Groton historic district commission approves mini‑split, window and shed applications

The Groton Historic District Commission approved three certificate of appropriateness applications at its July 7 meeting, granting permission for a mini‑split system at 10 New London Road, window replacements at the historic Scofield House on Cliff Street, and a replacement shed at 240 Noank Road.

The commission opened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. and read the public notice that listed applications HDC26Dash0035 (10 New London Road), HDC26Dash0036220 (220 Cliff Street), and HDC26Dash0038 (240 Noank Road). For the mini‑split, the applicant said the project would use one outdoor unit on a 12‑inch metal stand and painted wood lattice screening matched to the house exterior; the commission asked the applicant to upload material and screening specifications and to clearly mark which elevations are affected.

At the Schofield House hearing, owners described the property as a pattern‑book Victorian dating to about 1885 and said they planned to replace the majority of the house’s windows with Pella Reserve aluminum‑clad wood windows that simulate traditional putty glazing. The applicant and a Pella representative noted that stained‑glass panels would be retained and that some later, nonoriginal storefront windows were not original to the house. Commissioners asked the applicant to identify on the elevations precisely which windows would be replaced and to provide full spec sheets.

The shed application proposed replacing a deteriorated 9x9 structure with a new 10x12 shed on the existing slab, moving the front edge about two feet toward the driveway; applicants proposed Hardy board siding to match the house. Commissioners inquired about visibility from the street and roof pitch; the applicant said the new shed would be modestly taller because of a shed dormer.

Motions and outcomes recorded in the meeting transcript: - Motion to approve HDC26Dash0035 (10 New London Road mini‑split), mover: Moriarty; outcome: approved (motion passed; transcript records the approval but does not list a full roll‑call tally). - Motion to approve HDC26Dash0036220 (220 Cliff Street windows), mover: Moriarty; second: Barber; outcome: approved. The transcript records named ayes including Barbara, Ernst and Moriarty. - Motion to approve HDC26Dash0038 (240 Noank Road shed replacement), mover: Moriarty; second: Earn (as recorded); outcome: approved.

The commission closed the public‑hearing portion of the agenda after the votes and moved the three approvals into the record. Commissioners noted follow‑up tasks for applicants: upload complete spec sheets, clearly mark elevations and window counts, and provide any additional details about screening, trim and finishes before permits are issued. The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.