Historic commission approves sending revised letter to Piano Factory owners

The Old Saybrook Historic District Commission agreed June 16 to send a revised outreach letter to the owners of the Piano Factory building, after staff presented a draft and members recommended clarifications and tone adjustments.

Staff member Lynette opened the item, saying the draft had been circulated and asking for the commission's input. Chair Paul Kanarian thanked Lynette for her work and the group praised the draft as clear and appropriately concise. Members recommended adding a specific contact line — including a named staff contact and phone number — so owners know how to initiate discussions with municipal staff about preservation and zoning.

Commissioners also recommended removing or softening references to local businesses to avoid appearing to favor particular owners. Members discussed whether to mention potential tax-credit information; staff said the building does not appear to meet National Register criteria based on existing inventory material, so the commission preferred not to claim eligibility for federal listing in the letter.

Commissioners agreed the letter should explicitly invite owners to meet with staff to discuss preservation options, with staff introducing municipal zoning and historic-district rules as part of that conversation. The group reached consensus to send the revised letter; a commissioner offered to sign it once the final edits are made.

Next steps: staff will incorporate the edits (clear contact information, minor wording changes) and circulate a final draft for signature. The Commission did not take a formal vote; members treated the decision as a consensus action and recorded the intention to send the letter.