Dr. Newton B. Hall House
DR.
HALL HOUSE PLANNING & ZONING HEARING December 1, 2005 Special Exception and CZC, 7:30 p.m. Senior Center, 11 Cherry Hill Road |
HISTORY
The Dr. Newton B. Hall House (above, c. 1890) is a contributing structure
in the Branford Center Historic District, listed on the National Register
of Historic Places. Orrin D. Squire was Branford's Judge of Probate, Town
Treasurer, and first Post Master. He built the house in 1810 on 2 Chestnut
Street, overlooking the company he founded that later became Branford
Lockworks. Today with its popular shops, restaurants, and medical offices,
these buildings are examples of successful reuse of historic structures.
Orrin Squire sold the house to Dr. Newton B. Hall; a local physician who
took over the practice of Dr. Hubert Vincent Clairbone Holcombe, (a Civil
War surgeon in the 15th Conn. Vol. Regt.). Dr. Hall resided and kept his
practice at 2 Chestnut Street until he died. His funeral was attended
by 500 people.
The Project --7,650 sq ft medical-retail-apartment building
The Problem --Demolition of a historic house without
an approved plan. No
attempt to preserve part of Branford's history.
A Better Plan--Re-use the Dr. Hall House, at the very
least maintain the
house while going through the Planning and Zoning approval process.
The 'Center Revitalization Review Guidelines' say, "A few buildings still
exist which have historic period character; it is crucial that these be
preserved and restored. They are the cornerstones of the identity of Main
Street."
Right now the Dr. Newton B. Hall House is slated for demolition. Dr. Carmen
Balzano plans a 7,650 sq ft medical-retail-apartment building to replace
it.
Dr. Balzano has shown little respect for our town by creating blight in
Branford Center. For one year he has left the lawn unmown, debris from
tree cutting strewn across the property, and doors and windows to the
house left open to, the elements. Salt in to the wound, he plans to demolish
this house even though he does not have an approved site plan.
The value of historic preservation has not been lost on Branford citizens
and our town officials. On July 14th, Planning and Zoning approved Sterling
Ridge with conditions; removal of two units to increase the lot size for
the 1820 Wyllys Russell House, and historic restoration of the house in
the first phase of the plan. During the hearing concern was also expressed
for 26 Cherry Hill Road.
First Selectman John Opie, and Building Inspector Anthony Cinicola have
both spoken to Dr. Balzano, encouraging him to go through the application
process before demolishing part of Branford's history. Unfortunately,
Dr. Balzano has shown little regard for Branford's history and has reapplied
for a demolition permit as of June 27, 2005.
These are not unreasonable requests. The purpose of the Town Center District
(Section 23.18) is to "insure that the development, preservation, or use
of land proceeds in a manner which focuses on design principles and results
in creative solutions to preserve the village and historic character of
the district."
Cape May, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Charleston show that preservation
is not only important as a tangible connection to our past, but also contributes
to a community's economy. In the case of New Orleans, visitors drawn to
her 17 historic districts spent more than $4.4 billion last year. Branford
has 6 districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, we
need to protect them.
The Branford Historical Society is not against commerce, we encourage
preservation and re-use of historic structures. Marvin Windows and Doors,
and Total Kitchen and Bath are one of many businesses that maintain the
original features of their old buildings. Doing so shows respect for the
community in which they do business, and benefits the town by increased
property values.
If Dr. Balzano renovated the Dr. Hall House, perhaps incorporating it
into a historically sensitive design, he would be more mindful of the
Historic District and the citizens who care about it. 730 residents have
signed a petition to save this house from demolition and prevent the sprawl
of commercial buildings at the cost of our historic structures.
Buildings do more than merely provide shops or a roof over our heads.
They define the character of a community; they reveal where we came from,
and who we are now.