Town of Redding
Historic Review Committee
P. O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1028
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
Friday, September 9, 2016
6:30 PM, Old Town House
Present: Chairman Raymond D’Angelo, Secretary Anda Cumings, alt. Jean Taylor, Vice Chairman Matt Lecher (arriving late), historian Charley Couch, property owner Jeff Morgan.
Chairman Raymond D’Angelo calls the meeting to order at 6:35PM. Jean Taylor is seated for Matt Lecher, who initially was not present.
I. Approval of Minutes-past meetings
a. Meeting of June 2, 2016. Minutes are reviewed. No discussion. Jean Taylor motions that they be accepted as posted. Raymond D’Angelo seconds, all vote in favor.
b. Meeting of June 21, 2016. Minutes are reviewed. No discussion. Jean Taylor motions that they be accepted as posted. Raymond D’Angelo seconds, all vote in favor.
c. Meeting of July 19, 2016. Minutes are reviewed. Anda Cumings wishes to change the minutes to read, under the Site Visit comments by 74 Wayside Road property owner Jeff Morgan, that the homeowner was not planning on adding living space as a part of the project. Jean Taylor motions to accept the minutes with this amendment. Raymond D’Angelo seconds. All vote in favor.
II. 74 Wayside Lane Barn (demolition application under 180 day Demolition Delay)
Historian Charley Couch has submitted to the HRC a report validating and expanding upon the historical significance of the barn, and providing possible alternatives to its complete demolition by the property owners, Jeff and Heather Morgan. Raymond D’Angelo presents the recommendation most favored by the Committee in terms of keeping most of the barn intact and yet affording the owners increased functionality. This recommendation proposes that a shed addition be built on the east side of the existing structure to create another garage bay, and adds varying suggestions for access to the barn/garage such as coming in from east which allows for a wider, two bay opening. Some foundation work would be required. Discussion with Mr. Morgan ensues. In his view, the recommendation would involve expensive lifting up of the existing barn to do extensive foundation work. In addition, Mr. Morgan states that many of the beams and supports in the barn are no longer functional and would not withstand this project. Additional commentary follows, and Mr. Morgan agrees to revisit his original plans with his architect to study the feasibility of the HRC recommendation and to possibly pursue another alternative. Vice Chairman Matt Lecher, a builder by profession, agrees to meet with Mr. Morgan the following day to look at the barn with him as well.
III. New application-423 Newtown Turnpike
New applicant/property owner Mark Mason wishes to raise the roof on this 1927 cape style home on Newtown Turnpike. Anda Cumings provides photos she has taken of the house front and back. The applicant has also provided architectural plans for the entire house remodeling project. These are reviewed by Matt Lecher and Charley Couch. The footprint of the house is not to change. Discussion by the HRC ensues.
Anda Cumings motions that, although the house at 423 Newtown Turnpike is of older construction, it is not a unique specimen of its architectural type, nor is it historically sensitive. In addition, the proposed changes to the house constitute only a partial demolition that will have little impact on the street scape on Newtown Turnpike. Therefore, the Demolition Delay Ordinance is not applicable to this project. Raymond D’Angelo seconds the motion. All vote in favor.
Raymond is to inform the applicant of the voting results, and he will also let Land Use office know of this decision.
IV. 436 Redding Road. Charley Couch will have a report for this property in the next week and will present it to the HRC at the next meeting. The demolition is on a 180 delay, pending arrangements for removal of historic artifacts and reusable materials that Aquarian has agreed to relinquish to the Town and its Historical Society. Charley believes the brick at the house will be useful for needed repairs to the Umpawaug School House.
V. Chairman Raymond D’Angelo updates the HRC on a recent meeting with town counsel Peter Olsen and Julia Pemberton. Peter is working on changes and clarifications to the Ordinance. There is still a need to expand the HRC to five persons.
Raymond motions to adjourn. Seconded by Anda Cumings. The meeting adjourns at approximately 9:00PM.
Submitted by:Anda Elisa Cumings
Secretary, Historic Review Committee