Norwich planners explain proposed village district zone regulations

Norwich — If the city enacts a proposed Village District Overlay Zone in the Norwichtown area, proposed new construction and major changes to existing structures would be reviewed by city planners for compatibility with the character of the surrounding area.

But the requirements would be less strict than the local historic district in place for much of the Norwichtown Green area.

City Planner Deanna Rhodes and historical consultant Regan Miner explained the village district proposal Wednesday during a meeting at Otis Library. The proposal will be reviewed June 5 by the Commission on the City Plan, and the City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposal June 18.

The proposed district would run along Town Street, roughly “one property deep” on each side of the road to the green, and on New London Turnpike from the Route 2 highway ramps to the green, including the Norwich schools’ central office and the Johnson Home for elderly women, both of which also are in the more restrictive Norwichtown Historic District.

Miner said the Norwichtown area on the periphery of the existing historic district was chosen because the Town Street and New London Turnpike approaches to the green are “key gateways to Norwichtown.” Coming from the commercial area along Town Street heading toward the green, the 1801 First Congregational Church can be seen in the distance. Entering Norwichtown from New London Turnpike, the green and 18th century buildings come into view.

“You know you’re entering some-

place special,” Miner said.

The proposed village district would require design reviews for proposed new commercial construction and major modifications to existing buildings, landscaping, road design, signs and lighting. Items such as building size, proportion to surrounding buildings, roof designs and compatibility with surrounding historic buildings would be considered.

Items not subject to review would include existing residential buildings, interior renovations, normal outdoor grounds maintenance, exterior painting and paint color, existing lighting, parking and signs.

The focus mostly would be on proposed commercial development, Rhodes said.

In response to audience questions, Rhodes said existing damaged signs could be replaced without a review.

Miner said residential buildings in residential zones were exempt in the proposed regulations. But if a residential home is in a commercial zone and a new commercial development is proposed, the village district would apply.

The village district proposal comes at a time when a developer has purchased three houses along Town Street for a proposed Burger King — the houses are in the proposed village district overlay zone. No plans have been submitted yet for the restaurant. Rhodes said the Norwichtown proposal was not in response to Burger King, and said the developers of the project have offered to work with the Norwichtown Historic District Commission on the design of the restaurant building.

Rhodes added that the former Benny’s store building also is in the proposed district and if a new development were proposed there, the property could be enhanced through the design standards.

City property within the proposed district might be included for review, as well, Rhodes said. For example, Norwich Public Utilities will replace city streetlights citywide this summer with LED lights. Rhodes said she met with NPU officials and asked that characteristic lighting be considered for historic areas in Norwichtown and elsewhere in the city.

“You know you can’t ask from other people if you’re not willing to do it yourself,” Rhodes said.