06/17/2021 Historic District Commission Special Meeting Minutes

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Town of Simsbury, Connecticut
SPECIAL MEETING – THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021
Zoom Meeting / Simsbury Community Television

I. CALL TO ORDER

The Special Meeting of the Historic District Commission was called to order at 7:01 PM via Zoom Meeting.

II. ROLL CALL

Commission members present were: Heather Goetz, Dianne Mead, Patty Hyyppa, Scott Wilson, Mark Nyquist, Chad Alfeld.

Also present were Laura Barkowski, Code Compliance Officer and other interested parties.

Alternate Chad Alfeld was appointed to sit for the meeting.

III. APPLICATIONS

1. PUBLIC HEARING

a. Application #21-04 of Ronald & Stacey Mairano Applicant/Owner for a Certificate of Appropriateness construct a single family residence with accessory structures at 36 East Weatogue Street, Zone R-40.

Ms. Mead read the application into the record and explained that this continuation of the public hearing. Ms. Mead discussed that the applicant has described this proposed residence as a modern farmhouse and inquired if the applicant was willing to change the double door to a single door. The double door is not being consistent with the features of a farmhouse. Ms. Mead further inquired about the 2 over 2 double hung windows since multi pane windows are more historically accurate features of a farm house. Ms. Mead shared a picture illustrating the appearance she is discussing.

Mr. Mairano responded to the comments stating that he was amendable to the change from a double door to single. Paul Selnau, Architect from Schadler Selnau Associates PC commented on the window options and stating the he believes that a divided light window is an option. Ms. Mead inquired if the transom windows have been removed. The applicant confirmed and stated the overall dimensions of the windows have been changed. Mr. Mairano further explained the intent was to build a residence in character with the historic district.

Ms. Mead inquired as to the color of the foundation stone being proposed. Ms. Mead explained the Commission’s purview is what is visible from the road and stated the brown or red stone is more historically appropriate. Mr. Selnau stated he could discuss that further with the clients as to the desired color palettes.

Mr. Nyquist inquired if the intent is to have different style windows. Mr. Selnau clarified that it was a graphics issue on the plans.

Mr. Nyquist requested that the applicants present the details the Commission requested at the previous meeting. Mr. Selnau listed the information provided on the plans that was in response to the Commissions inquiries. The garage door details were explained stating it was carriage house style mahogany doors. It was inquired if the garage doors should match the color of the front doors and it was confirmed. Further information was provided on lighting features, siding material and size, gutters, chimney, and the addition of dormers on the garage.

Ms. Mead inquired as to the plan for site work and tree removal. The aerial photo was shared and Mr. Mairano went over the plan for the clearing the property.

Mr. Alfeld inquired if they have any examples of the gray stone foundation color within town. Ms. Mead clarified she was unaware of examples but according the Handbook the foundation stone is predominately red stone ashlar or brown stone. Mr. Mairano explained he would be willing to find stone that incorporated more of a red/brown color scheme.

Mr. Alfeld inquired about the return on the roof/eve. Mr. Nyquist inquired if it was an architectural feature or purposeful. Mr. Selnau explained it was both in that helped with drainage and added detail. Ted Brown stated that it is a historical feature.

Mr. Nyquist discussed that the circle drive seems likes a large amount of a paved surface that the handbook specifically states can detract from the historic house. Ms. Goetz and Ms. Mead were in favor the proposed driveway. Mr. Nyquist inquired as to the scale of the house and discussion ensued about the scale of houses in the neighborhood and the setback from the road.

Ms. Mead indicated that the details on the stone on the foundation, windows, and door and remain outstanding. Ms. Goetz indicated that this is a time sensitive matter which is why the special meeting was held and inquired if the Commission had a path to move forward.

Ms. Mead polled the Commission on keeping the public hearing open. It was decided that the public hearing will remain open to discuss further details on the stonework, windows, and front door. The applicant agreed to keep the Public Hearing open until the next regular meeting on July 1, 2021.

Ms. Mead made a Motion to continue the Public Hearing to the regular meeting scheduled for July 1, 2021. Motion seconded Ms. Hyyppa Motion passed unanimously

III. ADJOURNMENT

Motion for adjournment made by Ms. Hyyppa. Seconded by Ms. Goetz Motion passed unanimously

Meeting adjourned 8:41pm