741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Historic District Commission

Meeting Minutes

Chairman Ty Lamb

Regular Meeting

Monday, November 17, 2025

7:00 PM

Town Hall Annex -Hybrid Format

CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Kelley was acting Chairman.

II.

ROLL CALL

Chairman Douglas Kelley

Present

Alternate Member Vincent Godino

Alternate Member Kenneth Geer

Chairman Kelly Lamb

Chairman Ammie Chittim

Chairman Karen Parkinson

Alternate Member Rebecca Watford

Ty Lamb

Excused

III.

IV.

APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES

Mr. Godino and Mr. Geer were appointed as voting members.

RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS

Dave Schroeder Jr., resident was present to speak about issues that he feels the Commissions

should consider getting further involved in. Mr. Schroeder gave Fort Decatur history information

and presented an idea to recognize the fort as a historical area with status.

-Recognize Mount/Fort Decatur in the Plan of Conservation (POCD) as a historic resource with

the long-term goal of preserving the entire hill and site intact, ultimately pursuing National

Historic Site status.

-Reintroducing Historic District design guidelines into the zoning regulations, and potentially

involving the Historic District Commission in planning reviews within those districts.

-Updating language in the POCD and Zoning regulations to better protect the historic character

of the reinstated Gales Ferry/Ledyard Center Historic District and adjacent zoning areas.

-Exploring public art initiatives to commemorate Ledyard's significant history as part of the 250

anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Proposed ideas:

1. A statue of Steven Decatur for display in Gales Ferry.

2. A statue of either John Ledyard the Explorer or William Ledyard the Commander of Fort

Griswold for Ledyard Center.

3. A commissioned painting of the USS United dSatets, Macedonian and Hornet anchored at the

foot of Mount Decatur, with the fort above and the river view looking toward Gales Ferry/New

London, to be prominently displayed in the Town Hall Annex.

Ms. Parkinson said she supports Mr. Schroeder's ideas but spoke of her frustrations with

preservation of the Spicer Ruins project. Mr. Schroeder said that during covid-19 many of the

old Historic guidelines disappeared.

Councilor Barnes said that pages 50-53 of the POCD describes historic preservation.

Mr. Kelley thanked Mr. Schroeder for coming forward with his concerns and documentation and

said the Commission would discuss these ideas further at the next meeting.

Mr. Kelley said he has been researching the National Register regarding Ledyard and Gales

Ferry.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion to APPROVE the Regular Meeting Minutes from October 20, 2025, as written.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Kenneth Geer

RESULT:

MOVER:

Karen Parkinson

SECONDER:

Kelley Godino Geer Lamb Chittim Parkinson Watford

Lamb

AYE

EXCUSED

VI.

TOWN COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT

Town Council Liaison - Councilor Bill Barnes.

William Barnes, Town Council Liaison said he did not have a report but added that this may be

his last meeting since he believes that Chairman Lamb will be assigned as the new Liaison for

the Commission.

DISCUSSED

VII. CHAIRMAN REPORT

RESULT:

General Report.

Nothing to present.

Financial Report.

No changes or need to review.

VIII. CORRESPONDENCE

Correspondence.

IX.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Sawmill Committee.

Mr. Godino said the crew has been working hard. Mr. Ganong helped with the status document

to send to Mayor Allyn III. Mr. Godino said he is not sure if a PO has been issued for the storage

structure yet.

DISCUSSED

RESULT:

Nathan Lester House - Mr. Kelley.

Mr. Kelley's report:

The Lester House completed its 2025 open season by extending past the November 1, 2

weekend. We will close for regular tours until May, 2026. We have several interior projects

planned while the house is closed.

As always, the house and barns are available for pre-arranged tours outside the regular season.

We have been privileged to share with several other house museums and private individuals who

are restoring or maintaining historic buildings.

Issues with the alarm system have been resolved.

Clarifications on a few quotes are being sought before plans are finalized.

Our partners at Ledyard Public Works have completed a major clean up along the exit drive.

They have fully uncovered the stone wall along that drive, as well removed many invasive

saplings and damaged trees. We greatly appreciate this long-standing partnership and the care

that Public Works takes with the Lester House property.

A reminder that the Yuletide event returns on Sunday, December 7, from 1:00 to 4:00pm. The

Ledyard Historical Society hosts, and carolers from Ledyard High School will perform. The

Ledyard Garden Club will green the house on Saturday the 6th. We hope to see you all there.

DISCUSSED

RESULT:

Research/Preservation - Ms. Chittim.

Ms. Parkinson said she is still working on the Spicer Ruins, she is hoping to work with the Land

Use Committee in December and submit the application to the State in January.

DISCUSSED

RESULT:

Center School - Mr. Geer.

Mr. Geer said there is not much to report. Councilor Barnes asked about a structure near the

school house, Mr. Geer answered that an outhouse is being built.

DISCUSSED

Social Media - Ms. Lamb.

RESULT:

Ms. Lamb said that social media is slowing down due to the end of the season for both the

Sawmill and the Nathan Lester House.

DISCUSSED

RESULT:

OLD BUSINESS

Any Other Old Business to come before the Commission.

None.

XI.

NEW BUSINESS

Any Other New Business to come before the Commission.

Mr. Kelley visited the 1826 Russell Gallup House on 528 Colonel Ledyard Highway

(Applewood Farmhouse). Russell Gallup was a Deacon of the Congregational Church for 50

years. The home is on the historical register and is in terrible shape. It has an old barn, timber

framed, and it is possible to save if a tarp is put on it. Mr. Kelley said it's worth preserving. John

Kelley evaluated the house and said the basic structure is sound. Mr. Kelley said it is almost like

a compact version of the Nathan Lester House.

Ms. Parkinson said the Day Paper had an article on November 7 about all of the prehistoric root

cellars on the Farmer's Preserve.

Logs are going to the Sawmill.

Mr. Kelley said the NLH should get a cement pad in the cellar (under the tank) before Anderson

Oil does any work.

Ms. Parkinson said there are new flyers for the Tri-Town Trail including a QR code. Mr. Kelley

requested some for the Nathan Lester House.

During the December meeting the Commission will need to vote on a new Chairperson as well

as extend a few expiring positions.

Ms. Kelley said the Commission could use a Fiscal Agent to alleviate that responsibility from

the Chairperson. Mr. Godino said he would consider that role.

Motion to CREATE a Fiscal Agent position for the Commission.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Douglas Kelley

RESULT:

MOVER:

Kenneth Geer

SECONDER:

Kelley Godino Geer Lamb Chittim Parkinson Watford

Lamb

AYE

EXCUSED

XII. ADJOURNMENT

Motion to ADJOURN the Regular Meeting at 8:27 p.m.