September 4, 2002
Chairman R. Hiscox called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The meeting was taped.
Approval of Minutes: Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by D. Pomeroy to approve the minutes of the August 21, 2002 meeting as amended. Unanimous.
Correspondence:
Motion by G. Graveline, seconded by T. Galvin to accept the correspondence. Unanimous. Motion by D. Pomeroy, seconded by A. Havican to pay the invoice from HMA, Inc. dated August 28, 2002 in the amount of $500.00. Unanimous. Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by D. Pomeroy to pay the invoice from OCC Desgin Consortium, L.L.C. dated August 23, 2002 in the amount of $412.50. Unanimous.
Public Participation: None
Old Business: None
New Business:
a. CRT Realty, L.L.C./Cornerstone Real Estate, Royal Crest North & Royal Crest South. Request for Extension of Time to Record Subdivision Map. Jeffrey Slapikas, 12 Forest Ridge Road presented the Commission with a letter from CRT Realty, L.L.C. / Cornerstone Real Estate appointing him as their agent in their Request for Extension of Time to Record Subdivision Map. Mr. Slapikas explained there was a miscommunication with when the ninety day period to record the subdivision map begins. Since his understanding is that the ninety day period ends today, he was asking for a ninety day extension of time to record the subdivision map. Bill Donovan explained this request is in accordance with the CT Statutes and such requests have been made in the past with other subdivisions. Motion by D. Pomeroy, seconded by A. Havican to allow a ninety day extension of time for CRT Realty, L.L.C./Cornerstone Real Estate to record the subdivision map for Royal Crest North & Royal Crest South.
b. Glen & Nancy Robinson, 118 Waterbury Road. Application for Change of Zone from Residential to Commercial. Chairman Hiscox read into record a letter from the applicants authorizing George Pavlik to present their request for Change of Zone. Mr. Pavlik explained that the area surrounding this property is mostly commercial. Motion by D. Pomeroy, seconded by T. Galvin to accept the Application for Change of Zone from Residential to Commercial and set a public hearing for September 18, 2002 at 7:15 p.m. Unanimous.
c. Thomas Battiste, 38 Industrial Road. Site Plan Application - Storage Facility. Thomas Battiste and Terry Meyers presented a Site Plan Map showing the proposed six unit industrial storage facility that Mr. Battiste would like to add to his existing storage facility. The Commissioners reviewed the map and asked that Mr. Battiste bring the letter from Chesprocott Health District with their findings to the next meeting as well as pictures of the proposed building and show potential additional future parking spaces available should there be a change of use. Motion by D. Pomeroy, seconded by T. Galvin to accept a Site Plan Application for Storage Facility for property located at 38 Industrial Road. Unanimous.,/p>
d. O & G Industries, Inc., 147 Spring Road. Application to Amend the Regulations - Special Permit. An application from O & G Industries, Inc. signed by Kenneth Faroni as agent was submitted to amend Section 420.12 of the Regulations to allow a Special Permit renewal for a two year period. Motion by D. Pomeroy, seconded by A. Havican to accept an Application from O & G Industries, Inc. to Amend Regulations for Special Permit and set a public hearing for October 16, 2002 at 7:15 p.m. Unanimous.
Public Hearings:
a. Edward J. Hankey & Jane Valetkevich, 189 Straitsville Road. Application for an 8-lot Subdivision at 200 Coachlight Circle. The public hearing was opened at 7:20 p.m. Chairman Hiscox read into record a letter from Steven Guidice of Harry Cole & Sons requesting this hearing be tabled for tonight's meeting as the changes discussed at the previous meeting have not yet been completed. Chairman Hiscox read into record a letter dated August 23, 2002 from OCC Design Consortium, L.L.C. answering the concerns presented at the last meeting by Design Development Group. Chairman Hiscox read into record a letter dated September 3, 2002 from Design Development Group expressing additional concerns regarding the proposed road for Hankey Estates as well as storm drainage concerns. The public hearing was continued to September 18, 2002 at 7:30 p.m.
Public Participation: Cathy Christiano, 27 Platt Drive. Mrs. Christiano requested that the Commission add the wording in #6 of her Resolution of Approval for Home Occupation to read "and/or one client per hour with a maximum of eight clients per day". Chairman Hiscox explained to Mrs. Christiano that because of the volitility of the neighborhood with regards to her Home Occupation Permit, that no changes could be made to her Resolution of Approval without her filing a formal Application to Amend or Change Permit. Chairman Hiscox advised her that if she wanted to apply for a change, there will not be a need for a public hearing, however her application would appear on the agenda for the Planning & Zoning Meeting. If her neighbors wished to voice opposition to this application, they would be allowed to do so under the Public Participation portion of the meeting on the date her application is reviewed by the Commissioners.
Land Use Inspector's Report: Bill Donovan stated that he met with Dick Harrell of HMA Associates on August 22, 2002 to discuss updating the zoning regulations. HMA will be coming to the September 18, 2002 meeting at 8:00 p.m. to discuss possible changes the Commissioners feel should be made to the Regulations. Some of the issues to be discussed will be parking requirements, being more specific for the type of use for a property, clarifying definitions, signage regulations, the difference between a Site Plan Application and a Plot Plan Application, and what types of businesses should be allowed over an acquifer recharge area. Bill reminded Commissioners that any changes made to the Regulations must be consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development. Chairman Hiscox asked Bill to get a news release out letting the public know the Commission is beginning the process of changing the Regulations and any suggestions the public may have regarding such changes can be communicated to the Commission by way of phone, fax, mail, e-mail or attending a meeting. The Commissioners also asked Bill to contact the Chamber of Commerce and have them notify the town's businesses of the opportunity to voice their concerns regarding the Regulations and make suggestions as to how the Regulations should be changed. Bill read an article about a court case in New Jersey where a Zoning Board set a limit on the maximum size of habitable floor area for a new home being built. He explained that although we are not at that stage yet, this subject may be one to consider in the future. Bill sent out letters again to people who have canvas huts on their property. He contacted Dunkin Donuts regarding the signs they are displaying. One of them has come down, however the Coolata sign is still up. Bill contacted the residents who seem to be storing commercial equipment on their residential property as mentioned at the last meeting. Commissioners raised concerns regarding the Matthew Street property that recently had a fire which destroyed a new house. The foundation is not fenced and is a definite safety issue for children in the neighborhood. Bill has spoken to the owner, but with no response. The property on Scott Road where the Commission has discussed building materials being improperly disposed of in the past has been sold and is in the process of being developed. The new owners are aware of the potential problems. The Waterbury Road property across from the new medical building is being bulldozed and the Commissioners asked Bill if he knew what was going to be happening there. The owner of the property has spoken with Bill and although he does not have anything in particular in mind at this time, he assured Bill he would work with the Commission and the property will be "pleasing to the eye". The garage on Summit Road at Plank Road is also a concern as they are filling within a few feet of a brook and it appears there is a curb cut within thirty feet of the intersection. Bill stated he will contact the owners. There was discussion about the Plank Road property where the owners are still parking a bucket truck on their residential property as well as using a dirt roadway made through their property for dirt bikes and ATV's. Because the property is located on a very dangerous curve, the Commissioners are concerned there will be a very serious accident. The property on Route 68 where the Dairy Mart used to be shows that renovations are being made. Chesprocott has made it clear that it will not approve any changes that takes away any area available for a septic system since there is no septic system in place now, only holding tanks. At this point, nothing is being done to the building that warrants the owner having to come before the Commission. Motion by D. Pomeroy, seconded by A. Havican to accept the Land Use Inspector's Report. Unanimous.
Public Participation: None
Motion by T. Galvin seconded by A. Havican to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. Unanimous.