November 20, 2002
Chairman R. Hiscox called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. The meeting was taped. Anthony Parrella was seated for Alan Havican.
Correspondence:
Motion by D. Pomeroy, seconded by T. Galvin to pay the invoice for O.C.C. Design Consortium for $187.50. Unanimous.
Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by G. Graveline to accept the correspondence. Unanimous.
Public Participation: Cathy Gillis, 25 Platt Drive, said she has voiced concerns to the Commission regarding storage containers, bulldozers, commercial vehicles etc and she has not seen any results. Chairman Hiscox reviewed the process that residents must go through to file a complaint. After the Commission has done all they can do to rectify the situation, if the resident is still not happy with the results, the resident can file a civil suit against the other person.
Old Business:
a. Proposed Regulation Revisions / Update. Bill stated that after the public meeting the planners are putting together a draft that will be presented in early 2003. Chairman Hiscox invited the public to send their suggestions for changes or revisions via fax, mail, phone or attend meetings.
b. Tesco Rentals, L.L.C., 151 Union City Road. Application for a Zone Change from Residential to General Commercial. The public hearing was opened at 7:48 p.m. Chairman Hiscox read into record the legal notice as it appeared in the Waterbury Republican. Hank Berberet provided a map showing the location of the property as requested by the Commission at the last meeting. Chairman Hiscox asked if a house could be built on the property. Mr. Berberet stated that due to the topography and wetlands, building a house would be theoretically possible but not probable. Bill Donovan asked if there were any restrictions at the time of purchase to have the property remain residential. Mr. Berberet stated he was not aware of any such restrictions. The hearing was then opened to the public for comment. Paul Violette, 147 Union City Road, stated when the property was owned by the Dufours in the late 70's early 80's that 151 and 155 Union City Road were left as residential areas to create a buffer zone between the commercial and residential areas. Jim Ashe, Old Logtown Road, asked Mr. Berberet the reason why he wants the zone changed. Mr. Berberet stated the piece is of no use to him right now and by adding it to the other property it may help in future design. Chairman Hiscox reminded the Commissioners to review the Plan of Conservation and Development for where Commercial Land should be. The public hearing was continued to December 4, 2002 at 7:30.
New Business: None
Land Use Inspector's Report: Bill Donovan reported that we are going to be challenged on the decision made regarding 24 Straitsville Road. Bill stated that he spoke with Mr. Sweeney of Platt Drive regarding several vehicles that he has on his property. Mr. Sweeney stated he owns seven vehicles, six of which are registered, that he works on restoring as a hobby. Bill reviewed the statutes and Mr. Sweeney is in compliance with the Regulations because he only has one unregisitered vehicle parked outside. Bill has issued two cease and desist orders, one to Mr. McLean, 59 Plank Road for parking commercial tree service vehicles on his property, and one to Mr. Corpisaro on Straitsville Road. Bill asked the attorney to write a legal letter to a person on Skyline Drive who was issued a previous cease and desist order for parking commercial vehicles on their property. The Commission asked Bill to send a letter to the Platt Drive resident who has had a storage container on their property for the past two years.
Motion by T. Galvin seconded by G. Graveline to accept the Land Use Inspector's report. Unanimous.
Public Participation: The Commissioners discussed changing the way abutting owners are notified of public hearings regarding an application for subdivision, suggesting the applicant be required to place a sign on the property similar to that of business applying for a liquor permit. They also noted the medical building needs to take down the banner they have up advertising their coffee shop. Cathy Gillis, 25 Platt Drive, suggested the Regulations be changed to where a zone change will not be granted until it is known what the property will be used for. Chairman Hiscox stated that would not be feasible as the request for zone change could be strictly for economic purposes.
Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by G. Graveline to adjourn at 8:29 p.m. Unanimous.