Avon commission tables decision on Colvin Sweet House after developer and public discuss options

The Avon Landmarks Preservation Commission on June 10 voted unanimously to table action on removing the Colvin Sweet House from the city's landmarks list, giving the Commission, City Council and the developer more time to pursue alternatives such as relocation, site redesign, or salvage.

Developer Gregory Modic, representing Petros Development Group, told the Commission his team had reevaluated the parcel and conducted engineering studies but concluded the site's drainage and required stormwater retention create substantial constraints. "I don't foresee any path forward in which I just say this house is getting demolished. Nobody's getting anything out of it. I don't think that's right nor is it going to happen," Modic said, and committed to meeting with Mayor Jensen and Council about options.

Law Director John Gasior cautioned the Commission that its Charter establishes a six‑month window from the date of application for action, placing the statutory deadline at about Sept. 24, 2026; he recommended tabling the question to the Commission's Sept. 9, 2026 meeting to permit City-level conversations. Commissioners voted 4–0 on a motion by Theresa Szippl, seconded by David Morahan, to table the removal vote until at least Sept. 9, 2026.

The tabling preserves time for the developer to investigate alternatives the Commission raised — including splitting the historic home onto its own parcel, relocating the structure to another lot, moving the pond farther back on the parcel, or exploring salvage options — while allowing engineering work to continue on the development plan. Modic and several commissioners said they would seek meetings with the Mayor and Council in the coming days to pursue a cohesive path forward.