Planning & Zoning

November 6, 2002

Chairman R. Hiscox called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The meeting was taped.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by D. Pomeroy, seconded by A. Havican to approve the minutes of the October 16, 2002 meeting as presented. Unanimous.

Correspondence:

1. Council of Government of the Central Naugatuck Valley minutes of the September 10, 2002 meeting.
2. Invoice from HMA, Inc. for $500.00
3. Letter from Chespracott regarding Hankey Estates
4. Letter from O.C.C. Design Consortium regarding Hankey Estates
5. Letter from resident of 33 Platt Drive regarding inappropriate business activity in a residential area.
6. Letter from "A Concerned Citizen" regarding noise levels in residential areas including activity on private property.

Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by G. Graveline to pay HMA, Inc. $500.00. Unanimous.

Motion by A. Havican, seconded by G. Graveline to accept the correspondence. Unanimous.

Public Participation: None

Old Business: None

Public Hearings: None

New Business:

a. Tesco Rentals, L.L.C., 151 Union City Road. Application for Zone Change from Residential to General Commercial. Motion by D Pomeroy, seconded by G. Graveline to accept the application and set a public hearing for November 20, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. Unanimous. The Commission asked the applicant to have a map ready for the public hearing showing the location of the property.

Land Use Inspector's Report: Bill Donovan reported cease and desist orders will be made for the businesses operating in residential areas on Plank Road and Straitsville Road. Bill stated the Town Council is waiting to vote on a new ordinance which will allow him to impose a fine on people who are not in compliance with the Regulations. An appeal is expected on the Board's decision to Discontinue the Non-Conforming Commercial use of 24 Straitsville Road. Bill also spoke with Bob Pinto regarding the safety issue brought up at the last meeting regarding trucks entering and exiting the parking lot on Union City Road. Motion by A. Havican, seconded by D. Pomeroy to accept the Land Use Inspector's Report. Unanimous.

Public Meeting:

Various members of the public offered their opinions on Regulation changes including:

1. Allowing flexibility for senior housing in the future
2. Developing a Housing Authority which would allow for rental assistance programs for elderly housing through State and Federal Money
3. Giving information packets regarding Regulations concerning installing pools, sheds, decks, etc
4. Fining renters as well as owners for violations in rental properties
5. Expediting the process of changing the use of a commercial property
6. Adding business uses to definitions in Regulations
7. Not making the Regulations more restrictive
8. Better defining the home occupation Regulations to be specific about what is considered a home occupation
9. Hiring an assistant for the Land Use Inspector
10. Clarifying signage Regulations for both commercial and residential properties
11. Distinguish between Industrial Park and Commerce Park
12. Educating the public regarding Regulations
13. Not restricting the design of commercial buildings

Public Participation: None

Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by A. Havican to adjourn at 9:13 p.m. Unanimous.