HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 5, 2008

Members Present: Lynne Langlois, Chris Kimberly, Sharon Shattuck, Roland Poirier

Members Absent: Nikki Bleifeld, two vacancies

Guests: Dave Ungar, Parks & Recreation Director; Hal Shupack & Architect Tom Smith

Meeting called to order at 8:10pm by Lynne Langlois.

Lynne appointed Chris Kimberly to vote in place of Eileen Lawrence and Roland Poirier to vote in place of Patti Powers.

1. This was a public hearing on an application by the Town of Weston pave the upgrade existing driveway at 47 Norfield Road (Jarvis House) using asphalt road millings or asphalt pavement.

Dave Ungar reported that the current driveway is dirt with gravel and is in very poor condition. Its condition has become a safety issue since Parks and Recreation moved into the building two weeks ago. Many more residents are coming to the building to register for activities and many of them are people with small children. Because of the condition of the driveway, it is extremely hard to use strollers or even for small children to walk. During the winter it is often icy because it is hard to plow.

After looking at the photos and discussing the problems with the road millings, the Commission did not recommend using this method. During a general discussion of the aesthetics of a blacktop (asphalt) driveway, it became apparent that most of the members of the Commission did not feel that this was a good option. Even though everyone agreed something needed to be done, asphalt was not an acceptable choice. Sharon Shattuck was in favor of the asphalt because of cost issues. Since the town repaves so many miles of roads a year, the driveway could be rolled into that contract for very little money.

Chris Kimberly suggested a "chip seal" driveway. This is essentially a bed of asphalt with a layer of crushed stone in a "tar" substance rolled on top. The look is more like a gravel drive and

is more in keeping with the historical nature of the property. Lynne Langlois said she has a neighbor with this type of driveway and it is in good condition and has been in use for many years. Sharon asked about plowing and its durability. Tom Smith said he had used it and it could be plowed. Everyone agreed that this would be the best solution for the driveway but the cost could be an issue for the town.

Chris Kimberly made a motion to approve the application for an asphalt driveway with stone top or surface (stone embedded). Roland seconded the motion. Lynne Langlois, Chris Kimberly and Roland Poirier voted "Yes" and Sharon Shattuck voted "No". Motion approved.

2. Other Business:

The Weston Historical Society, represented by Hal Shupack and Architect Tom Smith, came for an informal preview of the archival building the Historical Society plans to erect on the Historical Society property (Coley House) on Weston Road. This building will be partially underground (archival space), have a main floor, with an upstairs exhibition space. They brought a model of the property as well as detailed drawings and elevations. The new building will adjoin the current "Cider House". It will resemble a barn with a cupola, vertical siding, and barn doors. There will be a courtyard to allow some light into the basement area as well as large windows. Their presentation was very well received by the Commission. They will be coming back in March with a formal application for a Certificate of Appropriateness".

3. Discussion of Secretary: Commission would like to try to hire a secretary so that all members can fully participate in the meetings. Several names were suggested – Sharon & Lynne will follow up.

4. Discussion of vacancies. Lynne will check to see if parties are looking for replacements.

5. Sharon and Chris will work on the list of current homeowners in the districts. The Commission will send a "reminder" letter to homeowners in the districts to remind them that they are part of a district and need to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness if they are making changes to their properties.

Meeting adjourned,

Sharon Shattuck