Historic district commission approves COA for meter relocation at 3 Huntington Place with paint stipulation

The Norwich Historic District Commission voted in December 2024 to approve Certificate of Appropriateness (COA 565) for an electrical upgrade at 3 Huntington Place, stipulating that the meter box and visible exterior wiring be painted to match the house.

The application was presented by Frank Cathcart, who said the work is an electrical upgrade and that the contractor told him the utility (referred to in the meeting as “MPU” or “NPU”) requires the meter to be placed outside. Cathcart told the commission the contractor had advised screening or painting; he said, “it’s straightforward. I’m doing an electrical upgrade,” and that he would be willing to provide a planting screen if required.

Commission members reviewed the Historic District Commission’s guidance for modern equipment: locate mechanicals away from primary façades when possible, use screening, and minimize visual impact by matching colors. Commissioner Dane moved the motion to accept the application with “just the clarification of painting the the meter box and wiring white to match the house,” and Greg Johnson seconded. After brief discussion about whether the meter could be moved to the side of the house or painted, the commission took a roll-call and approved the COA unanimously.

Chair Tim Dowen said he would finalize the COA language and notify Cathcart by email the next business day. The approval includes the paint-and-placement stipulation the commission discussed; members noted that if the meter placement proved to be more conspicuous than anticipated they could follow up administratively.

The commission’s minutes record that the approval was intended to make the installation “as inconspicuous as possible” and that painting the box to match the house was the preferred mitigation. The COA file will reflect the stipulations and the commission’s findings.