Farmington Historic District Commission Approves 44 Colton Street Application, Elects Officers
The Farmington Historic District Commission convened Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 5 p.m. in a hybrid public hearing at Town Hall to consider a temporary certificate of appropriateness for exterior work at 44 Colton Street, followed by the election of officers and routine business. The full meeting is available to watch on YouTube.
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Roll Call and Opening Business
Town Planner Shannon opened the meeting with roll call. Members present included Jay Bombara, Michelle Fallon, Peter Master Batista, Liz Gemski, and Ted Sanford. Jim Calciano and Henry Pertell were noted absent. Ted Sanford was seated as a regular member for purposes of public hearings.
Secretary Michelle Fallon read the public hearing notice for an application by Todd Niffen for a temporary certificate of appropriateness to replace the front door and sidelights at 44 Colton Street, Farmington, Connecticut. The notice, dated December 1, 2025, confirmed participation options in person at One Monteith Drive or online via the Town website, with materials available through the Planning Department at 860-675-2325.
The Application: 44 Colton Street
Applicant Todd Niffen, owner and occupant of 44 Colton Street, presented the project. He acknowledged an oversight in beginning work before seeking approval and explained the urgency due to severe air and water infiltration through the existing door assembly.
Key points from the presentation:
- The previous front door and sidelights were deteriorated and unable to accept a secure lockset.
- The replacement door is primarily wood (fir), selected to closely match the prior non-original door in color, paneling, and appearance, with limited non-wood weatherproofing at edges.
- Replacement sidelights were chosen based on manufacturer availability and neighborhood context.
- Interior trim was retained after careful review due to lack of available matching stock.
- Exterior columns flanking the sidelights were recreated to closely match the originals.
- Work was completed in October over approximately three days.
- Unpainted white trim elements between the door and sidelights will be painted in spring due to temperature constraints.
- Additional elements included house numbers, a matching doorbell assembly, and two porch lights (previously one), wired for symmetry and designed in a carriage-style consistent with the prior fixture.
Commission members praised the craftsmanship and documentation. No questions were raised by the public in person or online.
Public Comment and Civic Sidebar
A Farmington High School student attending for a government class asked about the role of the Historic District Commission and the separate 1928 Building Committee. Members explained that the 1928 Building—identified by its bell tower along Farmington Avenue—is being preserved and repurposed as the new Town Hall, while other municipal and community uses are planned for the current building.
Vote and Approval
A motion was made and seconded to approve the application, including:
- Replacement of the front door and sidelights,
- Installation of house numbers,
- Doorbell assembly,
- Two porch lights flanking the door.
The motion passed unanimously. The applicant was thanked and excused.
Election of Officers
With voting rules clarified, the Commission proceeded to elect officers:
- Chair: Jay Bombara (unanimous)
- Vice Chair: Jim Calciano (unanimous; consent confirmed in advance)
- Secretary: Michelle Fallon (unanimous)
Remaining Business and Adjournment
The Commission approved the November 18 meeting minutes with a minor correction regarding attendance format. With no further staff reports or member comments, the meeting was adjourned.
About the Author
Jack Beckett writes about Farmington the way some people drink coffee: frequently, critically, and with deep concern for quality. He files copy between refills and believes a good municipal meeting should end on time and explain itself.
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This article, “Farmington HDC Approves 44 Colton Street Door Replacement, Elects Officers,” by Jack Beckett, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0. “Farmington HDC Approves 44 Colton Street Door Replacement, Elects Officers” by Jack Beckett, The Farmington Mercury (CC BY-ND 4.0)
