Christopher Chastang

This document outlines the strategic direction for the America's 250th Norwich Connecticut Committee's commemoration of the American Revolution's 250th anniversary. The plan focuses on four core themes: 'the power of place,' celebrating Norwich's historical identity; 'we the people,' recognizing the city's diverse population; 'doing history,' engaging the community through interactive historical experiences; and 'tell inclusive stories,' ensuring comprehensive narratives that include women, immigrants, and people of color. The initiative aims to foster awareness, promote inclusive recognition of Norwich's revolutionary history, strengthen heritage tourism, engage youth in civic education, and create lasting public assets, thereby reinforcing Norwich's culturally rich community identity.

Key discussions included the approval of the Executive Director's 2026 Conference and Travel schedule, and receiving communications regarding vacated tenants' accounts receivable for Federal and State Housing Programs. In the Executive Director's report, vacancy statistics as of January 1, 2026, were noted, along with modernization updates for several properties, including the Westwood Park Roof Replacement and ongoing Oakwood Knoll Cast Iron Sewer Pipe replacement. The Housing Choice Voucher Portfolio Report indicated a total of 461 HCVs, with a directive from HUD to pause further issuances pending 2026 funding confirmation. New business primarily consisted of adopting resolutions to write off vacated uncollectible tenants' accounts receivable across the Federal Program, State Elderly Program (Schwartz Manor and Rosewood Manor), and State Moderate Program.

This plan outlines the City of Norwich's strategy to address housing affordability challenges and increase the supply of affordable housing. It details housing conditions, identifies current and future needs, and reviews state and local regulations affecting housing production. Key strategies include preserving existing lower-cost housing, supporting the creation of new affordable housing developments, promoting homeownership, and engaging with various resources and partners to achieve these goals.

The primary discussion topic involved rink roof repairs, specifically reviewing a proposal from BMP with a cost of $78,230.66. The scope of work includes reinforcing the cooling tower without removing it from service, cleaning and applying epoxy coating to supporting steel, and conducting roof repairs in that area. A requirement was added that the ladder component of the project should not be accessible to customers. The Authority unanimously passed a motion recommending the project proceed, with a preferred mid-May start date.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding an application (COA 600) for the alteration/replacement of residential building windows at 2 Mediterranean Lane. The applicant proposed replacing non-regulated vinyl windows with refurbished original wood windows, noting that adherence to the 2021 IECC Section R501.6 Energy Code would compromise the building's historic fabric. The commission ultimately approved the application with stipulations regarding the muntin grids being six-over-six if feasible and encouraging the use of historic glass. During the regular session, action was taken on COA 600. The Chairman's Report noted follow-up on a chimney rebuild at 13 Harland Road and an inquiry regarding requirements for in-person meetings.