Minutes September 10, 2007

Business

1.      Reviewed and accepted the minutes of August 20.

2.      The Commission met with R. Levesque Associates, Inc. about the addition and renovations to the Southwick Inn. The plans were reviewed by the Commission and the Commission praised the efforts taken to maintain the historic character and integrity of the Inn. The plans to rebuild the car sales building (which is not on the inventory of historic sites) so that its architecture will blend with the other buildings in the area pleased the Commission members. The Historical Commission approved the planned addition and alterations proposed to the Southwick Inn.

3.      Laflin/Phelps House – The proposed plans for the 20 Depot St property were discussed. R. Levesque presented the various plans Bank of America has reviewed and the reasons for deciding on the proposed plan (an over 55 complex with stand alone residential units). A draft of what this would look like was shown the Commission. The Commission presented its concerns regarding the Laflin/Phelps Homestead, which is on the National Register. The Commission outlined what it would like to see preserved on the 20-acre property. Various avenues to accomplish the preservation were explored. The Commission will meet again with R. Levesque and Christian Carey next month. This meeting will be an on site visit so that the Commission can visually view the impact the complex would have on the Laflin/Phelps Homestead.

4.      Survey and Planning Grant – Fitzgerald & Halliday have been invited to meet with the Commission members on September 20 at 1pm. Karl Steinhart will also attend the interview.

5.      August 20 work session update – Robin and Rebecca continued to log the Saunders’ postcard collection into the Past Perfect program. They had trouble with the computer interacting with the program and the scanner. The Commission will ask Jim Middleton to look at the problem.

6.      The Commission voted to cancel the October 1 meeting and to meet on September 24 to work on developing the historic resources list for Fitzgerald and Halliday to research.

7.      Reappointment notice from the Board of Selectmen. Karen Brzezinski, Barbara MacEwan, and Todd Shiveley have all been reappointed for 3 years. The Commission will notify the Selectmen to rescind the appointment of Candice Ruccio as she has not been to a meeting and the Commission’s attempts to contact Ms. Ruccio have not been successful.

8.      Karen and Barbara set up the foyer display on Sept 5. The display features photos of residences/buildings taken in the later part of the 19th century. Every 4 months or so different photos will be rotated into the exhibit.

9.      Scott Ricker e-mailed the Commission his concerns regarding the Southwick Florist shop and handicap accessibility. He wishes Historical Commission documents pertaining to the building going back 25 years. Mr. Ricker was advised that the documentation he is looking for would not be with the Commission.

 

 

  Mail

1.        From the Mass. Humanities the newsletter for Fall 2007

2.        Planning Board    Agenda September 4th and September 11th

3.        From Past Perfect the September 2007 Newsletter

4.        From Past Perfect Software a letter requesting an update of account information

5.        Copy of letter from Scott Ricker to Town Clerk requesting a review of all documents relating to the building a 636 College Highway (Southwick Florist)

6.        Notice from the Southwick Fire Dept. of a Remembrance Service to be held September 11th, at 9:45 AM

7.        Notice from Board of Selectmen to make sure the Town Hall doors are locked after evening meetings.

8.        Planning Board notice of a hearing re proposed by law regarding Erosion and Sediment Control for Storm water Management to be held September 4 at 7:30.

9.        Board of Health Minuets August 2.

10.     From the National Trust for Historic Preservation the publication “Preservation” for September / October 2007.

11.     From the Planning Board a notice of a hearing regarding Plan approval for a new building to be a retail store (farm items) at 681 College Highway on September 18th at 8 PM.

12.     From the Planning Board a notice of a hearing re an amendment to the Lexington Circle Subdivision Plan on September 18th at 7:30.

13.     Notice of the Summer Luncheon to be held September 20th at 11:30 to 1:30 at the Community Center patio.

14.     From the National Trust for Historic Preservation the “Forum News” for September / October 2007.  Of note is the new Hartford, CT Preservation Ordinance.

15.     Lake Management Committee Minuets August 9th.

16.     From the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions “The Alliance Review” for July / August 2007.

17.     From the Board of Selectmen a notice of reappointment of commission members.

 

 

 

 

 

Barbara Mac Ewan

Chair, Historical Commission

 

 

 

 

Karen Brzezinski

 

 

 

 

Todd Shiveley