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WASHINGTON HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 23, 2015
PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Alternates Present:
Alternates Absent:
Staff Present:
Others:
Jane Boyer, Tom Hollinger, George Krimsky, Alison Gilchrist
Phyllis Mills
Susan Averill, Louise Van Tartwijk
Sally Woodroofe
Janice Roberti
Kathy Guttman, Steve Guttman, Daniel Sachs, Kevin Lindores
PUBLIC HEARING
Steve and Kathy Guttman/”The Rocks”, 21 Kirby Road Washington CT/exterior home
renovations and addition.
Ms. Boyer opened the Public Hearing at 7:35 PM to consider the application for a Certificate of
Appropriateness submitted by Kathy and Steve Guttman for exterior home renovations and an addition at
21 Kirby Road, Washington CT. The legal notice which appeared in Voices Newspaper on 2/14/15 was
read. Kevin Lindores and David Sachs of Sachs Lindores Architecture, Interiors were at the meeting to
present and explain the plans.
Mr. Guttman started the hearing by providing an introduction on the history of the home, the home’s
architect, Ehrick Rossiter, and the vision he and his wife have for this historic home. The
Guttmans are devoted to the rehabilitation of the house while respecting the standards and integrity of the
original design. There will also be the addition of amenities necessary to a modern family. New rooms
would comprise the addition which will be a new structure built onto the back side of the house. The
proposed addition is the result of extensive historical research by both the owners and Sachs Lindores.
Mr. Sachs passed around historical photos of the home which he researched at the Gunn Memorial
Library. They displayed the site plans, site photos, recent photos taken from the road, existing and
proposed floor plans, south, west, north and east proposed elevations, building and wall sections, window
and door types, proposed exterior paint and trim colors and cedar shingle samples. The architects stated
that their intention for the entire outside is to make the home look as authentically “Rossiter” as they
possibly can.
There were no additional comments or questions.
MOTION:
To close the Public Hearing to consider the application for a Certificate of
Appropriateness submitted by Kathy and Steve Guttman for exterior home
renovations and an addition. By Mr. Krimsky, seconded by Mr. Hollinger,
passed 5 to 0.
Ms. Boyer closed the Public Hearing at 8:30 PM.
REGULAR MEETING
Ms. Boyer called the meeting to order at 8:35 PM and seated the members and Alternate
Ms. Van Tartwijk for Ms. Mills.
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Steve & Kathy Guttman/”The Rocks”, 21 Kirby Road, Washington CT/exterior home
renovations and addition.
Ms. Boyer asked the commissioners for comments or questions. A lengthy discussion ensued and
the commissioners were in agreement that the Guttmans and their Architects would handle the
renovations and addition while respecting the standards and integrity of the original design.
Several commission members commended the architects and owners for their well thought out
plans and their devotion to preserving the historical legacy of this home. The two conditions for
the COA are 1) that the owners must provide documentation regarding specifications for the
proposed window replacements and (2) that any other proposed changes must be reviewed by the
commission.
MOTION:
To approve the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by
Kathy and Steve Guttman for exterior home renovations and additions to “The
Rocks” at 21 Kirby Road, Washington CT with the condition that the
Commission be provided documentation regarding specifications for the proposed
window replacements. Any other proposed changes must be reviewed by the
commission. By Mr. Hollinger, seconded by Ms. Gilchrist, passed 5 to 0.
Consideration of the Minutes
January 15, 2015
Page 2, Under Section “General Discussion Regarding Procedures for Research”, Paragraph 2, correct
spelling in two places from “George Grimsky” to “George Krimsky”.
MOTION:
To accept the January 15, 2015 minutes as amended. By Mr. Hollinger, seconded by
Mr. Krimsky, passed 5 to 0.
Other Business
Discussion regarding HDC meeting/minutes procedures by Louise Van Tartwijk
Due to time constraints, Ms. Van Tartwijk's discussion of the meeting minutes talking
procedures and protocol will be moved to the March 16, 2015 meeting.
Informal discussion for suggestions regarding preliminary site plans and future house plans by
Susan Averill
The commission informally reviewed plans and photos brought in by Susan Averill, 250 Calhoun
Street, for the proposed construction of a two-bedroom home across the street from the Averill
Homestead. If approved, this would become the first additional living space built on the 260 acre
farm since the land was acquired in 1746. Ms. Averill explained the plans in detail and expressed
that her family places value in the comments provided by the HDC. The Averills will submit an
application for a COA at the March 16, 2015 meeting.
MOTION:
To adjourn. By Ms. Gilchrist.
Ms. Boyer adjourned the meeting at 8:50 PM.
FILED SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
Respectfully Submitted,
Janice Roberti, Historic District Clerk