Historic District Commission Minutes 01/05/2017
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
JANUARY 5, 2017
MINUTES FROM REGULAR MEETING
I. ROLL CALL
Chairperson Diane Mead called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Also in attendance were Michael Glidden, Assistant Town Planner; Janis Prifti, Commission Clerk; and other interested parties.
II. ROLL CALL
Commission members present were Diane Mead, Marguerite Rodney, Julie Carmelich, and Jonathan Laschever.
1. Appointment of Alternates
Chairperson Mead appointed Julie Carmelich to serve as a voting member.
III. APPLICATIONS
1. Public Hearing(s)
a. Application #16-04 of Marshall Epstein, Owner, for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the construction of a new 1160 square foot accessory building adjacent to the sale barn and wine tasting facility on the property located at 25 East Weatogue Street (Assessor’s Map H14, Block 108, Lot 003). Zone R-40. (received 11/10/2016; decision must be rendered by 01/14/2017)
Commissioner Rodney read the legal notice for Application #16-04 into the record. Chairperson Mead noted that while she was not present at the last meeting, she read through the extensive discussion notes and understood that the Commission requested more information on structure specs.
Bob Burke represented the Applicant and was present to answer any questions regarding the 4 elevations now provided to the Commission. The Commissioners reviewed what was provided at the last meeting vs. the revised specification material provided at this meeting, including the 4 elevations, material, window location, wood paneled door, and siding width. Commissioner Carmelich noted the material submitted at the last meeting was approved in 2011 but never built, and the statute of time ran out so they have now resubmitted an application, but this is now a prefab rather than custom designed building. Commissioner Laschever asked about the duratemp siding with ship lap edge and the Commissioners noted this was not board and batten but an overlap of panels, which is less attractive plywood with grooves. The Commissioners noted it is an outbuilding that will be painted red. Mr. Glidden confirmed that it is only visible as you travel south on East Weatogue from a corner of the property. Mr. Burk indicated it is behind the existing structure and a little to the north and if you blink you will miss it.
Regarding whether the windows are double hung, Mr. Burke believed so noting they are consistent with the Historic District Handbook and will be wood; Commissioner Laschever noted that single hung would be more appropriate on a barn; however, the Commissioners major concerns were window material and appearance from the road.
Regarding the door, Commissioner Rodney noted the door description was duratemp barn door with diagonal trim. Mr. Burke indicated they would be double 7-foot tall swinging doors on both the south and east elevations consistent with current existing barns.
Mr. Burke was not certain of who would do the construction. The Commissioner noted the material provided indicates it would be Skips Outdoor Accents from Agawam, MA.
Regarding the 8-inch groove pattern, Commissioner Laschever commented it was a version of Rosewood with a soft wood core, exterior veneer, grooved and with no knots or plugs, which is relatively good.
Mr. Glidden provided the Commission with draft Motion for Approval language for discussion containing 10 conditions of approval. Mr. Burke believed the initial plan to be for a black asphalt composition roof to be finished off and the draft motion indicates architectural shingles; Mr. Glidden confirmed that all the details are based on what has been submitted by the Applicant and Mr. Burke agreed.
Chairperson Mead made a motion to close the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Rodney seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
In the Commission discussion, Commissioner Laschever was concerned about the panel barn siding in the Historic District and questioned whether there are any other barns in the District with this type of siding. Chairperson Mead felt it was unobtrusive and had no problem with it. Commissioner Laschever believed materials used should be the same as for other barns. The Commissioners discussed what it would look like; Commissioner Laschever described it as basically a building with a ½-inch skin using a 4x9 sheet of vertical plywood with a scored groove 8-inch pattern the long way installed over 8-inch studs. Commissioner Laschever was also concerned about durability and noted that the 2011 submission was for a barn with tongue and groove wood siding; it was not clear what the material would be for the current barn.
The Commissioners discussed the issue of setting precedent, e.g. a request is received to construct a barn/garage on the street and they want to use duratemp, which was approved for this Application, and they have similar arguments regarding elevations and distance from the street. Chairperson Mead felt it was a much smaller barn than other barns on the street and noted the Historic District is 200-feet deep on one side and 300 feet on the other side. Commissioner Rodney was concerned about proximity to the District edge; Chairperson Mead noted there are some structures farther back that are not in the District; and the Commissioners talked about what material Patty Hyppaa’s barn is composed of. Mr. Glidden confirmed the closest point to the structure is 102 feet from the property line and 114 feet from the road curb line; Chairperson Mead believed the District depth on that side to be 200 feet. The Commissioners discussed wording for approval that would not result in setting a precedent; another issue was the flat look of the building, and although it is a utility structure so are barns, silos and other out buildings in the District, there was concern about its visibility/distance from the road for new construction. Mr. Glidden noted the Commission could add a line specific to the Application with reasons due to placement of the proposed structure in relation to the road and limited visibility – a photo attached to the Staff report showed the building from the northern property corner; even though it is an 1100 sq. ft. building, compared to the adjacent structures it is less visible given topography changes.
Chairperson Mead was in favor of approval; Commissioner Rodney favored approval with language to avoid setting precedent; Commissioner Laschever indicated he could not support approval; and Commissioner Carmelich felt if someone applied to build a garage set back from the street, new construction, only visible from the façade also set back from the street, using duratemp, where the Commission would like it to be wood, that reasoning for this approval should be codified. Chairperson Mead cautioned against coming up with scenarios that do not exist. Mr. Glidden hypothesized for the 2 Ellsworth vacant lots on the street, someone could propose a house with a new construction 2600 sq. ft. barn, so for this approval the Commission could emphasize the topography and placement of this structure as a requirement for its reasoning. The Commissioners discussed the importance of the barn’s placement in the topography; Mr. Glidden noted there would be limited site disturbance and limited visibility amongst existing buildings and within the existing topography.
Chairperson Mead made a motion to approve Application #16-04 pursuant to the attached conditions in Attachment A.
Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness on behalf of Marshall Epstein, Owner, for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the construction of a new 1160 square foot accessory building adjacent to the sale barn and wine tasting facility on the property located at 25 East Weatogue Street (Assessor’s Map H14, Block 108, Lot 003). Zone R-40.
Certificate of Appropriateness is subject to the following conditions:
1. Approval is for placement of detached structure to serve as “Tasting Room” and Preparation Area.
2. Structure will be on a slab; limiting the site disturbance associated with the construction.
3. Building siding shall be duratemp (plywood veneer).
4. Roofing will be architectural shingles.
5. Roof pitch shall be 9/12.
6. Structures total height will not exceed 21 feet.
7. Approval is based on plans Titled, “Rosedale Farms – Historic Building Plans” received by the Simsbury Planning Department 12/27/2016.
8. Change in placement of structure’s location will require re-approval by the Commission.
9. A Building and Zoning Permit are required for the proposed building. Applicant is responsible for securing the appropriate approvals prior to stat of renovation.
10. Approval for Certificate of Appropriateness is only valid for one year. All work associated with said approval must be completed within approval period.
In granting the Certificate of Appropriateness, the Commission finds that the Applicant has demonstrated compliance to the design guidelines within the Handbook for the East Weatogue Historic District.
Commissioner Rodney amended the motion to add a last sentence that:
“The Commission’s approval is based on the placement of the proposed structure and its limited visibility because of the existing topography and because of its proximity to other existing agricultural out buildings.”
Commissioner Carmelich seconded the motion, and it was passed 3-1 with Commissioners Mead, Rodney and Carmelich in favor and Commissioner Laschever opposed.
IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. Correspondence
Mr. Glidden advised the Commission there is an application for the Gerdners at 51 East Weatogue Street for next month’s meeting; however, half the house roof has been replaced and they were advised by Staff to stop; the contractor has not provided the Planning Department with any details; the homeowner did not cooperate with department staff to date. He noted the contractor applied for the permit while already installing the roof and objected to providing information. Commissioner Laschever noted it is common practice for contractors to not begin roof work until the permit is received from the Town. Regarding recourse, Mr. Glidden indicated the Commission could deny the Application, followed by a stop work order and enforcement actions noted in the Handbook. Mr. Glidden has been out of the office for 2 weeks and will reach out to the homeowner who may not be aware of the situation.
Regarding adding a new commissioner, Chairperson Mead advised that Heather Getz, a District resident, is very interested in joining the Commission. The topic of political affiliations for Commissioners was discussed. Mr. Glidden advised that Denise still has about 2 years left in her term and needs to formally resign in order for another Commissioner to be appointed; Chairperson Mead will reach out to Denise regarding the need to formally provide her resignation in writing; an initial email could be sent to the Town Clerk at ebutler@simsbury.ct.gov or she can email it to Mr. Glidden who will provide it to the Town Clerk, but a resignation letter with original signature will also be needed for forwarding to the BOS for acceptance at their next meeting; and the appropriate party will nominate a replacement commissioner.
Mr. Glidden provided information that may be of interest to this Commission from the Planning Commission’s strategy book for the POCD update under way. He told the Commissioners that there was recently a meeting at Henry James with only 5 people in attendance to discuss conservation aspects of the POCD; he advised another session will be held at Henry James next Tuesday at 7 p.m. and invited the Commissioners to attend and bring up any topics, strategies and goals, e.g. historic preservation beyond East Weatogue, making the center a certified district, pressuring the State to make Rte. 10 a scenic road between Rtes. 315 and 185; there may be ideas not on the Planning Commission’s radar. He noted a concern brought up was how big and intrusive will multi-family developments or apartments be in general in Town, preserving the Town’s natural environment and open space, the sense of community character and preserving historic buildings in Town. Mr. Glidden advised that the letters and numbers on each page refer to existing chapters; the consultant tried to group repetitive items together. Mr. Glidden emphasized that the idea is to not miss any items of importance to this Commission, e.g. having regulations that protect historic structures. The Commissioners thought that having a District in the center of Town would be more effective and understood their suggestions would be advisory to the Planning Commission. The Commissioners discussed that it would be effective for members to attend next week’s session, which is specific to boards; and it was noted there will be 2 more public hearings – one when the draft is presented, and another at adoption, but Mr. Glidden advised that now is the time to get something into the draft with written comments due by Valentine’s Day. The Commissioners discussed that tobacco barn preservation could be added on Pgs. 20 or 17 B.
Regarding East Weatogue intersecting with Rte. 185, Mr. Glidden advised that the plan for the Nod Road intersection and realignments to Rte. 10, Stratton Brook, and East Weatogue are in the DOT planning process, which includes environmental review; a major concern was increased traffic on scenic East Weatogue Street with so many historic buildings close to the road; a good point to bring up would be historic/cultural resources, emphasizing scenic roads and the Historic District gateway. Mr. Glidden will prepare a discussion draft and requested the Commissioners email him any other ideas.
Regarding the status of the grant to redo the Handbook, Mr. Glidden advised he was out for two weeks and planned to bring it to Hartford tomorrow; he will also investigate in-house funding; Commissioner Carmelich advised her office may no longer have funding.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the December 1, 2016 regular meeting
On line 114, following the words “option with” the words, “architectural asphalt shingles that look like weathered wood.” are inserted; the words “type shingles and that” are deleted. The next sentence is changed to: “The other shed metal roof is a medium-green resembling copper patina.”
On lines 130 to 131, the words “there is no problem with metal roofs, but rather” are deleted.
On line 186, the word “them” is deleted and replaced with “the vertical siding boards”.
On line 188, the words “a cover strip” are deleted and replaced by “battens”.
On line 209, the words “the idea and its” are deleted and replaced by “the building’s”.
On line 216, the word “lathe” is corrected to “lap”.
Line 242 through 245 are deleted because approval was based on the use of tar paper.
Chairperson Mead made a motion to approve the November 3, 2016 minutes, as written.
Commissioner Rodney seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Mead made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Commissioner Rodney seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.