Historic Properties Commission - Minutes - 11/14/2023

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WATERFORD HISTORIC PROPERTIES COMMISSION —_M.AITEST DD J Gouger
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Minutes of Annual Meeting - November 14, 2023
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Chairman John O'Neill.
Present: Members: Patrick Crotty, Robert Nye, Eileen Olynciw, John O’Neill,
Debra Walters
Appointment of Alternates: N/A
Minutes: Motion by R. Nye, seconded by D. Walters, to accept the minutes of the
Regular Meeting of September 12, 2023
Voting in favor: Unanimous
Public Comments: See “Nevins Cottage” and “80 Shore Road” below.
Creation of Regular/Annual Meeting Schedule for 2024: Meetings will be held at 7:00
p.m. in the Louise Appleby Meeting Room on January 9, March 12, May 14, July 9, and
September 10. The Annual Meeting is scheduled for November 12.
Election of Officers: Motion by R. Nye, seconded by P. Crotty, to present/vote on the
following slate: Chair: John J. O’Neill, Jr., Vice Chair: Patrick Crotty,
Secretary/Recording Secretary: Debra Walters, Treasurer: Robert M. Nye
Voting in favor: Unanimous
Waterford Historic Properties: R. Nye reported no recent action taken regarding
repair/maintenance of Cohanzie School, Secchiaroli Barn, or Jordan Park House.
Waterford Historical Society Happenings: D. Walters reported on recent repair and
maintenance done at the Beebe Phillips House and the Jordan Schoolhouse.
Nevins Cottage: R. Nye had nothing new to report from town officials. Several
audience members shared their knowledge of a recently formed town Committee to
Save Nevins Cottage.

Eugene O'Neill Theater Center: Representatives in attendance from the O’Neill asked
for an update on the schedule/specifications for the planned roof replacement of the
Mansion. J. O'Neill and R. Nye shared information from town officials who are working
on this project indicating that bids have gone out. The HPC was not included in this
process. R. Nye questioned whether or not the HPC would have an opportunity to
comment on the specs.
Cemeteries: J. O’Neill reported on the interest and activity of a newly formed group
wanting to create a Cemetery “Caretakers” Committee. A dozen people have been in
attendance at two meetings, and a third meeting will be held tomorrow, November 15th.
The focus first will be on the Durfee Cemetery.
Plan of Preservation, Conservation, and Development: No update reported.
80 Shore Road Demolition: Audience members, who are working to prevent the
demolition of Ailanthus Farm buildings located at 80 Shore Road, shared developments
regarding that action. They also shared that the Connecticut Attorney General is
looking into any authority the Historic Properties Commission may have over (privately
owned) “historic properties”. Discussion followed.
Ordinance 15.20.030-Delay of Demolition Regarding Historic Structures and
Ordinance 12.12.020-Recreation and Parks, maintenance of the Park House: By
consensus, it was decided to forward these two items to the Representative Town
Meeting for review.
Other: No discussion.
Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Walters, Secretary