MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut May 17, 2007
Present: Ms. Dean, Chair Pro Tem; Ms. Brymer. Mr. Poulin, and Mr. Wilson. Alternates: Mr. Bloom in place of Mr. O’Neil. 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
MANDATORRY REFERRAL
GCS 8-24 REFERRAL REGARDING SALE OF PROPERTY
Mr. Herb Rosenthal, First Selectmen advised that the Board of Selectmen had voted in favor of the sale. He read and submitted a letter from the Town Attorney, David Grogins. After a brief discussion, Mr. Bloom made a motion to recommend the sale of the property. Seconded by Ms. Brymer. The vote was unanimous
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
APPLICATION BY STEVE AND KATALIN POYAK FOR A SIX LOT SUBDIVISION, 5 TWIST HILL LANE, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT, ASSESSOR’S MAP 19, BLOCK 6, LOT 1
After a brief discussion, Ms. Brymer moved the following:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission that the application by Steve and Katalin Poyak for a six lot subdivision of 23.3 acres as shown on a certain set of maps entitled “Subdivision Plan ‘ Harvest Hills Estates’ 5 Twist Hill Lane, Assessor’s May 19, Block 6, Lot 1, Newtown, Connecticut prepared for Steve & Katalin Poyak” dated May 6, 2006 and last revised 4/5/07, scale 1” = 80” for property shown on the Assessor’s Map 19, Block 6, Lot 1
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 $275,000 shall be submitted to secure the subdivision improvements as follows:
Road Bond $270,000
Lot Pins $ 5,500
2. If the Town of Newtown Road Ordinance allows Cape Cod curbing, it will be allowed in this subdivision.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the application is consistent with the Subdivision Regulations and the F&R zone
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this approval is effective May 28, 2007
Seconded by Mr. Poulin
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Ms. Brymer Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Motion approved.
APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN BOARD OF SELECTMEN TO AMEND THE FAIRFIELD HILLS MASTER PLAN
Ms. Brymer moved the following:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission that the application by the Town of Newtown Board of Selectmen to modify the Fairfield Hills Master Plan in accordance with Section 4.23.230 of the Town of Newtown Zoning Regulations
SHALL BE APPROVED based upon the recommendation of the Fairfield Hills Authority and application by the Board of Selectmen, the Fairfield Hills Plan is modified as follows and as indicated on a certain map entitled “Fairfield Hills Master Plan” dated April, 2007.
1. Bridgeport Hall, designated in the Master Plan for Assembly/Office/Community Re-use shall be designated for Town Office re-use.
2. Shelton House designated in the Master Plan for a Town Hall Re-use or to be demolished and the site to be used to construct a new town Hall shall be demolished with no specific use for the remaining Shelton House Site.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the reason for the amendment is to modify the site of the town offices contained in the approved Master Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendment is consistent with the Newtown Plan of Conservation and Development.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendment shall become effective on May 28, 2007.
Seconded by Mr. Bloom.
Mr. Wilson thought everyone was moving too fast. There was inadequate data regarding the impact on Deep Brook. Ms. Dean noted that the Commission approved the Master Plan that included a Town Hall. Although he would prefer not to have a Town Hall at Fairfield Hills, as a P&Z Commissioner, there is no foundation to saying no. Mr. Bloom and Ms. Brymer agreed.
Mr. Wilson made a motion to add an item 3. to the resolution:
3. “Should Shelton House be demolished it shall not adversely impact Deep Brook”.
Seconded by Mr. Poulin. The vote was unanimous.
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Ms. Brymer Yes
Mr. Poulin Yes
Mr. Wilson No
Mr. Bloom Yes
Motion approved.
PUBLIC HEARING (Continued)
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
The First Selectman submitted a memo dated May 17, 2007 approving the proposal.
Walt Moytika, Fairfield Hills Authority submitted a letter approving the proposal.
It was noted that the application from Stantek was submitted as a site development but should be special exception. The Land Use office accepted the changes because the regulations are the same.
The hearing was closed at 8:07 p.m.
Ms. Brymer moved the following:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Town of Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission that the application by the Town of Newtown Parks and Recreation Department for a Special Exception to construct a Ball Field at Fairfield Hills
SHALL BE APPROVED, based upon the recommendation of the Fairfield Hills Authority, the project as follows and as indicated on a certain map entitled: “Fairfield Hills Playing Field Newtown, Connecticut” dated April 2, 2007 and May 11, 2007 (signed drawing set), last revision date May 14, 2007. This approval includes:
1. Demolition of Fairfield House and utilities servicing Fairfield House
2. Construction of a Ball field with temporary parking, electrical service, irrigation and conduits for future lighting for property located at 46 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, Connecticut, Assessor’s May 37. Block 3, Lot 1.D
With the following conditions:
1. That the proposed parking area for the Ball Field is temporary and to be improved upon completion of future construction projects at Fairfield Hills.
2. That all maintenance programs and other recommendations included in the document entitled “Improvements to Fairfield Hills Campus, Town of Newtown, Connecticut Aquifer Impact Assessment Report for the Special Exception Application Town of Newtown, Connecticut”, dated May 15, 2007 shall be followed.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proposal is consistent with the Fairfield Hills Master Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proposal is consistent with the Newtown Plan of Conservation and Development
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendment shall become effective on May 28, 2007.
Seconded by Mr. Bloom.
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Mr. Poulin Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Motion approved.
CORRESPONDENCE/COMMUNICATION
PRESENTATION BY RESIDENTS CONCERNING ALLOWING A SPORTS COMPLEX IN AN M-2-A ZONE
Ms. Dean distributed a Petition by residents in the proximity of the proposed sports arena. They were represented by Patrick Napolitano, 13 Whipoorwill Road, Newtown, Connecticut who had questions about the Legal Notice of the application to change the zoning regulations. Ms. Dean explained that this was not a site specific application. Concerned neighbors would receive notice of a hearing when the application for the actual project is scheduled.
Brian Keane, 18 Whipoorwill Road, Newtown, Connecticut also expressed concern that neighbors were not notified.
Mary Goodett-Wilson, 12 Whipoorwill Road, Newtown, Connecticut thought neighbors should have been notified.
Ruby Johnson, 16 Chestnut Hill Road, Newtown, Connecticut thought the Commission were in a tough spot with long range planning.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW REGULATIONS.
Ms. Brymer advised that they hope to have a number of regulations approved by the end of the year. The need is to consolidate zones. There are different ad hoc members assisting with specific regulations.
OTHER MATTERS
The request to add veterinary use to the Sandy Hook Design District will be discussed at the next meeting of June 7, 2007.
Ms. Dean distributed notes for future discussion regarding the Fairfield Hills Master Plan.
Ms. Dean distributed a letter from Glen Chalders rebutting opponents to the South Main Street Village District stating that they were using outdated information. Ms. Dean would like to put the matter on the Agenda for discussion.
Ms. Dean referred to a letter form Boulder Creek neighbors, which will be forwarded to the Town Engineer to handle.
Mr. Wilson made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Bloom.
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Ms. Brymer Yes
Mr. Poulin Yes
Mr. Wilson Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Motion approved
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
___________________________
Jane Brymer, Secretary
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