October 3, 2007
Chairman Hiscox called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The meeting was taped.
Members Present: Robert Hiscox, Gil Graveline (7:09 p.m.), Dom Pomeroy and Tom Galvin.
Alternates Present: Al Delelle and Greg Ploski
Others Present: Bill Donovan, Land Use Inspector
Members Absent: Jack Crumb and Al Havican
A. Delelle was seated for A. Havican. G. Ploski was seated for G. Graveline.
Approval of Minutes:
Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by A. Delelle to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2007 meeting. T. Galvin and D. Pomeroy abstained. Motion carried.
Chairman Hiscox mentioned the Special Meeting workshop that was held on September 26, 2007 for discussion on regulation revisions.
Correspondence:
1.) Connecticut Water Company Re: Notifications
2.) Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Re: Global & Local Water Issues
3.) Connecticut Economic Resource Center
4.) City of Waterbury Re: Diversion Permit Renewal
5.) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Journal Fall 2007
Motion by D. Pomeroy, seconded by G. Ploski to accept the correspondence. Unanimous.
Public Participation:
Dean Priebe, 11 Cambridge Drive mentioned possibly installing a wood boiler outside on his property. He wanted to make sure from a zoning perspective this is something that can be installed. Chairman Hiscox stated that this would fall under an accessory building in the regulations. B. Donovan mentioned a meeting he attended where the subject was wood burning stoves. He listed the state guidelines; at this point the Town does not have any specific regulations but there are State statutes in place that need to be met.
G. Graveline arrived at 7:09 p.m. Consequently G. Ploski was removed from his seat.
Old Business:
Victor Visockis Jr. 178 New Haven Road asked why the increase from once acre to two acre is coming about. Chairman Hiscox stated this is something the Commission has looked at in terms of long term planning and developmental growth. The State Plan as well as the Town’s plan calls for more 2 acre zoning specifically in a watershed. Town’s people have also come to meetings suggesting the Town moves in this direction as well.
Marie Kluge, 15 Kluge Road stated that if the Commission is going to change these properties to 2 acres how should the Town rebate the property owners for the additional taxes they’ve paid the past 70 years for a one acre zone. Ms. Kluge also asked what specifically would be different if the zone is changed from one acre to two. She also asked why it would be ok for a school to be built on this property versus a few houses. She stated she has maintained this property as open space since 1937 and now the value of the land is going to be decreased by 30% if it is re-zoned 2 acre.
Chairman Hiscox explained the steps in amending the regulations.
Neil Walsh from Summit Road asked if the Inland Wetlands Regulations covers protecting the Watershed. Chairman Hiscox stated every time a new development is proposed people always complain there are too many people, too many homes and too much traffic in Town already.
Tom Wheeler, 61 Cheshire Road, Plumb Farms stated he is against the two acre zoning. His family has owned property for a long time in the watershed. Mr. Wheeler mentioned property owners possibly selling or developing their property earlier than expected to avoid the two acre zoning. Chairman Hiscox stated this is the Town’s plan not just the Commission’s.
Public Hearing: none
New Business:
Land Use Inspector’s Report:
-Zoning Violations:
• 1 Old Schoolhouse Road (Cease & Desist/ Amendment to Site Plan)
• Atty. Zailckas representing Prospect Service Center and the Diloretos in this matter stated he was unable to attend the last meeting and they were under the impression their plans were not completed. They have had several meetings with B. Donovan on this matter. There is general frustration of the quality and the manner of the plans from the prior engineer. They have recently hired a new engineer, Meyers Associates from Waterbury. Mr. Zailckas submitted a letter from Mr. Meyers to verify he is moving forward and putting together an updated site plan. Chairman Hiscox stated several years ago the Commission approved a site plan with fences, specific parking etc. There has been discussion and some modifications. The property and business is currently not in compliance with the original site plan that was approved. A Cease & Desist was issued and fines could’ve been issued but were not. Chairman Hiscox suggested the modified new site plan complies with the previously approved site plan as much as possible showing additions that have evolved since the approval. Chairman Hiscox mentioned gates allowing emergency access and the gas delivery truck turn area. Many Commission members have expressed their concerns that the business has outgrown the property. T. Galvin mentioned the new site plan to show the property at 1 Old Schoolhouse Road as well as 20 Union City Road. G. Graveline mentioned also looking into the drainage and where it’s all directed. Mr. Meyers is in contact with the previous engineer to get the past material that was approved by the Commission.
• Quality Hardwood on Scott Road. B. Donovan stated he spoke with John Ciola one of the owners. Mr. Ciola has had some personal issues but they are moving forward and attempting to clean up the property.
• Chairman Hiscox mentioned 52 & 56 Williams Drive, unsightly material.
• Senor Panchos – Open 7 days a week lunch and dinner sandwich board sign. Mentioned extensions on signs.
• Large tri-axle truck on Matthew Street has been parked on the road blocking the road. Chairman Hiscox asked B. Donovan to get the town attorney’s opinion on when a Cease & Desist is issued and the violation disappears for months and then violation reappears do they have to go through the entire process again or can they immediately be issued a fine.
• T. Galvin mentioned the chamber meeting on October 16th to get some input on regulation revisions.
Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by A. Delelle to accept the Land Use Inspector’s Report. Unanimous.
Public Participation:
Marie Kluge asked what properties in Town a business like Prospect Service Center can move to. There was general discussion.
Bob Budnik from Heritage Drive mentioned his landscape design business and where it could possibly move for future growth. Chairman Hiscox stated it could be moved to any business property in Town. Mr. Budnik also mentioned multiple unregistered vehicles on Heritage Drive.
Adjournment:
Motion by T. Galvin, seconded by A. Delelle to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 p.m. Unanimous.
Robert Hiscox, Chairman