Historical Commission Minutes, August 2, 2010
Present
Member: Jim Collins, Sharon Connors, Wendy Goldberg, Janet Jones,
Jane Loos, Donna Lubell, Geraldine Millham
Alternate: Anne “Pete” Baker, Norma Judson, Sean Leach
Absent
Member: none
Alternate: Christine Vezetinski
Sharon Connors (SC), Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00pm in the Town Hall basement meeting area. SC confirmed that all seven voting members were present. Others in attendance included:
Lin Beck & Bill Pardee 1875 Main Road, WPT
David Cole & Betty Slade 2037 Main Road, WPT
Diane & John Colletti 1830 C Draft Road, Westport
Tony Connors 2032 Main Road, WPT
Jennifer O’Neill Westport Historical Society
Gerri & Fred Schiffman 1830 Drift Road, Westport
Ralph Souza Building Inspector
Peter Streng 1818 Main Road, WPT
Emily Sutton 937 Main Road, Westport
A. General Business
1. Report to BOS. SC reminded that we need to report to the BOS on attendance by WHC members and alternates. Jane Loos (JL) agreed to prepare and send the report.
2. Minutes of Previous Meetings.
(a) June 7, 2010. JL apologized that these draft minutes had been circulated too late for consideration at the July 6 meeting. SC suggested several corrections. Janet Jones (JJ) moved and Geraldine Millham (GM) seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes as amended. The vote in favor was unanimous, with two abstentions by the two new members who had not participated at that meeting -- Wendy Goldberg (WG) and Donna Lubell (DL).
(b) July 6, 2010. SC thanked Christine Vezetinski for preparing the draft minutes. SC suggested several corrections. Geraldine Millham (GM) moved and Janet Jones (JJ) seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes as amended. The vote in favor was unanimous, with three abstentions -- the two new members who had not participated at that meeting WG and DL, and JL who was absent from that meeting.
3. Treasurer’s Report. GM presented the report as of July 29, 2010 (Attachment 1):
(a) WHC expense account had a balance of $725. Revenue to date is $0.
(b) All Trust accounts have not been updated since the close of FY09/10, so there is no change from the June 30, 2010 statement presented at the July 6, 2010 meeting.
4. WG moved and JL seconded a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The vote in favor was unanimous.
5. WHC Trust Agreement. SC explained that it is a requirement of this Trust that certain sections of the Agreement be read out loud in public hearing once per year. GM read paras 2-9. In response to a question about who are the Trustees of the Trust, GM explained that WHC members are the Trustees.
6. Handy House Preservation Agreement. GM also read to the meeting the terms of the preservation agreement for the house and accompanying 2+ acres at 202 Hixbridge Road. This agreement was put into force in October 1991. There is also an easement on the west side of the property that was taken by the Town of Westport to accomplish the closure, monitoring and repair of the landfill in 1997.
7. Mail.
(a) Housing Rehab Program. SC read to the meeting her letter to STG Consultants answering their inquiry about possible historical significance of properties being considered for the Housing Rehab Program (Attachment 2).
(b) 7-Up Machine at 2055-57-59 Main Road. SC read to the meeting her letter to Mrs. Eve M. Leach concerning removal of the Machine (Attachment 3).
(c) 1954 Main Road. SC read to the meeting her letter to Mr. John Clemmey concerning the scaffolding at that property (Attachment 4).
(d) Handy House. SC read to the meeting her letter to the CPC supporting efforts to preserve this historic property (Attachment 5).
8. Preliminary Review of Plans at 1875-77 Main Road. Lin Beck & Bill Pardee presented preliminary proposals to remodel and enlarge the little “Soule Store” to make a one and a half story boat storage building and study. The general sense of the meeting was that the Soule Store is historically important to the Point and its place on the village streetscape should be maintained. Its proximity to the road reduces significantly any opportunities for expansion, due to the negative impact on the streetscape as well as on the main house from introducing a larger mass at that location. Some Expansion to the rear may be possible, but expansion upward would not be appropriate.
9. Review of Plans for a Preferably Preserved Property at 1380K Drift Road. The Building Inspector had referred this matter to WHC (Attachment 6), as this is a preferably preferred property over which WHC has authority when demolition is proposed. Sean Leach (SL) recused himself from the discussion as his firm has represented the Schiffmans in front of other Town Boards. SC read several letters and notes of phone calls regarding this cottage into the minutes. (Attachment 7.)
10. Gerri and Fred Schiffman discussed their plans for expanding the “Cuffe” cottage, which would involve some demolition to accommodate new stairways, new dormers and an addition to the north. They explained that the plans they had presented to the Building Inspector (and which were copied to WHC) do not fully reflect their current thinking. They discussed how they are coming to a better understanding of the importance as well as the virtues of the cottage as it currently is, and are now considering ways to try to preserve more of the cottage and reduce the impact of changes needed to accommodate their son and his family.
11. WHC encouraged the Schiffmans to maintain the integrity and spirit of the existing cottage. Any changes to accommodate “modern living” should be the least intrusive possible. The plans presented to the WHC at this meeting showed minimal demolition and were approved.
Anne “Pete” Baker (APB) advised that excavation of the crawl space for installation of a better foundation and the construction of a new addition would provide an opportunity for archeological investigations. She noted that grant funds had been marshaled to conduct an archeological dig at the Waite Potter chimney (another old and valuable part of Westport history) and had provided very interesting results.
12. Certificate of Non-Applicability for 1903-05 Main Road. Betty Slade presented this application on behalf of the owners, the Newcomer Family. The plans involve a small shed positioned at the rear of 1903 Main Road so that it is not visible from a public way. JJ moved and WG seconded a motion to approve a Certificate of Non-Applicability. The vote in favor was unanimous, with two abstentions -- JL as an abutter, and JC as he had not been able to view the site in person.
13. Update on Plans for Handy House. Tony Connors, President WHS, and Jennifer O’Neill, Executive Director Westport Historical Society (WHS) described the evolving views and plans for the Handy House. WHS considers this as a growth challenge for a vital and engaged organization. WHS is “re-imagining” a role for the Handy House in the future of Westport. WHS will be making a first presentation to CPC on August 12 and would welcome WHC support.
14. Betty Slade described the spontaneous establishment of the “Friends of the Handy House” and the considerable financial support which is being offered. SC reported that the owners had refused WHC permission to document the house interior and exterior via photographs so the project will be on hold until the house goes under agreement to new owners.
15. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 pm.
Jane Loos, Secretary
Attachment 2. SC letter to STG Consultants
Attachment 3. SC letter to Eve Leach about 7-up machine
Attachment 4. SC letter to John Clemmey about scaffolding
Attachment 5. SC letter to CPC supporting preservation of Handy House
Attachment 6. Ralph Souza letter to WHC about 1380K Drift Road
Attachment 7. Notes and letters between SC and Gerri Schiffman regarding 1380K Drift
Member: Jim Collins, Sharon Connors, Wendy Goldberg, Janet Jones,
Jane Loos, Donna Lubell, Geraldine Millham
Alternate: Anne “Pete” Baker, Norma Judson, Sean Leach
Absent
Member: none
Alternate: Christine Vezetinski
Sharon Connors (SC), Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00pm in the Town Hall basement meeting area. SC confirmed that all seven voting members were present. Others in attendance included:
Lin Beck & Bill Pardee 1875 Main Road, WPT
David Cole & Betty Slade 2037 Main Road, WPT
Diane & John Colletti 1830 C Draft Road, Westport
Tony Connors 2032 Main Road, WPT
Jennifer O’Neill Westport Historical Society
Gerri & Fred Schiffman 1830 Drift Road, Westport
Ralph Souza Building Inspector
Peter Streng 1818 Main Road, WPT
Emily Sutton 937 Main Road, Westport
A. General Business
1. Report to BOS. SC reminded that we need to report to the BOS on attendance by WHC members and alternates. Jane Loos (JL) agreed to prepare and send the report.
2. Minutes of Previous Meetings.
(a) June 7, 2010. JL apologized that these draft minutes had been circulated too late for consideration at the July 6 meeting. SC suggested several corrections. Janet Jones (JJ) moved and Geraldine Millham (GM) seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes as amended. The vote in favor was unanimous, with two abstentions by the two new members who had not participated at that meeting -- Wendy Goldberg (WG) and Donna Lubell (DL).
(b) July 6, 2010. SC thanked Christine Vezetinski for preparing the draft minutes. SC suggested several corrections. Geraldine Millham (GM) moved and Janet Jones (JJ) seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes as amended. The vote in favor was unanimous, with three abstentions -- the two new members who had not participated at that meeting WG and DL, and JL who was absent from that meeting.
3. Treasurer’s Report. GM presented the report as of July 29, 2010 (Attachment 1):
(a) WHC expense account had a balance of $725. Revenue to date is $0.
(b) All Trust accounts have not been updated since the close of FY09/10, so there is no change from the June 30, 2010 statement presented at the July 6, 2010 meeting.
4. WG moved and JL seconded a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The vote in favor was unanimous.
5. WHC Trust Agreement. SC explained that it is a requirement of this Trust that certain sections of the Agreement be read out loud in public hearing once per year. GM read paras 2-9. In response to a question about who are the Trustees of the Trust, GM explained that WHC members are the Trustees.
6. Handy House Preservation Agreement. GM also read to the meeting the terms of the preservation agreement for the house and accompanying 2+ acres at 202 Hixbridge Road. This agreement was put into force in October 1991. There is also an easement on the west side of the property that was taken by the Town of Westport to accomplish the closure, monitoring and repair of the landfill in 1997.
7. Mail.
(a) Housing Rehab Program. SC read to the meeting her letter to STG Consultants answering their inquiry about possible historical significance of properties being considered for the Housing Rehab Program (Attachment 2).
(b) 7-Up Machine at 2055-57-59 Main Road. SC read to the meeting her letter to Mrs. Eve M. Leach concerning removal of the Machine (Attachment 3).
(c) 1954 Main Road. SC read to the meeting her letter to Mr. John Clemmey concerning the scaffolding at that property (Attachment 4).
(d) Handy House. SC read to the meeting her letter to the CPC supporting efforts to preserve this historic property (Attachment 5).
8. Preliminary Review of Plans at 1875-77 Main Road. Lin Beck & Bill Pardee presented preliminary proposals to remodel and enlarge the little “Soule Store” to make a one and a half story boat storage building and study. The general sense of the meeting was that the Soule Store is historically important to the Point and its place on the village streetscape should be maintained. Its proximity to the road reduces significantly any opportunities for expansion, due to the negative impact on the streetscape as well as on the main house from introducing a larger mass at that location. Some Expansion to the rear may be possible, but expansion upward would not be appropriate.
9. Review of Plans for a Preferably Preserved Property at 1380K Drift Road. The Building Inspector had referred this matter to WHC (Attachment 6), as this is a preferably preferred property over which WHC has authority when demolition is proposed. Sean Leach (SL) recused himself from the discussion as his firm has represented the Schiffmans in front of other Town Boards. SC read several letters and notes of phone calls regarding this cottage into the minutes. (Attachment 7.)
10. Gerri and Fred Schiffman discussed their plans for expanding the “Cuffe” cottage, which would involve some demolition to accommodate new stairways, new dormers and an addition to the north. They explained that the plans they had presented to the Building Inspector (and which were copied to WHC) do not fully reflect their current thinking. They discussed how they are coming to a better understanding of the importance as well as the virtues of the cottage as it currently is, and are now considering ways to try to preserve more of the cottage and reduce the impact of changes needed to accommodate their son and his family.
11. WHC encouraged the Schiffmans to maintain the integrity and spirit of the existing cottage. Any changes to accommodate “modern living” should be the least intrusive possible. The plans presented to the WHC at this meeting showed minimal demolition and were approved.
Anne “Pete” Baker (APB) advised that excavation of the crawl space for installation of a better foundation and the construction of a new addition would provide an opportunity for archeological investigations. She noted that grant funds had been marshaled to conduct an archeological dig at the Waite Potter chimney (another old and valuable part of Westport history) and had provided very interesting results.
12. Certificate of Non-Applicability for 1903-05 Main Road. Betty Slade presented this application on behalf of the owners, the Newcomer Family. The plans involve a small shed positioned at the rear of 1903 Main Road so that it is not visible from a public way. JJ moved and WG seconded a motion to approve a Certificate of Non-Applicability. The vote in favor was unanimous, with two abstentions -- JL as an abutter, and JC as he had not been able to view the site in person.
13. Update on Plans for Handy House. Tony Connors, President WHS, and Jennifer O’Neill, Executive Director Westport Historical Society (WHS) described the evolving views and plans for the Handy House. WHS considers this as a growth challenge for a vital and engaged organization. WHS is “re-imagining” a role for the Handy House in the future of Westport. WHS will be making a first presentation to CPC on August 12 and would welcome WHC support.
14. Betty Slade described the spontaneous establishment of the “Friends of the Handy House” and the considerable financial support which is being offered. SC reported that the owners had refused WHC permission to document the house interior and exterior via photographs so the project will be on hold until the house goes under agreement to new owners.
15. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 pm.
16. The next meeting will be September 13, 2010 rather than September 6 because of the labor day holiday.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Loos, Secretary
Approved with amendments on September 13, 2010
Attachments
Attachment 1. Treasurer's Report
Attachment 2. SC letter to STG Consultants
Attachment 3. SC letter to Eve Leach about 7-up machine
Attachment 4. SC letter to John Clemmey about scaffolding
Attachment 5. SC letter to CPC supporting preservation of Handy House
Attachment 6. Ralph Souza letter to WHC about 1380K Drift Road
Attachment 7. Notes and letters between SC and Gerri Schiffman regarding 1380K Drift
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