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(THESE MINUTES ARE NOT THE FINAL APPROVED VERSION – AN APPROVED VERSION WILL BE APPROVED AT THE NEXT MEETING OF THE HDC)
JOINT MEETING
ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
ENFIELD HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008
A joint meeting of the Enfield Conservation Commission and the Enfield Historic District Commission was held on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, in the Enfield Room, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairman Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mike Dynia, Chairman
Richard Tatoian, Chairman
Raymond Gwozdz
Nancy Smyth
Marie Troiano
Roman Polaski
Natalie George
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall
Timothy McGuire
Karen LaPlante
Kathleen Vose
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner
Ms. George made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuire, to amend the agenda to allow the Enfield Historic District Commission to present their agenda for the evening. The motion was approved unanimously.
Mr. Alsbaugh gave a quick overview of the reason for this meeting. A group from the town attended the DEP meeting two Thursdays ago (1/30/08) sponsored by Representative Karen Jarmoc at the Hazardville Fire Department to discuss the Scantic River Park system and access. A lot of concerns brought up by citizens, as well as several core issues regarding the State Park came up that seemed to be joint concerns of both the Conservation Commission and the Historic District Commission. A related subject to be looking at this evening is the Plan of Conservation and Development since these Commissions have interests in issues that will be carrying over from the present POCD to the new one. It would be logistically expedient to interface with the PZC and Council in the process at the very beginning.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated there seems to be a concerted movement to point out the importance of economic development in the Town of Enfield. He pointed out that the concerns of both Commissions can be justified on those same economic development grounds. The commissions exist to preserve and protect the natural, historic and cultural resources of the Town of Enfield, as well as to educate the residents about these assets – assets that are also marketable and can provide a variety of substantial benefits to the town. These resources stand on their own as preservation items but administered and developed correctly, with proper stewardship and long term planning, they represent can represent a huge economic contribution to the Town of Enfield. Mr. Alsbaugh asked that the Commissions start thinking along those lines because those are the grounds upon which they will likely have to justify there concerns and recommendations regarding the new Plan of Conservation and Development. There are a lot of economics-related concepts the ECC & HDC will have to assimilate to become educated enough to be able to pass them along to other boards and the Council. Hopefully they will understand the need to also consider those things on the same grounds because of the potential benefit to the Town of Enfield.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall noted in Enfield the Plan of Conservation and Development seems to be the task of the Planning and Zoning Commission. She asked if that is the way it is supposed to be.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated it is generated through the Planning and Zoning Commission but the theory behind the Plan of Conservation and Development is that it is all inclusive with town wide meetings and groups having input. The main concern at this point is that these two Commissions have a sense that they have not been included as up front in the process as they would like to have seen it done.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall discussed the Town of Glastonbury where the Conservation Commission spearheaded their plan. She asked if the town can give the Plan to any entity they want.
Ms. George cited the Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission which includes a discussion about PA-0617 which changes the ground rules for the Plan of Conservation and Development. It now requires input from the Town Council. Further discussion followed on the process of the Plan of Conservation and Development. Ms. George commented on Mr. Alsbaugh’s packet item regarding the PZC invitation to discuss the POCD in 2004 noting that she remembered the occasion but it was not a working session. She also noted that when the last plan was done, the Conservation Commission was just being separated from the Inland Wetland Agency so some of the work which is currently under the purview of the ECC had been assigned at that time to Parks and Recreation.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated part of the purpose of this meeting is to start to bring a little clarity as to where the Commissions want to go. He thought it would be a good thing for both Commissions to get together and begin to assemble concerns and recommendations and deal with the logistics of how to proceed. Ms. George stated the ECC has already started to try to raise the awareness that local farmers contribute in a major way to the economic base of the Town of Enfield. Later in the ECC regular meeting portion this evening, the Conservation Commission will continue with this as they go forward with the current farm development rights project. They expect to eventually convey to the Town Council that farmers are a major factor to the economics of the Town of Enfield. Ms. George also stated another ECC concern is preservation and its effect on the visual and cultural aspects of the Town. Particularly important and threatened are archeological resources and historic buildings.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he would like to list the points that warranted this evening’s joint meeting and then discuss the individual matters. The Plan of Conservation and Development was one major subject for discussion this evening. Another was what brought people to the 1/30/08 meeting at the Hazardville FD - the DEP presentation on the 464 Hazard Avenue access parking lot for the Scantic River State Park Plan – and the issues and concerns brought up that evening. Mr. Alsbaugh also wanted to discuss joint activities that both commissions could sponsor for preservation month. This would create a lot of public relations opportunities to educate the public and to focus attention on a number of important issues. Both Commissions could benefit from that kind of public exposure. The last item for discussion this evening will be the Certified Local Government.
Mr. Alsbaugh gave both Commissions the memo from the Planning Commission Chairman from 2004. This was to show the sections of the Plan of Conservation and Development and how many goals and recommendations there were that listed these Commissions as lead agencies for realization. This shows how important both Commissions are to the Plan of Conservation and Development.
Ms. LaPlante led some discussion about the duties and responsibilities of the Enfield Historic District Commission regarding design review for historic resources. Mr. Alsbaugh stated that will come up for further discussion as the expansion of the Bigelow-Hartford Carpet Company National Register District proceeds, design guidelines for Thompsonville are put in place, and a decision is made regarding oversight of the proposed Certified Local Government administration requirements. The Historic District Commission may decide to take on additional responsibilities. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Historic District Commission is, under state statute, allowed to comment on any historic or archeological issue that they feel is important and relevant to the town.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Scantic River Park Plan has been ongoing for thirty years. He doesn’t think anyone has a problem with the general concept because it will be preserving the environment along the river. The main issues brought up by the neighbors at the recent Scantic River Park meeting focused on security and safety concerns relating to this access point. Security worries included such things as vandalism to abutters, both residential and commercial/agricultural, the safety of single elderly persons living alone in the area, and the use of the area by young people as a party and drinking site. The safety issues seemed to revolve around the perceived danger inherent to the access point to the parking area in relation to the curve coming west up the hill, the extensive commuter and other traffic on Hazard Avenue, the lack of a safe pedestrian crossing bridge over the river to access safer walking topography on the south side of the river, and the eroded and steep north banks of the area along the river itself.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated after the meeting he was able to talk with Senator Kissel and Representative Jarmoc. He suggested that perhaps the DEP might want to change the way they are looking at the project. Maybe they need to look at it as more of a controlled access park, which would not only partially address many of the neighbors’ concerns but would also consider the special preservation and security needs of the incredible and extensive archeological resources in Powder Hollow. By positively addressing concerns of the neighbors the DEP would generate better public relations while also retaining the support for the park plan by recreational use groups such as the Spring Splash and the Scantic River Watershed Association. They would also then be working in concert with the town and with groups like the Hazardville Institute, the state archeologist and the Economic Development Commission to jointly develop an economic development concept for the Hollow – a historic destination and a State Park. They would have access, they would be supporting the groups that support the concept of the park, they would be dealing with the issues of security and safety and there would be economic development. This will help to give people an idea of the potential and how much has already been lost in this town and how important it is to try to preserve what remains. The potential for economic development of historic and cultural resources is huge in the town. The ECC & HDC can help local policy makers understand how important the proper stewardship of those resources is, and how extensive an economic impact the sustainable development of those resources can have.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he can provide the commissions and the Council a number of reports to substantiate the possibilities and benefits of historic resources and their careful economic development. He thinks the Commissions can also help Representative Jarmoc in her dealings with the DEP.
Ms. LaPlante inquired about the e-mail Representative Jarmoc sent and whether there was news of any outcome. Mr. Alsbaugh noted that if there were to be a follow-up e-mail, he would most likely get one cc’d to him. He did give both Senator Kissel and Representative Jarmoc a copy of tonight’s meeting packet along with the three different copies of the historic maps for Powder Hollow he had promised to send them after the Hazardville meeting. Mrs. Jarmoc and Mr. Kissel can use the maps to see what resources existed and the extent of current and future potential for protection and development. They can also use it to support discussion with the DEP and other stake holders. They are sensitive to how the neighbors feel about the parking but now they are also aware that there is a much larger universe of groups and people who are also aware of what is down there.
Ms. George stated she has a lot of empathy for the neighbors but she thinks it has to be remembered that when people buy a piece of land, they need to be aware of what the plans are that are already on the books. She discussed her personal situation having bought a piece of land adjacent to farmland. She noted the historical and archeological factors were there long before these neighbors. Ms. George recognizes there are some concerns in this day and age with vandalism and people misusing land and there will have to be security issues addressed. However, she noted you can only do so much regarding security issues when you are dealing with a very large piece of open space.
Mr. Alsbaugh discussed the licensing of ATV drivers – an issue that Ms. George and Ms. LaPlante brought up to Representative Jarmoc and Senator Kissel after the DEP meeting. It seemed that Senator Kissel and Representative Jarmoc were both intrigued about the possibilities of such legislation. Ms. LaPlante brought up ATV licensing in Westbrook which was passed in December, 2007. Mr. Alsbaugh reminded the commissioners that Jay Northrup is the Planner in Westbrook and was formerly the Wetlands Agent for the Town of Enfield.
Ms. George reminded everybody that current matter before the commissions right now is the matter of access off of Hazard Avenue. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the impression he got at the meeting from Senator Kissel and Representative Jarmoc was that they were going to slow things down a bit to get a better handle on things. Ms. LaPlante stated the state said at the 1/30/08 meeting they were going to install at minimum a small parking lot in the area where the house was demolished. Mr. Alsbaugh stated there seems to be some current incentive prompting the DEP to spend money right away.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated it is her understanding that the state received $100,000 to spend on this portion of the project, while the current impetus to accomplish something was because of the neighbors complaining about the condition of the house. Once the house was torn down and they had money to spend, probably if they don’t spend it they lose it. Mr. Alsbaugh stated he was not aware of the $100,000 and the importance of spending the money. He doesn’t think the amount matters that much in the big picture. A brief discussion followed on the unfortunate and unnecessary loss of the house and how Hazardville had also lost a number of 300-year old trees along Hazard Avenue because of lack of communication.
Ms. George questioned if these Commissions should make a formal recommendation that on that particular lot, other than filling, grading and seeding, no further action be taken place at this time. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated she could not agree with that.
Ms. George stated suppose they were to run an access road from Hazard Avenue down to the bottom of the hill which would serve the farmers as well and provide access to the Scantic River. Chairman Dynia stated there is a dirt road that goes down behind the house. Ms. George stated if they are intent on spending money, just pave the piece of road that goes down there rather than paving a parking lot. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated the state is not talking about paving. All they are going to do is install a gravel parking lot which would provide parking for about ten vehicles. She, personally, doesn’t see anything wrong with that sort of minimum improvement at this time.
Mr. Alsbaugh recommended the Commissions not waste any credibility they might have trying to influence this particular matter. Mrs. Jarmoc and Mr. Kissel are dealing with the implications of the small level of activity currently proposed, let alone the potential for broader development issues at this site and elsewhere along the river.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall suggested a letter on behalf of both Commissions stating that the Conservation Commission and the Historic District Commission both desire that the DEP takes into consideration the historic and archeological artifacts present in Powder Hollow. They want this park to be developed but this is the focus that we believe would be important to the community.
Mr. Alsbaugh reiterated the concept of a more controlled access park helps address the neighbors’ concern to not allow total open access. The group realizes, however, that, even with gates to control access, people are going to go in anyway.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall could foresee trails and at some point signage where there are remnants of a building stating what it is and how it related to the old powder mill. Mr. Alsbaugh stated you need to have even better controlled access where those things exist so that you can control how people interact with those resources. Re-stating the potential for economic development benefits to the community, he noted the need to protect those resources so that things are not removed.
Ms. George stated what they are trying to do is enlarge the focus of public access to the Scantic River greenway to encompass the archeological infrastructure that is present along it.
Mr. Polaski was absent from the meeting at the fire department but he gets the sense that not all the citizens were thrilled that this (parking and access at 464 Hazard Ave.) was going to be done. Chairman Dynia stated the DEP discussed the future of the park and the fact that maybe down the road there will be 150 cars parked down below. Mr. Polaski stated there are dozens of park access locations similar to this site. The only difference is there are archeological sites that people can see.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated there will be issues with the water company as to what they allow. Mr. Polaski stated they will be concerned about keeping the water clean. He noted the Commissions should be concerned with getting the citizenry behind this group to help with input as to what they would like to see down there.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated this is why he is trying to tie in the preservation month activities and educational opportunities so that they can be endorsed and promoted by both Commissions.
Mr. Polaski stated it would have been nice if the state had come to the town and said we have some money to spend and what would you like to see the state do.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated when he sensed the concern at the 1/30 meeting he tried to come up with a scenario that would benefit both groups.
Ms. George stated it seems to her that even though the artifacts are fragile, you could bring in the whole educational side. You could get a whole system going with both the school system and the college that would get some reinforcement of the land not just as a greenway but as a greenway that contains a historical component.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated this is something the Hazardville Institute has been trying to promote.
Mr. Polaski opened a discussion of Gettysburg and the educational benefits of it. He noted that there was nothing there except open fields – yet with docents and other interpretative methods the historic locations drew many visitors. He felt a very similar situation exists in Powder Hollow in particular and along the Scantic River in general.
Mr. Alsbaugh discussed some of the history of Powder Hollow. He noted that Dupont bought Hazard Powder secretly in the late 1800’s, producing an exceptionally accurate survey that passes along the locations of all the cultural resources in the Hollow and further up the river to Broad Brook Road.
*Ms. George stated Everett Gamble has a book he’s in the process of writing on the Native American population that inhabited the areas along the Scantic River. It seems to her what this park greenway needs is the enhancement of the archeological and cultural focus that the DEP is not aware of or has not factored into their plans.
*Ms. LaPlante stated in the original plan 30 years ago, Enfield was going to focus on the historic aspects.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated this is another case of old plans falling by the wayside because no one is bringing them forward.
Mr. Polaski led some discussion on the Town Council discussion on the Scantic River Park.
*Ms. Pfeifer-Hall presented a map where the Scantic River area is designated as a greenway. She discussed the properties on the map. She noted the Conservation Commission was co-sponsoring the meeting at the firehouse and trying to show people the greenway that they are trying to link up. The meeting instead zeroed in on the parking lot and the neighbors’ complaints. Further discussion followed about the neighbors’ comments.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the point that needs to be made is the jury is still out on whether a parking lot is really going to work there. People will use it regardless of design or location but safety and traffic are questions that need to be addresses. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated she thinks the state is going to go with the six to ten car parking lot regardless.
Mr. Alsbaugh suggested that he put together a position comment under both Commissions names that states support for what the State and local groups and agencies are trying to accomplish at this location.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated the letter should say that the Commissions support the concept of the park and that they would like the archeological, economic and cultural resources considered.
Ms. George stated they should realize that the original plan was that the area in Enfield was always intended to incorporate all of that. They would ask that they not lose sight of that and that any proposals they might have incorporate the educational, the economic and the cultural advantages as well as the safety issues that are related to the artifacts.
Ms. LaPlante stated it is not going to do any good to put a parking lot down in the hollow to access the park. There are a lot of places where you can hike. Ms. LaPlante doesn’t think we want to stop this parking lot that they are putting in. It will encourage people to make this park a habit. As far as the economic development, it is a gold mine.
Ms. Vose discussed the possibility of a bridge across the river which is really key to getting across to that side of the river bank where you can walk.
Mr. Alsbaugh got the impression that the state just had limited money to spend. They needed to accomplish something now and that location has always been considered as an access point.
Ms. George stated if it is going to be an access point, you need to continue that access across the river with a foot bridge. Mr. Alsbaugh stated they don’t have the money for that now.
Mr. Dynia discussed grants that could be obtained for such a foot bridge. He also thought if you make it a right hand turn only coming out of the parking lot, you would solve a lot of the traffic problems.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall felt it would be great if they had a parking lot off Broad Brook Road. For hiking trails, you would be able to park at different places and be able to walk between these different points. If you had a parking lot at the town line, one at Broad Brook Road and one at the hollow, you would not have all the congestion in one area.
Mr. Alsbaugh asked if it was common knowledge back then about what the archeological holdings were. Ms. LaPlante stated it was known but there was nobody pushing it except for Ed Allen and Roger Olsen. Mr. Alsbaugh asked if any of the mapping from that time was available. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated she thinks there are copies of the maps available.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Commissions can bring forward information and documents and concepts that were part of the original plan and state that they need to keep that in mind.
Ms. George stated because of the cow farm that goes right down to the river, she doesn’t know why they can’t have a ten foot access along that area so that you can just continue to walk. Mr. Alsbaugh stated that is private property and he doesn’t think there is going to be valid grounds for a taking. Ms. LaPlante stated the state plan is they want to own along the flood plain. That way there could be hiking on both sides of the river. Further discussion followed regarding the Stoker property. Mr. Alsbaugh advised the Commissions not to make any statements or promote positions that conflict with farming rights. He thinks the issue with a piece of property like this is probably best left in the hands of the DEP to deal with in the long term.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Commissions have to accept that in the beginning there will not be full access up and down the Scantic River.
Mr. Gwozdz stated he thought the focus was to tell the state the town’s intentions. Being specific like this, in his opinion, is dangerous. He would like to let them know what we would like.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he will use general terms in the letter but he will make it clear.
Ms. George felt you should say that this is a follow-up letter to the public hearing that was held on the proposed parking lot. Then drop that and go into reinforcing the items the Commissions have been discussing that were in the original proposal for the Scantic River Park and state we wish to bring them to your attention again.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he will direct the letter to Representative Karen Jarmoc and Tom Morrissey of the DEP. He will put the letter under the names of both Chairmen.
Ms. George stated there is a need to bring it to their attention as well as to start the process of bringing it to the Town Council’s attention for the potential of this whole area.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated everyone realizes that the most important thing is to get as much information and education to the DEP and to State Representative Jarmoc and Senator Kissel. Mr. Alsbaugh feels the Commissions have valid concerns that need to be put out there again.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he has tried to accomplish the same with the ERSC by bringing forward all old documents, plans and recommendations when dealing with their charge from the Town Council. It is the responsibility of the Planning Department, the Community Development Department, and other agencies to guarantee that all these things get properly brought forward. Otherwise money is spent again needlessly and things are forgotten that were voted by everybody in town as the things they wanted to occur.
Ms. George stated at some point it would be very helpful to get the areas of archeological interest and the areas of Indian artifacts somehow placed on one of those maps. At some point down the road, the Commissions should get together again and start the mapping process. Mr. Alsbaugh recommended that the Conservation Commission and the Historic District Commission meet again in joint session.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he will put together something for Chairman Dynia and Chairman Tatoian to review for comments, and then send it to the DEP, Representative Jarmoc, and Senator Kissel. He will try to put together another agenda to sift through the discussion this evening. Mr. Alsbaugh will check on the availability of the Enfield Room for a meeting with both Commissions.
Ms. George brought up the barn grant program. She asked if the old barn on South Maple Street has any significance. Mr. Alsbaugh stated that is one of the original powder mill horse barns. It seems to Ms. George that this would be an excellent structure to turn into a welcoming structure with bathrooms. It is just down below that barn that all the Indian area is being researched. Ms. LaPlante stated the state will not attempt to buy it unless it is for sale. Ms. George noted that doesn’t mean that you can’t look at it and plan for the eventual acquisition. Further discussion regarding the owner of the barn followed.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated another thing the Commissions could be talking about is long term planning issues, preservation issues and trust issues. The Conservation Commission and the Historic District Commission should be making recommendations for long-term acquisition plans especially in Powder Hollow.
Mr. Alsbaugh brought up the subject of Certified Local Government. Certified Local Government is a program generated by the federal government and administered at the state level. Communities apply to be designated as a Certified Local Government. You then have to show them that you steward your historic and cultural resources. Mr. Alsbaugh noted that Enfield already does 85% of it through the Planning Department but it’s not written in stone as administrative policy. The State Historic Preservation Officer would be the one to recommend certification. The application goes in through the History Division of the CT Commission on Cultural & Tourism (the old State Historic Commission & SHPO). The National Parks Service makes the final decision. Mr. Alsbaugh stated what the town has to do is formally create an historic and cultural resource inventory and administration policy. The policy should identify listed resources and those eligible for listing, and should also create mechanisms for listing, tracking and administering those resources. The commissions could recommend to the Town Council that we apply for certification which means we would then formalize what the administrative policy to steward the historic, archeological and cultural resources of the town will be.
Commissioners questioned how to apply for Certified Local Government. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the town would apply. He asked that the Commissions read through the literature and they can then discuss it further at another meeting. He could also get people to come and talk from the Connecticut Trust. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated you have to have a full-time paid person doing this. Mr. Alsbaugh stated he unofficially developed and now does many administrative things. The problem is it is not a written administrative policy. There is a need to put it in writing how the town is going to address preserving and developing their resources. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall asked if another letter requesting the Town Manager to do this would be in order.
Ms. George discussed the minimum qualifications for members of the Design Review Committee when you are looking at a Certified Local Government. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the town is allowed to make its best attempt to seat people with those specific qualifications. He added an architectural historian has moved into the Historic District who has expressed a strong interest in participating. Ms. George stated she has personally done landscape architecture.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated it is the knowledge of such things that interests those doing the certification review. They put in the qualifications to say that one of them should be, but not necessarily must be. If you make your best attempt to do it and fall short, they will work with you to try to see where else you can make up for it.
Chairman Tatoian asked if there has been a discussion with the Town Council concerning Certified Local Government. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the ERSC met with them and Planning and Zoning and produced a lot of information for them. This was approximately three years ago. Ms. George saw a need for a dynamic presentation to bring this forward.
Mr. Alsbaugh said he brought up Certified Local Government again at this time because it is a very pertinent issue for the Scantic River resources and some other big projects that are in the planning or development stage.
Ms. George stated there is a need to put on the record before the Plan of Conservation & Development goes too far forward that these commissions recommend the town go to the state for CLG review and certification.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated another important reason is economics. When you are a Certified Local Government, you become part of the group of communities that are eligible for money and technical and informational help. Questions from the Commissions followed regarding Certified Local Government.
Mr. Polaski suggested this could be made a locally supported project (development of Powder Hollow resources) with private donations. He discussed the Town of Stonington’s efforts.
Mr. Alsbaugh felt there is also a lot the town can do to marshal its own resources and raise money but it takes organization and planning.
Mr. Polaski discussed the Strand Theater.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the potential is huge for the town being a Certified Local Government. One of the major things that the ERSC has brought up in the last couple of years is we cannot always depend on the town because you can’t depend on it from year to year. There has to be a private sector component if you are going to have preservation. You have to have a local preservation trust in some form.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated the Commissions have an invitation from the Connecticut Trust for a workshop in Suffield on March 10 on managing Local Historic Districts and the legal and regulatory framework of a Certified Local Government. Mr. Alsbaugh stated he is planning on going. It is a free event and Mr. Alsbaugh will arrange registration for those who wish to also attend.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated she was interested in the barn preservation. There was an article in Sunday’s Courant about this. She felt this is something that the Commission could promote at their next meeting if they have farmers coming. Mr. Alsbaugh stated he will get more copies of that.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Connecticut Trust has been promoting a barn survey program to document all the old barns in Connecticut. This is for educational and documentation purposes. What they have now done is put together a barn grant program which is available to private homeowners. Mr. Alsbaugh felt it would be wonderful for both Commissions to help promote it. It is also perfect to pass along to the farmers who may own a historic barn (at least 75 years old). Further discussion of the barn program and eligibility criteria followed.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he can help put together a document for any barn owner to review the previously discussed criteria, especially on how it may contribute to the history of the Town of Enfield. He suggested both Commissions read the information on the barns. He is also going to recommend the Historic District Commission support preservation month by promoting a local barn survey project so they can document structures in town. Discussion about particular barns followed. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall noted that Windsor has turned a tobacco barn site into a park area.
Ms. George requested copies of the barn program information for the next meeting – the 2/8/08 barn Grant flyer; the Barn Again booklet; and the CT Barns typology pamphlet.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Hazard Powder Company map is a 1903 tracing of an 1886 survey that Dupont did when they were secretly buying Hazardville Powder Company. Ed Allen gave him a small copy but there may be a larger map available. There was also another map of the contiguous area up to Broad Brook Road surveyed at the same time and copied at the later date. He asked if Karen LaPlante has been able to track these maps down. Further discussion followed regarding where the maps might be. Mr. Alsbaugh would like to see that information on the town’s GIS system. He previously tried to get it digitized but the Engineering Department could not do it. Mr. Alsbaugh discussed how the map could be placed on the GIS system. It may mean that they have to approach a private company and pay for this. They may have to raise money to do this. Further discussion on the whereabouts of the map followed.
The joint meeting of the Enfield Conservation Commission and the Enfield Historic District Commission ended at 8:37 p.m.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall made a motion, seconded by Chairman Dynia, to recess. Following a unanimous vote, the Conservation Commission recessed at 8:37 p.m.
The Minutes of the balance of the Enfield Conservation Commission meeting are available in a separate document.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Nancy Smyth, Secretary
Enfield Historic District Commission and Enfield Conservation Commission
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