Fairfield Historic District Commission approves two residential additions

The Fairfield Historic District Commission on Feb. 12 approved two property applications for exterior and interior alterations in the historic district.

Patricia Rodriguez of JB Engineering presented revisions to the application for 106 Oakhurst Road, describing changes made after prior hearings and noting a required roughly 5-foot second-floor setback imposed by zoning. "I am representative of JB Engineering," Rodriguez said, and she outlined adjustments to storage, door heights and window placements intended to reduce the addition’s visual impact on the street.

Linda Batchelder of Baker Batchelder Architects presented on behalf of Graham and Catherine Nitz for work at 160 Harbor Road, describing a 10-foot addition to the north side of an existing barn, two dormers facing the street, a cupola, window and door replacements, a bluestone patio with steps and a modified retaining wall. "We're proposing steps down towards the house, the little patio area, and then steps down to the existing," Batchelder said, describing site circulation and material choices including cedar siding and architectural shingles.

Commissioners recorded no public comments or letters in favor or opposition to either application. A commissioner moved to "approve all items as presented" for the Oakhurst Road application; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The Nitz application was approved the same way after a motion "to approve, as submitted" and a second; no roll-call tallies were recorded.

The approvals followed review of revised drawings and a presentation of material and massing decisions. The commission closed the public hearings on both applications after hearing no public testimony. The commission’s next procedural items included approval of minutes and routine reports before adjourning.