Norwich historic commission approves screening for eight heat‑pump condensers at 170 Broadway

The Norwich Historic District Commission voted Feb. 19, 2025, to approve Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) 567170, permitting eight condensing units on the left side of the multiunit building at 170 Broadway, with a stipulation that the units be screened by bushes or a fence subject to later staff/commission approval.

The decision matters because the owner is converting the building’s single, oil‑based heating system to individual heat pumps for each of the eight apartments. Applicant Victoria Obrotsxa told the commission she and partners moved into the property recently and are “slowly trying to … restore the property and … save it because it's been neglected,” and that the heat‑pump installation is part of that work.

Victoria said each apartment would have its own condensing unit and that the units are sited on the building’s left side, tucked “as far far back on the property” as possible. She described an 8‑foot‑wide side yard where the units will sit, each placed on small concrete pads. To avoid exterior piping, Victoria said the contractor plans to route refrigerant lines into the basement and up through an interior shaft so “nothing's gonna be on the outside.” She also noted a roughly 2‑foot retaining wall along the property line and cautioned that plant root spread will need to be considered when selecting screening vegetation.

Commission members questioned visibility from the street, given the street corner at the property, and asked that the units be concealed. The commission’s motion — approved with a roll‑call vote — included the condition that the condensers be screened with shrubs or a short fence; the commission also said the fencing design would require separate approval. During discussion, a commissioner noted prior approvals have required screening when mechanical equipment is visible from the street.

The roll call recorded votes by name when given in the meeting: Commissioner Greg Farlow voted yes; Commissioner Greg Johnson voted yes; Commissioner Dane voted yes; Commissioner Nancy was recorded as abstaining because she was muted and without video. The motion therefore passed. The commission did not adopt a detailed planting plan at the meeting; staff and the applicant will return with screening details for review and approval.

The commission also discussed application paperwork: the cover listed William Dinkinger (identified on the submitted application), but Victoria confirmed she had been the commission’s point of contact. Chair Regan opened the public hearing at 5:32 p.m. and closed it at 5:39 p.m.; the regular meeting then ratified the COA action.

The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for March 19 at 5:30 p.m.