Minutes
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut July 17, 2008
Present: Ms. Dean, Mr. Bloom, Ms. Brymer, Mr. Mulholland, Mr. English, Mr. Cruson, Mr. Belden. Also present: George Benson, Land Use Director. Clerk: Ms. Hazen.
The meeting was open at 7:35 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.
Ms. Dean noted that the August 21, 2008 meeting will be cancelled.
PUBLIC HEARING
APPLICATION BY THE NEWTOWN PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION TO AMEND THE ZONING REGULATIONS AT ARTICLE VIII – SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS, SECTION 5 “EXTERIOR LIGHTING STANDARDS IN ALL ZONES” AS NEEDED IN A CERTAIN DOCUMENT ENTITLED “TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING REGULATIONS ARTICLE VIII – EXTERIOR LIGHTING IN ALL ZONES IN ALL ZONES, SECTION 5, SECTION 8.05.400 DATED JULY 3 2008.
The hearing was opened at 7:35 p.m.
Ms. Brymer read the call for the hearing.
Ms. Dean noted there were no responses from the region.
George Benson, Director of Newtown Land Use Agency, discussed his proposed amendment to the lighting regulations in 8.05.470 that specifies height restrictions within playing fields. It was noted for a number of reasons, including possible future technological changes, setting a maximum height would be difficult. He further suggested that instead of setting a height limit, the regulations should state that the height be authorized by the commission. Also, he suggested that a reference to 8.05.470 be noted in regulation 8.05.490, which is targeted more for parking lot lighting. The commissioners discussed issues of trespass lighting, safety concerns and lighting studies.
8.05.470 to be changed to read:
Exterior lighting for outdoor playing fields or other sport activity areas shall be:
Specified, mounted and aimed so that beams fall within the primary playing area and immediate surroundings;
No light trespass is directed off site; and
The maximum height will be specifically authorized by the Commission.
8.05.490 will have the following added
“unless authorized under 8.05.470”
Mr. Mulholland motioned to approve changes and noted. Seconded by Mr. English
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Ms. Brymer Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Mr. English Yes
Mr. Cruson Yes
Mr. Belden Yes
This will become effective August 1, 2008.
Atty. Bob Hall was present to ask for an extension on his application.
Public Hearing closed.
CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATIONS
Discussion - Incentive Housing Zones
Commissioner Dean discussed the revisions of the Housing Zone. The commissioners received a cover letter written by Commissioner Dean and revised proposal written by Ms. Brymer regarding applying for the study grant. For the purposes of the study, anything regarding Fairfield Hills was eliminated other than the adaptive reuse of the eight free-standing homes. The two other properties in town viable for the feasibility study are on main roads where bus transportation is available, with one property having sewer and water. The revised copy will be submitted to the Legislative Council before the next meeting. Further information needs to be gathered. The commission will have a workshop meeting on July 31, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in Conference Room C.
Minutes of July 3, 2008
Mr. Bloom motioned to accept minutes as presented. Seconded by Ms Brymer
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Ms. Brymer Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Mr. English Yes
Mr. Cruson Yes
Mr. Belden Yes
Mr. Cruson motioned to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. Mr. Bloom seconded. Motion approved.
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