Unionville Historic District Meeting Recap – November 7, 2024
🎥 Watch the Full Meeting on YouTube 🎥
Historic charm is the lifeblood of Unionville, and nowhere was that more evident than at the November 7th Unionville Historic District Commission meeting. Convened at 7 PM, the Commission tackled preservation priorities, challenging restorations, and the delicate dance of keeping Unionville’s character intact without overburdening property owners.
The Players: Commission Leaders & Local Voices
Led by Chair Lisa Graves, Vice-Chair Barbara Shaw, and Secretary Bob Kline, the Commission swiftly approved the October minutes and re-elected their officers, moving on to discuss a familiar Unionville landmark: 145 Longwood Drive.
A Family’s Legacy: 145 Longwood Drive and Its Future
John Meadows, longtime resident and owner of the historic 145 Longwood Drive, stood before the Commission with a heartfelt plea: preserve the Victorian charm his family had nurtured for 85 years. “This house has been in our family for generations,” John shared, “and we want it to stay in character.” But as he candidly explained, the costs and quirks of a century-old home—including lead pipes and Victorian-era wiring—make preservation challenging.
Barbara Shaw empathized, reassuring John that the Commission’s goal is to “partner with property owners, not impose restrictions.” She explained how joining the historic district would ensure preservation standards, giving future owners accountability for keeping the home’s classic look intact.
The Tetris Challenge: Fitting Unionville Homes into Historic Status
Lisa Graves lightened the discussion, likening the arrangement of properties in Unionville’s historic district to a game of Tetris. “To create a district, you need contiguous properties,” she said, adding with a smile, “It’s like Tetris—but for houses.” The Commission is open to small, two-house districts, which could grow over time as community members see the preservation benefits.
The Value of Historic Designation
Historic district status protects 145 Longwood Drive’s architectural legacy, and John was encouraged to take advantage of the expedited process for this particular home, which has a historic resource survey sheet from the 1980s. “We could turn around the report in 10 days,” explained Barbara, noting that with state and council approvals, the full process could wrap up by March.
Next Steps: Connecting with the Community
Before adjourning, the Commission discussed the importance of building community awareness around preservation. “Preserving a home is about more than property values—it’s about keeping the character that defines Unionville,” said Lisa.
For the residents of Unionville, the meeting was a reminder of why they love their neighborhood and what they can do to keep it unique.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Farmington Storage
A huge shout-out to Farmington Storage for supporting our mission to preserve Farmington’s historic charm! Located at 155 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington Storage has your storage needs covered. Give them a call at 860-777-4001 if you need a place to store your treasures (historic or otherwise).
Until Next Time…
Jack Beckett, Resident Coffee-Fueled Writer ☕️
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