Minutes of Meeting
May 5, 2011
In attendance: AP, MC, JS, JD, SF, and DJ
LR
(PD absent)
7:00 PM
AP opened the meeting.
Continuation - 53/55 Highridge Road
Sitting In: PD, AP, JS, DC and MC
Tim Jones was in attendance. He presented a letter from Land Planning. AP read the letter stating that all survey work has been done but had had delays due to the amount of snow this past winter. The project will commence in the future. A 3 month continuation was requested.
JD motion to allow continuation to August 4, 2011 at 7:00 PM.
DJ second.
All in favor to allow the continuation.
New - 10 Penny Lane – Special Permit
Sitting In: AP, MC, JS, JD and DJ
The owners of the property, Brian Benkart & Kelly Byrnes-Benkart are requesting a permit for a family apartment. They explained that the addition is for their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Benkart will live in the existing single family dwelling. There is no need for a variance. They did prove that the septic system, parking requirements and addition meet the requirements for section 4130. There are financial and health hardships. They stated their parents, Florence and Vincent Byrnes will occupy the addition. They understood the permit will expire in 5 years and they would have to return to renew it.
JS motion to grant the Special Permit for a family apartment.
MC second.
All in favor to grant the permit.
Continuation – 289 Hartford Avenue – Variance
Sitting In: AP, MC, JS, PD (SF replaced), JD
AP continued the hearing. SF replaced PD due to his absence. The applicants attorney, Paul Kenney, handed out the new plan showing the changes which were requested by the board at the last hearing. The plan showed the change of 15 bins to 12 bins and also on both sides of the entrance and the planting area. The board felt this would help to beautify the area as it has been an eyesore for years. Attorney Kenney stated the lot is odd shaped, there are many easements and it is a split zone. The requested use for a contractor’s yard is a permitted use in the industrial zone. It is a seasonal business mainly in the spring. There is no negative impact as it will improve the area.
JD motion to grant the variance as requested in order to use the industrial zoned portion as a contractor’s yard for the seasonal retail sale of loam and mulch.
MC second.
All in favor to grant the variance.
New – 728 South Main Street – Special Permit
Sitting in: AP, JS, JD, DJ and SF
The applicant, Chady Saghbini, stated he would like to extend the use on this property to include the sale of used motor vehicles, up to 8 maximum, which will allow him to obtain a Class II used car license. The property had been used as a two family residence, auto repair facility and a used car lot for many years. The Class II used car license was discontinued in 2006 requiring the applicant to re-apply for the special permit. The property is zoned for business and is currently being used as an auto repair facility. The board felt the applicant proved that he has met all the requirements of section 2310. There will be no increase in parking spaces; the hours will remain the same, Monday thru Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm. There will not be an increase in lighting on the property.
JS motion to grant the Special Permit to extend the non-conforming use to include the sale of used cars, up to 8 vehicles, with no increase in lighting or parking spaces or change to the business hours.
JD second.
All in favor to the grant the Special Permit.
New – 21 North Main Street – Special Permit
Sitting In: AP, JS, JD, DJ and SF
The applicant, Andreas Dimacopolous, owner of the Dairy Queen is seeking a special permit to allow an electronic message center. He presented a photo of the proposed sign and explained it would show the time, temperature and standard messages. After reviewing the proposal the board felt that he was staying within the boundaries of the bylaw and the Special permit was not required. The applicant requested to withdraw his application.
JS motion to allow the applicant to withdraw.
MC second.
All in favor to allow the applicant to withdraw his application.
Other Business:
Minutes
April 7, 2011
AP motion to accept the minutes as presented.
MC second.
All in favor to approve the minutes.
Board Re-organization
The board agreed to put this matter on hold until the next meeting when PD was present.
Board Member Appointments
JS stated he was recently appointed for another 5 year term, which he gladly accepted. He questioned Selectwoman Dawn Davies, who was present in the audience, as to what procedure was in place at this time to appoint members as in the past it was to be posted so that all residents were aware of the openings. Dawn Davies stated that it was that way in the past but when the Board of Selectmen changes it members it goes by their majority choice which at this time is to vote on the re-appointee without advertising the opening. JS stated at this time there is an alternate position open and there is an interested candidate. Dawn Davies stated it is at the will of the BOS. They do consider the ZBA’s recommendation.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM
Approved 7/7/2011
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