis court with vinyl fencing at 72 East Weatogue Street), Zone R-40.

Ms. Hyyppa read the application aloud and opened the public hearing.

Mr. Alford inquired about the materials being presented for this application and inquired if the applicant would consider materials other than vinyl for the fencing.

Mr. Goetz explained the different materials used in construction of tennis courts and reasons for deciding upon a post tension concrete court. Mr. Goetz further discussed the aesthetic that was desired and why he opted to for the lattice work. The proposed location was mentioned and that it isn’t currently compliant with zoning regulations. Mr. Goetz indicated the tennis court would be moved farther back from the road to be zoning compliant.

Mr. Goetz further explained the sweep of the fence. Mr. Hyyppa inquired if they would consider the hedges like portrayed in the application materials provided. Mr. Goetz indicated that they could do that with a chain link fence however until the hedges grew in the fence would be visible and it would not be that visually appealing.

Mr. Nyquist inquired about the scale of the proposed lattice work on the fence sample provided. It was clarified that the lattice work would be tighter. Mr. Nyquist further inquired if the historic district currently had a tennis court. It does not.

Mr. Alford discussed that vinyl will reflect light and would like to applicant to explore different material options such as composite or wood.

Mr. Goetz suggested that they could separate the tennis court and fencing separately. Mr. Alford discussed a different location of a tennis court in town that has a split rail fence with mesh.

Mr. Nyquist indicated he does not like the option of splitting up the application for the court and fencing options. He further noted that this location is very visible from the road. Mr. Alford expressed that an online search brought up historical tennis court options. Mr. Wilson expressed he is in favor the white lattice vinyl fence option. Ms. Hyyppa suggested that the Commission table this item until we have more information.

MOTION made by Mr. Alford to table Application #21-02 of Charles Goetz, Applicant/Owner for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a 60’x120’ post tension concrete tennis court with vinyl fencing at 72 East Weatogue Street to next regular meeting. Seconded by Mr. Hyyppa motion passed unanimously.

At this time Ms. Goetz rejoined the meeting as Acting Chair.
c. Application #21-04 of Ronald & Stacey Mairano Applicant/Owner for a Certificate of Appropriateness construct a single family residence with accessory structures per plans provided at 36 East Weatogue Street, Zone R-40.

Ms. Goetz read the application and opened the public hearing and invited the applicant to present.

Mr. Mairano, the owner introduced his architect Paul Selnau. Mr. Selnau inquired if the Commission had any questions for him. Mr. Nyquist stated that this style home of modern farmhouse does not appear to fit into the district. Ms. Goetz indicated she liked the style of the home and invited the architect to speak to the different features of the home and to go through materials used.

Mr. Selnau shared his screen and went through the application starting with the home placement. There was a discussion that the placement of the driveway differed from the plans submitted.

Mr. Selnau then discussed materials being proposed for this residence including roof is to be 30 year architectural shingles, siding proposed is LP smart siding with 6” corner trim board in white, windows shall be double hung, and black in color, Azek flooring will be used on the front porch deck with fiberglass square columns and stone facade for the foundation. A portion of the roof will have gutters however no details were provided. Ms. Goetz inquired as to the material being used for the front door. Mr. Selnau clarified it would be fiberglass.

Mr. Alford inquired about the different sidings proposed and expressed a preference for the ungrained/smooth option. Mr. Alford further commented about the stone foundation not fitting well into the district. Mr. Selnau indicated that stone foundation could be lowered. Ms. Goetz inquired as to the height of the stone foundation. Mr. Selnau explained the different heights from the side and the porch.

Ms. Goetz inquired as to the windows. Mr. Selnau explained the proposal is for traditional, double hung windows.

Mr. Nyquist requested clarification as to the scale of the house to the property and expressed that he thought it was very wide in proportion of the lot. Ted Brown of 34 East Weatogue Street indicated it was roughly the same as his house.

Mr. Mairano indicated that they would be willing to work with the Commission and would be willing to lower of the stone on the building.
Discussion ensued with respect to the scale of the house and how it compared to residences within the district. Ms. Goetz inquired if a fence was proposed. No fence is being proposed at this time.

Mr. Nyquist requested a drawing of the home with neighboring homes as to get an understanding of the scale and how it will look from the road.

Ieka Skully commented as to the scale feeling off by explaining it is based off one large piece rather than several smaller structures, the color of the foundation stone being grey rather than the more traditional brown stone and inquired why they were interested in the district. Mr. Mairano responded that they love the feel of the neighborhood.

Mr. Nyquist suggested that the Commission may want to keep this public hearing open until the next meeting and request more information from the applicant. Ms. Goetz suggested that the entire house be presented and once that is completed the Commission can provide feedback.
Mr. Selnea continued the presentation on the chimney and the south side of the house a pool and patio area.

Ms. Goetz asked the public if they had any comment.

Charlie Goetz inquired as the acreage of the property. The lot is 4 acres and commented if the Commission is concerned about scale they could compare it to his residence. Mr. Goetz further indicated that time is of essence.

Mr. Mairano requested a special meeting for this application.

Ms. Goetz inquired if anyone was ready to act on the application. Mr. Nyquist indicated that he would rather a special meeting prior to any voting on the application. Ms. Hyyppa also thought a special meeting was preferred as some questions still need to be addressed. Ms. Hyyppa mentioned that no exterior lighting has been proposed with this application and she would like to see the materials for the garage and chimney. Mr. Alford was in agreement that he would like more information on materials and discussed that applications had previously been rejected based off scale. Mr. Wilson indicated he thought it was a beautiful home and would like to have the special meeting. Ms. Goetz summarized what the Commission would like to see for additional information.

MOTION made by Ms. Goetz to keep the public hearing open for Application #21-04 of Ronald & Stacey Mairano Applicant/Owner for a Certificate of Appropriateness construct a single family residence at a Special Meeting to be scheduled the week of June 17, 2021. Seconded by Ms. Hyyppa passed unanimously.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the December 3, 2020 Regular Meeting

Correction on line 108 add the word “be”

Ms. Goetz made a MOTION to approve the minutes of December 3, 2020 as amended. Mr. Alford abstained. Motion passed

V. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: Ms. Goetz moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 P.M. Ms. Hyyppa seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,

Laura Barkowski
Acting Commission Clerk