APPROVED
Historic District Commission
Meeting Minutes
October 12, 2006
Members attending: John Fitzwilliam, Lottie Guild, Brian Luddy, Eileen McHugh
CTO: 4:05 PM.
The Commission welcomed new member Eileen McHugh.
Public meeting continued: Carole Langer to discuss the canvass awning and signage on the old schoolhouse, located at 22 Route 119W, Village Center Business District.
Ms. Langer was not present. Members noted that the awning had not been changed since the last meeting. Fitzwilliam asked Commission members what they thought about the awning. Guild remains opposed to the signage on the awning. Nancy Roehl, resident of the Historic District, said she did not believe the awning with the signage fit in the neighborhood.
Fitzwilliam reported that according to Ms. Langer, there was no way to affordably remove the signage from the awning or replace the awning. Since it is a financial hardship to change the awning, he proposed that Ms. Langer be asked to remove other signage on the property relating to the historic nature of the house. McHugh noted that the hanging sign near the road had been removed, but the frame was left hanging.
Guild remarked that she continued to be opposed to the awning with signage because it looks inappropriate for the town. McHugh agreed. It is out of place in Fitzwilliam.
Fitzwilliam noted that the awning was placed to keep rain from blowing into the entryway causing wood to deteriorate. At one time there was a wooden canopy that protected the entryway. He said something was needed but the signage was not necessary.
Ms. Roehl thought the old hanging sign was lovely, very muted but distinct. McHugh agreed and said she always read that sign as she drove by.
Luddy noted the awning signage is not a commercial sign; it is a historic identification sign. He wondered if the Commission wanted to consider regulating signs of that nature.
Guild remarked that this particular historic sign is not in character with the neighborhood. There was agreement that the awning with the signage may fit in a more urban historic setting. McHugh noted that the awning without the signage would, in effect, disappear. Luddy concurred that the awning was necessary to protect the entryway.
Guild moved and McHugh seconded a motion to accept the concept of the basic awning without the signage. Commission members approved the motion unanimously.
Luddy moved and McHugh seconded a motion to disapprove any and all signage on the awning; and, that the current awning signage must be removed within 60 days. Commission members approved the motion unanimously.
The Commission acted under the authority of Land Use Ordinance 127-31.2 and noted that this violation carried with it a fine of ten dollars for each day the sign remains after the removal period expires.
Resignation: The Commission accepted a letter of resignation from Wendy O’Brien and expressed their gratitude to her for her service on the Commission. They will make recommendations for another member at their next meeting.
Public meeting: Laurie Crider to discuss constructing a fence on her property located at 68 Templeton Turnpike, Historic District, Map 31, Lot 15.
Ms. Crider presented her application for a white vinyl fence that is five feet tall to restrain her new puppy. The fence is behind the barn with the barn wall serving as the fourth side. It cannot be seen from the road.
Luddy noted that the fence will be 48 feet long, rather than the 38 feet stated in the application. The application was corrected.
Guild moved, McHugh seconded and the Commission approved the amended application as presented.
Minutes: Guild moved, Luddy seconded and the Commission approved the minutes of the September 14, 2006 meeting as written.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 PM.
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