MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut October 4, 2007
Present: Ms. Dean, Ms. Brymer, Mr. Poulin, and Mr. Bloom. Alternates: Mr. Mulholland seated for Mr. Wilson. Also present: Elizabeth Stocker, Director of Community Development and George Benson, Land Use Director. Clerk: Ms. Wilkin
The meeting was opened at 7:33p.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 (Continued)
APPLICATION BY KEVIN CAROLAN FOR A TWO LOT RE-SUBDIVISION AS SHOWN ON A CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED “RESUBDIVISION MAP SHOWING RESUBDIVISION OF LOT 3, OLD FARM HILL – SECTION 1A, 22 HORSESHOE RIDGE ROAD, NEWTOWN, CT” DATED JULY 21, 2007, SCALE 1” = 40’ AS SHOWN ON THE ASSESSOR’S MAP 25, BLOCK 1-70, LOT 3
Matthew Scully, CCA Engineering, 40 Old New Milford Road, Brookfield, Connecticut explained an alternative plan as requested showing a 25 foot accessway, thereby reducing the open space. After a brief discussion, the Commission considered the previous map last revised 9/25/07 as the most preferred option.
The hearing was closed at 7:43 p.m.
ACTION
Ms. Brymer moved the following:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission that the application by Kevin Carolan for a two lot subdivision as shown on a certain map entitled “Resubdivision Map Showing Resubdivision of Lot 3, Old Farm Hill – Section 1A, 22 Horseshow Ridge Road, Newtown, CT”, dated Map 1, 2007, last revised 9/25/07, scale 1” = 40’, as shown on the Assessor’s Map 25, Block 1-70, Lot 3
SHALL BE APPROVED, with the following conditions:
1. That prior to filing the record map in the Newtown Land Records, a lot pin bond in the amount of $726 shall be submitted.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the application is consistent with the Subdivision Regulations and the F&R 2 zone.
Seconded by Mr. Bloom
Mr. Poulin considered the regulation poorly worded and therefore could not vote yes on this application. Mr. Benson agreed to amend the regulation for future consideration.
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Ms. Brymer Yes
Mr. Poulin No
Mr. Bloom Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Motion approved
A brief recess was called at 7:55 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:57 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING (Continued)
APLICATION BY THE FAIRFIELD HILLS AUTHORITY FOR A SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SPORTS FACILITY LOCATED IN FAIRFIELD HILLS, ASSESSOR’S MAP 37, BLOCK 3, LOT 1D, 46 MILE HILL ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT.
This application was continued till the next meeting
PUBLIC HEARING (Continued)
APPLICATION BY 5-K ENTERPRISES FOR A SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO (1) PERMIT GARAGES TO SHELTER COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT USED OFF THE LOT AND (2) TO CLARIFY THE RESOLUTION OF MARCH 15, 2007 REFERENCING MAXIMUM OF FIVE TENANTS UPON THE SITE RATHER THAN FIVE PER BUILDING AS SHOWN ON A CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED “OVERALL SITE PLAN PREPARED FOR 5-K ENTERPRISES, INC., #3 EDMOND ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT”, SCALE 1” = 100’ DATED JULY 2, 2007, AS SHOWN ON THE ASSESSOR’S MAP 27, BLOCK 6, LOTS 9, 11 AND 12
This application was continued till the next meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION BY GRACE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, INC. FOR A SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO ONSTRUCT A CHURCH, 4 COVERED BRIDGE ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT, AS SHOWN ON A CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED
“SITE PLAN, GRACE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCHM ROUTE 25, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT” DATED 3/9/07, SCALE 1” = 40’ AS SHOWN ON THE ASSESSOR’S MAP 5, BLOCK 2, LOT 3
Ms. Brymer read the call for the hearing
Ms. Dean read the correspondence in the file, then asked to hear from the applicant.
Camille DeGallen, Esq., 30 Main Street, Danbury, Connecticut, representing the applicant gave a brief overview of the proposal and history of the church. The have wetlands approval which dictates the location of the building. They have met all zoning requirements.
Dainius Virbickas, Artel engineering, 304 Federal Road, Brookfield, Connecticut said that this proposal will meet the needs for the growing congregation. The parking requirements exceed the minimum required. There are provisions for additional parking on grassy areas. The auditorium will seat 500 participants. He explained the storm drainage system, which meets engineering needs. The proposed bridge is to be reviewed before construction. He had not received a letter from the Health Department referred to by Ms. Dean. He described the landscaping plan. The lighting plans were prepared by Environmental Land Solutions. Signage plans have yet to be submitted. He had architectural drawings.
Christopher Caton, Associate Pastor of the church, 174 Mount Pleasant Road, Newtown, Connecticut answered a question about the second set of stairs, thinking they go to the mechanical room in the attic.
In response to a question by Mr. Mulholland, Ms. DeGallon said that any future expansion would require a special exception application.
The hearing was left open in order to hear from the water company, Health Department and get details about the signage and lighting.
CORRESPONDENCE/COMMUNICATIONS
Ms Dean explained an application to develop a rear lot on a first cut, parcel 2 owned by Anna and Catherine Scanlon. Plans prepared for Martha Conti, 13 Old Green Road, Sandy Hook, Connecticut dated 9/19/07. Mr. Benson explained the proposal. The map from 1952 confirms that the property is a first cut. The application requires the Commission’s approval.
Ms. Dean made a motion to approve the application. Seconded by Mr. Mulholland. The vote was unanimous.
INTERIM BOND RELEASES
The request for a refund of part of the interim bond was approved by the Commission
The following hearings were opened at 8:50 p.m.
Ms. Brymer read the call for the hearings.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION TO AMEND THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN ZONING REGULATIONS AT ARTICLE V, INDUSTRIAL ZONES TO CONSIDER CHANGES IN THE CURRENT REGULATIONS
Ms. Brymer distributed a spreadsheet clarifying industrial zones and the elimination of some M-zones. The Commission discussed the matter and left the
Matter open.
APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION TO AMEND THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN ZONING REGULATIONS AT ARTICLE V, FHAR ZONE
Ms. Brymer moved the following:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission that the Commission’s application to amend the zoning regulations at Article V for the height in the Fairfield Hills Adaptive Reuse Zone (FHAR) to add a new Section 5.02.700
SHALL BE APPROVED as follows:
5.02.700 Fairfield Hills Adaptive Reuse Zone
Buildings or structures located in the FHAR zone erected without a peaked roof may not exceed 42’ to the highest point of the building or structure from any ground level point on any side of the building or structure
Buildings or structures located in the FHAR zone with a peaked roof may not exceed 60’ to the highest point of the building or structure from any ground level point on any side of the building or structure.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the reason for the amendment is to recognize that a peaked roof on new buildings or structures should have a height similar to the existing hospital campus buildings to be of the same character and blend in with the campus architecture.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission finds that the amendments are consistent with the Newtown Plan of Conservation and Development
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendment shall become effective on October 15, 2007.
Seconded by Mr. Poulin
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Ms. Brymer Yes
Mr. Poulin Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Motion approved
APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION TO AMEND THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN ZONING REGULATIONS AS SHOWN IN A CERTAIN DOCUMENT ENTITLED “ARTICLE IX, “ADMINISTRATION ENFORCEMENT” DATED AUGUST 6, 2007
Mr. Benson discussed the details of the application. The hearing was left open for further discussion.
APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION TO AMEND THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN ZONING REGULATIONS AT ARTICLE XIII, LEGISLATIVE REVISIONS AS NOTED IN A CERTAIN DOCUMENT OF THE SAME NAME
Mr. Benson discussed the details of the application. The hearing was left open for further discussion.
CORRESPONDENCE/COMMUNICATIONS
The Commission discussed an application by Spath Bjorklund for a building in Monroe that backs onto Newtown. A map dated 10/2/07 was used for information.
MINUTES
Mr. Poulin made a motion to approve the Minutes of September 20, 2007. Seconded by Mr. Bloom. The vote was unanimous. Ms. Dean was not present at the meeting.
Ms. Dean made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Poulin.
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Ms. Brymer Yes
Mr. Poulin Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Motion approved
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
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