MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut May 3, 2007
Present: Ms. Dean, Chair Pro Tem; Mr. Pouli, Secretary Pro Tem, . Alternates: Mr Mulholland in place of Mr. O’Neil and Mr. Bloom in place of Ms. Brymer. Also present: George Benson, Land Use Enforcement Officer. Clerk: Ms. Wilkin
The meeting was opened at 7:32 p.m. Notice is made that the entire meeting was taped and can be heard in the Planning and Zoning Office, 31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut
PUBLIC HEARING
APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT FOR A SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE DEMOLITION OF FAIRFIELD HOUSE AND UTILITIES SERVICING FAIRFIELD HOUSE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BASEBALL FIELD WITH CONDUITS FOR FUTURE LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SERVICE, AND IRRIGATION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 46 MILE HILL ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT, ASSESSOR’S MAP 37, BLOCK 3, LOT 1.D
Mr. Poulin read the call for the hearing
Ms. Dean read the correspondence in the file and asked to hear from the applicant.
Ed Marks, 3 Sweet Meadow, Newtown, Connecticut, acting Chair of Parks and Recreation gave a brief history of the site. About seven years ago the athletic field crisis was noted. The Fairfield Hills Master Plan 2002 included an evaluation of this field concept. A copy of 2002 analysis was submitted.
James Belden supported the project and read a letter into the file that was submitted. He also submitted a letter from the High School.
Gary Sorge, Stantech, Architect, has been working closely with people in Town to modify the Master Plan.
Tom Hammerberg, Stantech, detailed the proposal which would be a full size baseball field. Plans for lighting are a few years away but preparation being done now. He submitted pictures of lighting samples. Existing parking will be striped, the rest would be gravel. They are trying to address the concerns of Trout Unlimited regarding fertilizers and run off into Deep Brook.
Scott Bailey, P&G Industries, explained the lighting in more detail. They are hoping to start demolishing late spring, have the field seeded by fall ready for use fall of 2008.
The Commission asked for a management plan. The maps on file were not current. Revised maps will be submitted along with an Engineering Plan.
Mr. Bailey said that they want to percolate as much water back into the ground as possible. He explained how Fairfield House will be dropped and what will happen to the tunnels underground and utilities.
Ms. Dean said the applicant might have to go before the Conservation Commission. After discussion the issues she asked to hear from the public,
Ruby Johnson, 16 Chestnut Hill Road, Newtown, Connecticut distributed a memo dated May 3, 2007 that was submitted to file. She said that the applicant should be the Fairfield Hills Authority and or the First Selectman because the property is owned by the Town not the Parks and Recreation Department. She felt the entire property needs long range planning.
Trish Wooten, 20 Mile Hill South, Newtown, Connecticut lives across from a playing field and was concerned about the P.A. system noise. She felt it tough to support and would like to see a time limit on lighting and noise.
David Steiner, 6 Nunnawauk Road, Newtown, Connecticut asked if the soil had been tested to see if safe. Also expressed concern about fertilizers going into the ground water.
Maryanne Gonzalez, 26 Mile Hill South, Newtown, Connecticut agreed with the need for more ballfields in Town but wondered about vandalism if lighted and not managed well.
Barbara Casperian, Parks and Recreation Department, has been in touch with police regarding neighbor concerns and parking abuses. They will also address the P.A. systems. They are putting signs up which allows for ticketing. She asked anyone with problems to contact her.
Carl Sanderson, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation addressed the concerns about fertilizers.
The hearing was left open solely to receive revised maps as well as landscape maps.
APPLICATION BY MILTON ADAMS FOR A TWO LOT RE-SUBDIVISION, 1 TWIST HILL LANE, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT, ASSESSOR’S MAP 19, BLOCK 6, LOT 8
The hearing was opened at 8:55 p.m.
Mr. Poulin read the call for the hearing.
Ms. Dean read the correspondence in the file and asked to hear from the applicant.
Larry Edwards, P.E., 227 Stepney Road, Easton, Connecticut, noted that this is the same application that was approved a few months ago. The difference being instead of open space they were requesting fee in lieu thereof.
Camille DeGallen, Esq., 30 Main Street, Danbury, Connecticut explained the reason for requesting fee in lieu. She submitted an Assessor’s Map. She acknowledged the difficulty applying a dollar amount in this case.
The Commission will research what the fee in lieu should be later.
Betty Foster, 11 Neil Road, Newtown, Connecticut asked why open space is required on small subdivisions. The Commission answered that it was part of the regulations.
The hearing was closed at 9:15 p.m.
APPLICATION BY SALLY O’NEIL FOR A TWO LOT RE-SUBDIVISION, 13 FOX HOLLOW LANE, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT, ASSESOR’S MAP 44, BLOCK 8, LOT 40
Mr. Poulin read the call for the hearing
Ms. Dean read the correspondence in the file and asked to hear from the applicant.
Robert Hall, Esq., 43 Main Street, Newtown, Connecticut submitted an Affidavit of Mailing and Map #6737 Stonegate Easement which addresses issues raised by the Town Attorney. He submitted a Road Deed and Slope and Drainage Easement. He submitted photos of the property. Although they were required to show a road, he felt a driveway approach might be preferable.
Alan Shepard, P.E., Nowakowski, O’Bymachow and Kane, 415 Howe Avenue, Shelton, Connecticut submitted revised maps reflecting comments of the Town engineer. He described the property noting that the application meets regulations but could be adjusted as required later. He submitted a Drainage Report dated April 6, 2007, revised May 3, 2007.
Steve Davies, 70 Ironwood, Newtown, Connecticut asked for details of the building.
Patricia MacDonald, 11 Fox Hollow, Newtown, Connecticut asked about trails and easements.
Mr. Hall addressed the questions noting that the house location could change but has to meet minimum square according to regulations.
The hearing was closed at 9:50 p.m.
ACTION
The Commission found no argument against the application.
Mr. Poulin moved the following:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Newtown Panning and Zoning Commission that the application of Sally O’Neil for a two lot re-subdivision of 13 Fox Hollow Lane, 13.43 acres, as shown on a certain set of maps entitled “Resubdivison Map Prepared for Sally O’Neil, 13 Fox Hollow Lane, Newtown, Connecticut” dated April 9, 2007 and revised 5/3/07, scale 1”=50’, for property shown on the Assessor’s Map 44, Block 8, Lot 40 LT7
SHALL BE APPROVED with the following conditions:
1. That prior to filing the record map in the Newtown Land Records:
a. A bond in the amount of $2,400 shall be submitted to secure the installment of the lot pins and monuments.
b. A bond in the amount of $144,500 shall be submitted for road construction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the application is consistent with the Subdivision Regulations and the F&R 2 zone.
Seconded by Mr. Bloom
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Mr. Poulin Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Motion approved
CORRESPONDENCE/COMMUNICATION
The Commission discussed a request from Tom Swann for a parking modification. They considered it a minor change.
Mr. Poulin made a motion to approve the requested modification. Seconded by Mr. Mulholland. The vote was unanimous.
Ms. Dean advised the Commission that comments from Glen Chalder, Planometrics regarding the South Main Street Village District is available in the land Use Office.
The Commission discussed a request for re-use of the garage in Sandy Hook to become a veterinary hospital. They considered it a good use of the property and the proposal to add this use in the Sandy Hook Design District will be added to the Agenda of June 7th
The Commission discussed the Fairfield Hills property, expressing concern about the changes coming in piece-meal. Suggestions by Mr. O’Neil were distributed for the Commission to address. Mr. Benson noted the difficulty working with bits and pieces.
MINUTES
Mr. Mulholland had listened to the tape of the April 19, 2007 meeting and was therefore deemed eligible to vote.
Mr. Poulin made a motion to approve the minutes of April 19, 2007 as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Bloom. The vote was unanimous.
Mr. Mulholland made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Bloom.
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Mr. Poulin Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Motion approved
The meeting adjourned at 10.20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
___________________________
Robert Poulin, Secretary Pro Tem
| 
