The Norwich Historic District Commission approved emergency and routine exterior repair requests and took up public comment on the future of the West Towne Street School at its June 18 meeting.

During the regular meeting the commission voted to accept COA 575 for 77 East Towne Street, a post‑fact roof repair to cover a large hole. Chairman Reagan called for the roll call after staff said the work had already been completed; the commission approved the application unanimously.

The commission also approved COA 576 for 172 Broadway, permitting the installation of exterior condenser (split) units that staff said will sit on the side of the house and be largely hidden by a projecting bay. Commissioners agreed no additional screening conditions were needed because the units are not readily visible from the public way, and the motion passed unanimously.

COA 577 (2 Mediterranean Lane) for replacement of deteriorated sills was approved as presented after commissioners heard the applicant describe using like‑for‑like clapboard, pressure‑treated 2x6s for sills and 1x6s for stair materials; commissioners asked for photos and noted the work is straightforward.

The commission denied COA 578 (basement windows at the same Mediterranean Lane property) after members raised procedural and material concerns. The applicant had initially proposed vinyl but told the commission he planned wood on the exterior with vinyl on the interior; the application lacked the attached photo exhibits cited by the applicant. Commissioners said the submission was incomplete and voted no; the motion failed and the applicant was instructed to resubmit with clear, clipped documentation.

For COA 579 (the Mediterranean Lane stairs and railing) the commission deferred action and instructed the applicant to supply additional photos and details (including the proposed railing design, attachment points and a photo of the comparable railing on a different property the applicant referenced). Commissioners said they are not opposed in concept but need images and clarification to ensure the work will not damage existing millwork around the doorway; the item will return on the July agenda.

During the public hearing portion of the meeting, Violet read a statement from resident Sarah Zambrano urging the commission and city to preserve the West Towne Street School (the Grange), describing the building’s 150‑year role as a school and community hall and urging redesign or reuse rather than demolition. Commissioners and staff clarified at the meeting that the building is privately owned and is not within the local historic district or the National Register district, so the historic district commission lacks authority to prevent demolition. Staff outlined options for residents who want more protections for the neighborhood, including pursuing a village district overlay or re‑creating a local historic district, but said those actions would fall to planning and zoning and the city council and likely would not be fast enough to save a building already under demolition.

In new business commissioners discussed a collapsed stone retaining wall visible from Old Cemetery Lane. Commissioner Nancy reported that Gary Lynch left a detailed voicemail saying a roughly 4x8 chunk of a stone wall had collapsed and currently lies in Lynch’s driveway; the wall spans three properties (including owners identified in the discussion as Maria, Miranda and a third owner, Kiki). Staff advised owners to determine who holds title to the wall, consult the building department for required permits, and—if necessary—return to the commission with a COA for any visible repairs. Commissioners agreed staff would forward the voicemail to Nancy and follow up with affected property owners.

The commission approved the May 21, 2025 meeting minutes (with two abstentions) and set its next meeting for July 16, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

Votes at a glance
- COA 575 (77 East Towne Street): Motion to accept as presented — Passed, unanimous. Reason: emergency roof repair completed; material like‑for‑like.
- COA 576 (172 Broadway): Motion to accept as submitted — Passed, unanimous. Reason: condenser units located on side, not easily visible.
- COA 577 (2 Mediterranean Lane, sills): Motion to accept as submitted — Passed, unanimous.
- COA 578 (2 Mediterranean Lane, basement windows): Motion to accept as presented — Failed (vote no); commission directed applicant to resubmit with full materials and photos.
- COA 579 (2 Mediterranean Lane, stairs/railing): Deferred to July 16, 2025 pending submission of additional photos and railing attachment details.

The commission emphasized that when emergency repairs are required for safety (for example the hole at 77 East Towne Street) staff may accept repairs and follow up with a post‑fact COA; for visible repairs or replacements the commission expects full documentation (photos, product specs and placement details) before taking final action.

The meeting record includes written comments submitted on the West Towne Street School demolition; staff indicated those statements will be entered into the record and will be shared with commissioners and relevant departments for follow up.

Ending: The commission adjourned and confirmed the July meeting date; staff will contact applicants who need to resubmit materials or provide additional clarifying images.