Historic District Commission approves roof replacement for First Congregational Church

The Norwich Historic District Commission unanimously approved Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) 568 on March 19 for a roof replacement at 8183 East Town Street, the First Congregational Church.

The decision followed a public hearing during which no members of the public spoke. Chair Catherine (Chair, Historic District Commission) closed the public hearing at 5:35 p.m. and opened the regular meeting for action on the COA. Commissioners moved and seconded approval of the application “as written,” and the motion passed unanimously on a roll-call vote.

The commission’s discussion described the work as a routine roof replacement for both the church and the adjacent hall. Commission members noted the applicant submitted a written scope of work (described in the record as approximately a page and a half). Commissioners inspected available imagery and noted both roofs are already covered with asphalt shingles; the transcript also records a line noting “asphalt shingles and 13 square feet mule hide roofing.” The application packet and the commission’s review indicate no design details flagged as inconsistent with the district’s standards during the meeting.

Action and votes at the meeting were recorded by roll call. Greg Barlow voted “aye,” Nancy (Commissioner) voted “aye,” Dane (Commissioner) voted “aye,” and Chair Catherine stated she also voted “aye.” The chair said she would forward the commission’s decision and information to the applicant.

The commission had no other substantive new or old business on the agenda. The next regular meeting was set for Wednesday, April 16 at 5:30 p.m., to be held in the same hybrid format.