Summary

Identifier

A.2015.006

Finding Aid Author

Leslie Albamonte, with additions by Ashley Aberg

Finding Aid Date

February 2021

Description Rules

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Language of Description

English

Edition Statement

Edited May 21, 2023 by Ashley Aberg

Finding Aid Note

Part of the Manuscript Collections, Greenwich Historical Society www.greenwichhistory.org Contact: Christopher Shields, Curator of Library and Archives 47 Strickland Road Cos Cob, CT 06807 United Stated cshields@greenwichhistory.org

Dates

• 1975-2023 (Creation)

Extents

• 14.75 Linear Feet (Whole)
  35 Document cases. Mostly letter size, a few legal size.

Subjects

• Greenwich (Conn. : Town)

• Greenwich Historic District Commission (Conn.)

• Historic districts--Connecticut

• Neighborhood planning

• Neighborhood Government

Notes

• Content Description

  Records from Historic District Commission includes Administrative and Property records.

• Arrangement

  Arranged into two series.

• Conditions Governing Access

  Access to this collection is unrestricted.

• Administrative History

  The Historic District Commission (HDC) was established by ordinance adopted by the Representative Town Meeting of Greenwich on December 8, 1975. That ordinance specified that the HDC have the powers and duties provided for in Sections 7-147a through 7-147o of the Connecticut General Statues, as amended from time to time.

  The function of the HDC under Connecticut law is the creation (with the required owner approvals) of a historic district consisting today of one building or a district with several houses. The aim of historic districts is to promote the preservation of buildings and places associated with Greenwich history or of architectural distinction. Once such a district has been established, the HDC is authorized by the Town to review proposed changes to structures and landscapes within that district. No change in the façade of any building seeable from the street may be made without the approval of HDC. Except for ordinary maintenance and paint color, any alteration of an old or erection of a new building in an historic district requires that an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness be filed with the Commission. The HDC advises the Planning and Zoning Commission on issues related to historic properties. Historic Overlay or (HO) designation is a tool used by the Planning and Zoning to encourage retention of notable structures by providing economic incentive through the easing of zoning restrictions in return for permanent deed restrictions including mandatory review of any changes to historic assets in the HO.

  The HDC promotes the concept of preserving historic structures and landscapes in the Town. The districts are administered by a Commission of five members (with a term of 5 years) and three alternates, appointed by the Board of Selectmen and approved by the Representative Town Meeting. HDC meetings are held each month. The Historic District Commission and the Greenwich Historical Society are not the same entity; they are separate organizations.

• Scope and Contents

  This collection of the Greenwich Historical District Commission contains records ranging from its foundation in 1975 through 2012. The collection includes Meeting Minutes for most of these years, along with audio recorded minutes on cassette tape from 1989. Minutes for years 1997-2007 are not included. Foundational information, such as bylaws, guidelines, and handbooks, are included along with printed materials collected from other local, state and federal agencies pertaining to historic district guidelines. General correspondence topics include miscellaneous properties, demolitions and sound barriers.

  The HDC is responsible for the review and approval of all applications for Certificate of Appropriateness within the Greenwich historical districts. A Certificate of Approval is required from the Commission for certain exterior changes to buildings and structures. Properties submitting these applications include residential, commercial, and institutional/historical buildings, and many times include site plans and photographs with their papers. As such, these records make up the bulk of the collection and are arranged by street and address.

• Preferred Citation

  [Identification of Item], Historic District Commission Collection, Greenwich Historical Society

• Processing Information

  Processed by Leslie Albamonte, February 2021

• General

  Related accession numbers: A.1994.004, A.2015.006, A.2023.012

Components

• Record Tree
• Search Components