ARB weighs changes to studio
KENT, Conn.—John Degnan, owner of Lane Street Studios, appeared before the Architectural Review Board last week with a detailed presentation of changes he wants to make to the exterior of a building at 13 Lane St.
The building, which was erected in 1960, has been used for different commercial purposes, including as a milk processing plant and for curing fiberglass canoes. Degnan wants to convert it to a residence. Because it has narrow setbacks, Degnan has approached it as an urban design.
He proposed that the existing horizontal window displays be altered to have one clear window with glass blocks on either side to provide privacy while admitting light. Glass blocks would be used in other fenestration, as well, and he proposed blocking off one door and surfacing it with tile of some kind as a mount for a decorative fountain.
The design also includes a second-floor mezzanine that would open out to a covered porch, allowing the owners to enjoy the outdoors while, again, maintaining privacy. “We hope seasonally to introduce some green and have a view down the valley,” he said. The architectural detail would be visible only from the Kent Town Center parking lot.
He wants a glass rail at the front of the balcony, preferably using some of his own art glass.
The corrugated siding would be replaced with new siding “out of the steel-panel world, but a little more sophisticated.” The color palette would be grays.
ARB members questioned the modernity of the design, saying it is not consistent with neighboring properties. Indeed, the building at the front of the lot dates from the turn of the last century.
Degnan replied that the building “is not attractive right now” and that it is visible only from the Kent Town Center parking lot. “From the property lines it is not threatening anybody’s view,” he said.
Members questioned the use of Degnan’s art glass on the porch. “I spent 25 years making art world-wide, and it would be great to use my own work,” he said. “I would love to have something that would be really special in that space.” But he remained flexible on the issue.
Members further believed that the use of glass blocks might be too contemporary to fit in with surrounding architecture. “Glass block is little more ‘Look at me,’” said ARB member Jill Porter.
Commission members wanted to see the materials that would be incorporated in the design before making a decision.
Motoriot files for site plan change
KENT, Conn.—Zoning Enforcement Officer Tai Kern reported to the Planning and Zoning Commission last week that she has received a revised site plan for 21 Bridge Street, the home of Motoriot, a custom car dealership.
The renewed plan details parking spaces for a second-floor apartment and a five-foot setback from the building for a storage area. The business had been issued a cease-and-desist order because it had not complied with its previous site plan and because it had not made provisions for the apartment’s parking.
The commission agreed to review the plan as a request for modification.
Resident State Trooper reports on activity
KENT, Conn.—Resident State Trooper Vicki Donohoe submitted her activity report for the period Sept. 29 through Oct. 29 during the regular November Board of Selectmen’s meeting.
During that period, she did 21 patrol checks, provided 18 traffic services, enhanced school security 10 times, assisted citizens eight times, investigated one domestic disturbance and responded to five suspicious incidents. She acted as a community trooper liaison five times, responded to 21 alarms, provided five medical assists, attended three traffic accidents and made 30 traffic stops. There were two instances of fraud.
There were no fires, assaults, disturbances, burglaries, larcenies, criminal mischief
