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ENFIELD HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
JULY 27, 2005
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Historic District Commission was held on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 in the Council Chambers, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairman Richard Tatoian called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Richard Tatoian, Chairman
Russell Meyer
Roman Polaski
Eileen Russell
Nancy Smyth
Lillian Troiano, Alternate
Raymond Gwozdz, Alternate
Sonja Dean, Alternate (arrived at 7:10 p.m.)
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner
PUBLIC HEARINGS
HDC #307: Edward Ingraham, Jr., 1445 Enfield St., Install front railings on two front porches and include hand rails, one per porch. EHDO Section 8
Edward Ingraham, III, appeared before the Commission regarding this application. He stated he is representing his father, Edward Ingraham , Jr., the owner of the property at 1445 Enfield Street. He stated they have two properties and they are trying to restore the older home close to its original condition. This application concerns the installation of front railings on two front porches. The original railings never got reinstalled and many of the homes in the area do have such railings. Mr. Ingraham cited a house next to the cemetery which is approximately the same date as this home. His father’s home at 1445 Enfield Street was constructed in 1838 by Luke Watson.
Mr. Ingraham stated they would like to install some railings on the outside perimeter of the two front porches facing the street. He had previously submitted a chart regarding the specifics of the building material and construction. He felt the square edge railing is a little older than the turn spindle type of railing. Mr. Ingraham stated the proposed railings are shown on the addendum to his application and would be the style shown. The material is the new vinyl and Mr. Ingraham felt this would look well from the street. The railings are proposed for the north and the south porches. Both porches are in the front of the house.
Chairman Tatoian stated the town information regarding the age of these homes lists 1171 Enfield Street as built in 1880 but it seems like it is more in the era of the other house. Mr. Ingraham thought at one time they had a sign on the front of the house when it was owned by Leona Wallace that had a date of 1839. Chairman Tatoian stated the dates shown on the town records may not be totally accurate. The house at 1445 Enfield Street is listed as 1910 and also may not be accurate.
Mr. Polaski asked if Mr. Ingraham is going to incorporate a rail between the main corner post and the house as well as the railings going down the porch. Mr. Ingraham stated those were his intentions. He is a carpenter and intends to do the work on the property.
Mr. Meyer asked if there are any drawings or old photographs of this property at 1445 Enfield Street. Mr. Ingraham stated none that he is aware of.
Mr. Meyer stated in approximately 1974 during a Bicentennial, there were plaques issued to each home in the Historic District indicating the vintage of the house. He asked if that plaque still exists. Mr. Ingraham stated the only thing he received was a brochure giving the age of all the homes in the Enfield Historic District at the time they District was originally formed. While doing research on this home, Mr. Ingraham stated he came up with the date of 1838 built by Luke Watson. He did not recall any such plaque being received.
Mr. Meyer asked if Mr. Ingraham is intending to make the railings similar in design with the scroll work as it is at 1171 Enfield Street. Mr. Ingraham stated all the scroll work is existing and has been refinished.
Mr. Meyer stated Mr. Ingraham is presenting photographs similar to the vinyl railings proposed that will be included with the application. He asked if the end result will look like the railings or the railings plus the scroll work. Mr. Ingraham stated it will be a combination of the two. They are missing the original railings but do have the scroll work.
Mr. Meyer noted the scroll work on the two residences, 1171 and 1445, is different. Mr. Ingraham acknowledged there is a slight difference but they are very close.
Ms. Troiano asked if they will be installing a hand rail down for the stairway. Mr. Ingraham stated he checked other homes on the street and many of the homes do have this railing that comes up about three feet. As far as a hand rail, he did not previously include it. Mrs. Ingraham requested the addition of a hand rail to the proposed railing design. Mr. Ingraham noted both porches have two stairs.
Mr. Meyer added to the application the following language: “include hand rails, one per porch.”
Mr. Alsbaugh asked if the applicant would also like to include one of the three post options in the amendment. At the bottom and on the south porch there will have to be a post to bring the railing in from the corner scroll work that holds up that corner of the porch. Two posts would be needed and three different posts are shown in the application. Following some discussion on the particular post design, Mr. Ingraham proposed to use #2, the insert, of the three options.
Chairman Tatoian opened this hearing to the audience. No one spoke in favor or against this application.
Mr. Ingraham had concerns regarding the overall Enfield Historic District. There has been an ongoing problem with a neighbor that is not too desirable. There is a motor home parked against the side of his home within four feet which belongs to another gentleman. There are problems with people living in this motor home and throwing cigarette butts against the side of the Ingraham house. The Police have visited the site shining bright lights in Mr. Ingraham’s father’s house. Mr. Ingraham has a problem with something parked up against the side of the house where he can’t even look out of his window.
Mr. Ingraham stated there is also gasoline stored in this motor home and propane against the side of the house. He had the Fire Marshal at the property today and he asked that Mr. Ingraham question the Commission members as to whether they think it is appropriate to have this motor home at this location. Mr. Ingraham stated this man has enough room to park this motor home in the rear of his property but he has not done so. The present result is very unsightly in the Historic District.
Mr. Ingraham stated this motor home has Florida plates but is just sitting at this location deteriorating. He would estimate it has been at this location for three to four years. Prior to that, there was another motor home in the same location.
Mr. Ingraham stated this particular property owner likes to burn at night and smoke up the whole back yard. He cannot go out in his back yard and enjoy it because of the smoke. He did not know the exact materials burning but felt it might be leaves or newspapers smoldering.
Chairman Tatoian stated there appear to be zoning violations on this property. Mr. Ingraham stated he had the Police visit the property and the response was that the neighbor was having a hot dog roast. The Fire Marshal visited the property today and confirmed that the neighbor was polluting his property. He asked that he be notified the next time such burning occurs.
Chairman Tatoian stated if someone is constructing something or building something and they never came to the Enfield Historic District Commission, that may also be a question but the existing problems seem to be zoning violations.
Mr. Alsbaugh confirmed that there are multiple issues. He noted the motor home meets the zoning ordinance criteria for location. You are allowed to have a recreational vehicle as long as it is kept behind the front building line of the house. Chairman Tatoian questioned if such a vehicle can be rented to a third party. Mr. Alsbaugh stated that is not allowed and is a separate issue. That gets into issues with zoning, the Health Department and the Fire Department. He stated this is obviously not a pre-existing, nonconforming additional dwelling unit with the property and that is the only thing allowed under the current zoning. Two-family homes are not allowed in the HR-33 zone.
Chairman Tatoian asked if someone brought a mobile home on to a property in the Historic District, would they need approval from the Commission. Mr. Alsbaugh stated they are allowed to have one as long as it is kept in the proper location which is behind the front building line of the house. Chairman Tatoian questioned if there is a setback requirement regarding the mobile home and how far it is from the neighbor’s property line. Mr. Alsbaugh stated parking is not regulated under zoning the same way that structures are with setbacks. You can have your driveway right up to your property line allowing you to park a vehicle that close to the property line.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the issues are whether there is illegal occupation regarding the motor home and are there threats to the health and property of the abutting neighbor. Mr. Ingraham stated he presently has to keep the shades of his home down and he has attempted to resolve this matter. He has people looking into the windows and discarding cigarettes.
Mr. Alsbaugh recommended Mr. Ingraham put something in writing and present it to the Town Manager. He also encouraged the Commission to make comments regarding Mr. Ingraham’s concerns. He added that rather than being confrontational, he felt a more measured approach should be taken.
Mr. Ingraham stated he has been to the Police Department, the Fire Marshal and has previously contacted the Town Manager but no action has been taken to date. While he has made many improvements to his home and his father’s home, he has a house next door to him that is falling down. There is aluminum work going on upstairs without a permit and a swimming pool that is not fenced. The burning in the yard means he and his wife have to stay indoors and they have also had to contact the dog warden.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated during his visit to Mr. Ingraham’s property taking updated photographs of front porches, he viewed the neighboring property and he could tell something new had been done. He stated this property owner had made an application to the Commission to replace windows but he did not follow through on this.
Mr. Ingraham stated the recreational vehicle is parked very close to his home and there are violations with propane and gasoline. He felt this recreational vehicle should be moved because it is unsightly and there could be a fire.
Chairman Tatoian also asked that Mr. Ingraham document in writing what is occurring on the abutting property.
In response to a question from Mr. Gwozdz, Mr. Ingraham stated he has related his concerns to his Town Councilman and reported the situation. He was told he would hear from him about this matter but Mr. Ingraham has not yet received a response.
Mr. Meyer suggested that Mr. Ingraham take some photographs of the violations to include in his letter to the Town Manager. He saw a need for action and noted this impacts the beauty of the Enfield Historic District.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he has noticed a violation prior to Mr. Ingraham’s comments. He suggested the Commission direct him to begin to photograph evidence of what Mr. Alsbaugh believes is a violation.
Mr. Ingraham stated this property owner was running kerosene heaters for about fifteen years and has a history of illegal activities. He also tapped into his father’s cable and electricity.
Ms. Dean suggested if the Ingraham’s notice any burning in the yard that they call the Fire Department. The Department will respond and after so many times, they take action.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he will include information regarding the violation with Mr. Ingraham’s letter to the Town Manager.
Mr. Ingraham stated there are also junk cars from Olivia’s Junk Yark constantly being sold in the Enfield Historic District. Mr. Alsbaugh stated this has occurred previously and the Zoning Enforcement Officer has responded as long as he can document the vehicles.
Following additional discussion regarding the need to address this matter, Chairman Tatoian closed this public hearing.
Mr. Meyer made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smyth, to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install synthetic railings on the two front porches at 1445 Enfield Street. EHDO Section 8. This motion includes an addendum to the original application adding a hand rail to each of the porches and where new posts are required, a minimum of three posts, they will be what has been designated as #2, the insert post, on the product sheet submitted. This post has a square profile with a slightly larger cap.
Such products and materials to be installed, and the areas and manner in which they will be installed or used, shall be as described and as discussed in the public hearing under HDC#307, and as shown in any product sheets and site photographs.
The motion was approved by a 5 – 0 – 0 vote.
HDC #2005-005: Jason and Jennifer Fleigelman, 1380 Enfield St., Replacement of 38 windows. EHDO Section 8.
Jason and Jennifer Fleigelman appeared before the Commission regarding this application.
Mr. Fleigelman stated he has made some changes to their request. He presented some pictures of the existing windows and stated some are pretty rotted while others are broken. Instead of doing replacement windows, he would like permission to install wood storms on the outside. This will allow him time to fix the windows on the inside. He plans to do the work himself as the estimates he has obtained for the repair of the windows have been very high.
Mr. Fleigelman stated eight or nine of the windows are completely rotted and he will need to construct new windows that look exactly like the current windows.
Chairman Tatoian asked if the windows are restored. Mr. Fleigelman stated the original 1702 windows are on the front and sides of the house. An addition was put on approximately twenty years ago in the back of the house. Those windows are not original.
Chairman Tatoian asked about the window glass. Mr. Fleigelman stated the windows have sixteen thick wavy glass. Many of the sills need to be either repaired or replaced.
Chairman Tatoian asked about the addition windows. Mr. Fleigelman stated there are several windows in the back that need to be fixed. He also needs to put storm shutters on those windows as well to reduce the current electric and gas heating bill of $1,200 per month.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he presented the applicant with additional information so they could make a more informed decision. When he first met with the Fleigelman’s, there was a concern on their part to tighten up the house. He provided them with information in order to give them all options.
Mr. Gwozdz asked about the proposed storm windows. Mrs. Fleigelman stated they initially wanted to install replacement windows. She further noted that almost all the homes in the area do have some type of storm windows. Mrs. Fleigelman stated her husband was just diagnosed with asthma and they need to do something regarding the windows. They have twenty-two broken panes that they need to replace along with windows with rotted sills.
Mr. Fleigelman stated the storm windows will be permanent. He needs a second barrier from the cold. The storm shutter sides will be painted red just like what is there now. You will still be able to see through the storms and see the original windows. The storm windows are also proposed for the addition.
Mr. Fleigelman stated the storm windows are wood storms. He doesn’t care for vinyl but was originally going to do vinyl replacement windows and has now decided on the wood storms. The wood storms have three slides that go on. One will be the top window, the bottom window will come down and there is a screen. If they ever wanted to open the windows, they would be able to do so.
Mr. Meyer asked if this is a change to the original request. Mr. Fleigelman stated he is requesting permission for wood storms to be put on the exterior of the home so that he can have sufficient time to replace or fix the original windows. He needs to have a barrier from the elements and be able to take the original windows out and repair them.
Mr. Meyer stated there is no plan to do anything with the current windows but the proposal is to add triple track storm windows. Mr. Meyer asked if they would maintain them as they are with twelve over twelve. Mr. Fleigelman stated he would not change the size of the windows. Half of the windows are twelve over twelve and they are on the front and sides. The back windows are six over six.
Some discussion followed regarding replacement of the wavy glass. Mr. Fleigelman stated such glass is difficult to obtain but he will look for it. Mr. Meyer suggested that Mr. Fleigelman contact Tony Secondo at the Enfield Historical Society. He just gave them about one hundred and fifty pounds of old glass and they are storing it. Ms. Dean stated she and Mr. Alsbaugh have also started accumulating some wavy glass. Mr. Alsbaugh stated they have been operating a volunteer salvage operation over the last year and a half.
Some discussion followed regarding the reluctance of contractors to work on older buildings when many jobs are available on new construction.
Mr. Meyer stated if there are sills or framing that shows rot, what is Mr. Fleigelman’s proposal to address this. Mr. Fleigelman stated he will be able to putty some of the sills with two-part epoxy. Other windows will have to be replaced. He would intend to cut out the piece that is rotted and replace only that one section. Mr. Fleigelman stated he is concerned about replacing the entire sill because on the inside is the original plaster. Mr. Meyer stated it is his understanding that the windows are not original to the house from 1702 but they are period windows.
Mr. Polaski stated this home is one of the most beautiful homes on Enfield Street. He asked if the previous owner, Tony Clark, informed them of the amount of work he did to this house. He milled a lot of the trim by hand using the original planes that were in the basement. Mrs. Fleigelman stated they have received no information regarding the history of the house.
Ms. Dean referred the Fleigelman’s to the Enfield Press newspaper which has newspaper articles on the history of this home. The Enfield Public Library has all the issues on microfilm.
Mr. Polaski asked about the front walk. Mr. Fleigelman stated the front walk is brick and it is movable. He did not cement anything. He was not aware they needed an approval for this improvement. Mrs. Fleigelman added the only reason it is there is because the U. S. Post Office would not deliver any mail unless they created a walkway.
Mr. Polaski liked the appearance of the walk but noted that anything that is done to the home that is visible from the street should be the subject of a future application. Mr. Alsbaugh stated while only improvements that are visible from the street require a certificate of appropriateness, he would like to create a review file to document what has occurred at this house.
Ms. Dean complimented Mr. Alsbaugh for his assistance with her historic home and she told the Fleigelman’s this assistance is a nice resource in order to avoid things that may affect the value of their home.
Mr. Meyer stated the Fliegelman’s are requesting that the Commission ignore the original request that was published in the newspaper and in its place request the Commission to approve the installation of wood storm windows. Anything else other than the windows would require another approval from this Commission. Mrs. Fleigelman stated on fifteen of the windows they are not able to put on the storm windows because the sills are rotted. They would like permission to fix the windows that are rotted and replace the panes that are broken. They would maintain the original architecture and it would be a repair in place.
Further discussion followed on the particular storm windows that will be used. Mr. Fleigelman stated they are Adams storm windows and they are one over ones with a screen and they are wood. Mr. Alsbaugh stated he is unsure if this was the profile that Bob Yap showed them in Manchester at the seminar Commission members attended. Mr. Alsbaugh recalled the window being a flatter faced storm that had screen sections and not a triple track window. It was a shallower depth than what is proposed by Mr. Fleigelman. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the main concern with this house is the sashes sit very shallow within the casing so you can’t really get a storm window on the inside. If you have a shallow depth storm window that is the same profile, just a flat square, it fills in the casing but leaves the sashes entirely open. Mr. Alsbaugh asked if the FLeigelman’s looked at other storm windows.
Mr. Alsbaugh requested that he be allowed to research these windows in order to find windows that would have a slightly flatter frame with a shallower depth that would still address the concerns. The storm window proposed seems to come up at an angle on the edges. Mr. Alsbaugh would like to avoid the added storm windows looking like cheap aluminum track windows. He will do additional research to make sure the most appropriate style is selected while still meeting the needs of the homeowners.
Mr. Polaski made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gwozdz, to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install wood storm windows on elevations visible from the public street. This application is amended from the original submittal to strike vinyl replacement and add wood storm windows face mounted that staff will help research regarding the choice of window. Mr. Alsbaugh will document each window replacement to show that it is repair and maintenance. EHDO Section 8.
Such products and materials to be installed, and the reason and manner in which they will be installed or used, shall be as described and as discussed in the public hearing under HDC#308, and as shown in any product sheets and site photographs.
The motion was approved by a 5 – 0 – 0 vote.
Mr. Gwozdz stated he is encouraged that historical improvements are occurring in the District. Mr. Meyer agreed and stated it would be a shame to wreck a 1702 house with 2005 plastic. Ms. Dean thanked Mr. Alsbaugh for his efforts in educating these homeowners.
MINUTES
Mr. Meyer made a motion, seconded by Ms. Troiano, to approve the Minutes of June 22, 2005. The Minutes were approved by a 6 – 0 – 2 vote. Ms. Russell and Ms. Smyth abstained.
STAFF REPORT
Mr. Alsbaugh presented a copy of a memo that Mr. Giner requested so that he could give it to the Town Manager to update the Town Council regarding the boundary expansion in the National District of Thompsonville where Bigelow is located. The boundary expansion is an extension of the recommendations from the Enfield Revitalization and Strategy Committee and the consultant who is doing the design guidelines for the Thompsonville Village Zone.
Mr. Alsbaugh presented the Commission with the cover sheet the Commission previously asked for regarding the request to the Town Council for the boundary adjustment of the local district. Mr. Alsbaugh thanked Commissioner Eileen Russell who gave him a folder of historic clippings. In it was an article from 1971 showing a map for the District that was presented at the public hearing. Mr. Alsbaugh stated this map included a closed box and the coordinates also indicate a closed box.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
* Review of draft resolution to adjust boundary of district to amend incorrect original layout. Mention all sides and options to do it, with the HDC's preferred method.
* Review of district mapping and draft memo to Town Council regarding creation of a Hazardville Local Historic District
* Hazardville local historic district - updates on any additional reports of informal inquiries (Mr. Gwozdz; Mr. Meyer; Mr. Polaski)
Mr. Alsbaugh presented to the Commission the original nomination that went to the state and federal government and the Town Council showing that the District was approved with a closed box. He noted when the ordinance was written, the description was taken from the nomination packet. Therefore, when the legal description was put into the ordinance, it was wrong. Mr. Alsbaugh was uncertain why this occurred but stated it may have been incorrect advice. He reiterated that the original proposed boundary map was a closed box.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the recommendation to the Town Council will be to issue a resolution correcting this. He did not foresee going to the State Historic Office or the DOT because this was a script error. The request should be made that the incorrect map or description be corrected. Mr. Alsbaugh stated when this is done, he would then craft a resolution for the Council that includes the proper ordinance wording. That section would then replace the existing section in the ordinance. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the date of the signing was December 9, 1971 and he noted he has a newspaper article confirming this date.
Mr. Meyer asked how does the Commission know that this is an official release and not an artist’s concept. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the newspaper would get the information from the town and not draw the map. He added he has never had a copy of the USGS map. Also, the town has no record. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the best proof that there is a closed box is the USGS coordinates. If it was two boxes, there would be two sets of coordinates.
Chairman Tatoian asked what specifically needs to be corrected. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the actual description that says the boundary begins at the right of way line and goes back. That is part of the phrasing of the actual description but it’s not complete. Without the complete description, the result is something entirely different. The ordinance wording describing the boundaries of the Enfield Historic District is wrong. There is a need for it to be changed to reflect the actual mapping.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the approved coordinates from the state, federal and local authorities all show a closed box. When the ordinance was written, a mistake was made.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the USGS map verifies that a mistake was made.
Mr. Meyer read from the document and stated Route 190 does not exist on this closed box. Chairman Tatoian stated Route 190 was built in 1966. Mr. Alsbaugh stated they were using old maps and data which did not show Route 190. Mr. Alsbaugh stated any discrepancies at this time are irrelevant but what is pertinent are the coordinates describing the box.
Mr. Alsbaugh stating he prepared a cover sheet that Mr. Meyer requested. He will also add this paper and the USGS sheet so that the Council has all the information when the request is made for them to amend the ordinance. Mr. Alsbaugh stated he will prepare a formal request to the Town Council which includes a revision to the ordinance. He will submit this to Mr. Giner who will then forward it to the Town Manager and the Town Council.
Mr. Meyer stated this map does not recognize the state right of way. Mr. Alsbaugh stated he did not feel the state right of way was relevant. He thanked Mrs. Russell for the information she provided regarding the mapping and coordinates. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the difficulty has been that he has never been able to find the complete application for any of the nomination packages.
The Commission was in agreement with Mr. Alsbaugh proceeding in the manner he outlined.
Mrs. Troiano brought up a concern about motor homes in the District and the fact that there are presently no restrictions regarding where these vehicles are parked. Mr. Alsbaugh stated this is something the District can address. He is assuming that the zoning issue regarding recreational vehicles was decided to be applied across the board in all residential zones. If the Commission thinks there is a problem, there has to be a directive from this Commission requesting Planning and Zoning to consider this situation. Because the District is an HR-33 zone, it is a very limited part of the town. Mrs. Troiano felt the Commission should do something about this and address motor homes in the Historic District ordinance. Mr. Alsbaugh stated this is a zoning issue throughout the town but the Commission can comment on it.
Mr. Meyer requested an update on the lawsuit for the Montessori School. Mr. Alsbaugh stated he has been asked by the Assistant Town Attorney to comment on comments by the attorney for the Felician Sisters which he will be responding to shortly.
Mr. Meyer stated a couple of meetings ago, Mrs. Troiano provided the Commission with a brochure on historic trees. Mr. Meyer passed this along to some of his friends who are totally enthused and willing to buy trees for Enfield Street. He asked what would it take to do this. He further noted that two trees have recently been lost on Enfield Street. Mr. Meyer would like to initiate this tree program and he felt the public support would be there.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the process would include approval from the Town Council, preparation of an overall plan by Public Works, and approvals from the DMV and the utility companies.
Following a brief discussion on the comeback of the American Elm tree, Mr. Meyer requested that the Commission’s discussion regarding historic heritage trees be kept on the meeting agenda. Mrs. Troiano stated she will encourage her husband and son to plant American Elm trees on the corner of Elm Street.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Polaski made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gwozdz, to adjourn. Following a unanimous vote, the Commission adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Nancy Smyth, Clerk
Enfield Historic District Commission
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