MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut September 18, 2008
Present: Ms. Dean, Mr. Bloom, Ms. Brymer Mr. Mulholland and Mr. English. Also present: George Benson, Land Use Director. Clerk: Ms. Wilkin
The meeting was opened at 7.37 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 (Continued)
APPLICATION BY SCHULTZ FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP FOR AN EIGHT LOT SUBDIVISION, 127 WALNUT TREE HILL ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT, AS SHOWN ON A CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED “SUBDIVISION PLAN PREPARED FOR SCHULTZ FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, ALBERTS HILL AND WALNUT TREE HILL ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT” DATED MARCH 3, 2008, SCALE 1” = 100’, ASSESSOR’S MAP 42, BLOCK 1, LOT 5.0A
Robert Hall, Esq., 43 Main Street, Newtown, Connecticut, representing the applicants briefly explained the application which has been reconfigured from its original nine lots. He submitted seven proposed deeds: Open Space for 5.77 acres which abuts existing town owned open space; Conservation restrictions on two parts of the property; Drainage easement; Fire tank Easement; Common driveway an drainage dedications. He would like to discuss the driveway regulations more with Mr. Benson. The selectmen have yet to approve the proposed road work. He submitted the Legal Notice and Minutes for the meeting of October 19, 1978 and Inland Wetland Commission Minutes dated October 11, 2006.
Larry Edwards, P.E., 227 Stepney Road, Easton, Connecticut explained the driveway plan proposed in 2006 showing an alternative design of Lot 1. He explained the proposed storm water drain and curbing. Regrading will be necessary in order to achieve adequate sightlines.
There was a general discussion about the driveway and rear lots. Mr. Benson found nothing in the new subdivision regulations permitting what is proposed. Ms. Dean said that the meeting will be held open in order to discuss this matter. She then asked to hear from the public.
Julia Wasserman, 113 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook, Connecticut asked for reassurance that the access to the existing open space will remain untouched.
Nina Roscoe, 106 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook, Connecticut expressed concern about runoff and water backup which currently needs constant cleaning.
Henry Colangelo, 121 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook, Connecticut inquired about the detention tank and expressed concern about the length of the driveway.
Mary Fellows, 120 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook, Connecticut commended on the density on the slope and driveways that don’t always work. She was saddened to see overburdened wetlands and considered it unfair to those who had donated abutting open space.
Janice Scott, 162 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook, Connecticut asked about the size of the houses and the affect this could have on the value of the local homes.
The hearing was left open to consider the driveway and wetland issues.
A recess was called at 9:10 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 9:17 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING (Continued)
APPLICATION BY JOSEPH NOVELLA FOR A TWO LOT SUBDIVISION, 176 BOGGS HILL ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT AS SHOWN ON A CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED “FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAN, TWO LOT SUBDIVISION PREPARED FOR JOSEPH NOVELLA, PROPERTY AT 176 BOGGS HILL ROAD, NEWTOWN, CT” DATED APRIL 11, 08, SCALE 1”=40’, ASSESSOR’S MAP 14, BLOCK 8, LOT 4
Mark Riefenhauser, P.E., Novella Smith & Co., 242 Main Street South, Woodbury, Connecticut submitted the proof of mailing. He addressed the changes made to the plans according to the Town Engineer’s letter. The plan is to make a second lot behind the existing house. They plan on a conservation easement as opposed to open space. They were waiting for comments from the Conservation Commission
Ms. Dean asked to hear from the public.
Patty Graves, 165 Boggs Hill Road, Newtown, Connecticut asked to know the distance between the proposed driveway and the stone wall.
Alan Graves, 174 Boggs Hill Road, Newtown, Connecticut was told the lot was undividable when they purchased the abutting property.
Mr. Edwards addressed issues raised stating that there is no intention of using the wall for any renovations.
The hearing was left open to hear from the Conservation Commission
PUBLIC HEARING
APPLICATION BY POOTATUCK RENTALS, LLC FOR A SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO RENOVATE AN EXISTING BUILDING AND CONSTRUCT TWO NEW BUILDINGS FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 107 CHURCH HILL ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT AS SHOWN ON CERTAIN MAPS ENTITLED “SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (SHEET 1 OF 2) PREPARED FOR BETTS SQUARE, 107 CHURCH HILL ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT” DATED JULY 18, 2008, SCALE 1”=40’, ASSESSOR’S MAP 39, BLOCK 2, LOT 2 AND “SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (SHEET 2 OF 2) PREPARED FOR BETTS SQUARE, 107 CHURCH HILL ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT” DATED JULY 18, 2008, SCALE 1”=20’, ASSESSOR’S MAP 39, BLOCK 2, LOT 2
The hearing was opened at 9:40 p.m.
Ms. Brymer read the call for the hearing.
Ms. Dean read the correspondence in the file then asked to hear from the applicant.
Michael Burton, 107 Glen Road, Sandy Hook, Connecticut, owner of the property explained the application with the aid of a floor plan and drawing of the proposed buildings. They had received approval of the Police and Conservation Commissions and the Design Review Board approved the proposed design.
Alan Shepard, P.E., 415 Howe Avenue, Shelton, Connecticut, explained the engineering aspects of the proposal. He addressed the Town Engineer’s comments. They plan on working with the existing terrain with little contour changes.
Andy Serfilippi, 39 Highland Avenue, Bethel, Connecticut. Landscape Architect explained the landscaping including walkways and lighting.
Michael Galante, Frederick P. Clark Associates, 41 Ruane Street, Fairfield, Connecticut, Traffic Engineer, summarized the Traffic Report in the file.
The hearing was left open solely to hear from the Wetlands Commission
PUBLIC HEARING
APPLICATION BY THOMAS LANGNER FOR A TWO LOT SUBDIVISION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 97 TODDY HILL ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT, AS SHOWN ON A CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED “RECORD SUBDIVISION MAP OF PARCEL A PREPARED FOR LANGNER TODDY HILL LLC, TODDY HILL ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT” DATED AUGUST 12, 2008, SCALE 1”=50’, ASSESSOR’S MAP 45, BLOCK 6, LOT 20
The hearing was opened at 10:37 p.m.
Ms. Brymer read the call for the hearing
Ms. Dean read the correspondence in the file then asked to hear from the applicant.
Fran Pennarola, Esq., 30 Main Street, Danbury, Connecticut, representing the applicant gave a brief overview of the proposal.
Alan Shepard, P.E., 415 Howe Avenue, Shelton, Connecticut, submitted the certificate of mailing and explained the proposal in detail.
Mr. Pennarola submitted a letter addressing staff comments and claimed that this application should be considered a first cut.
There was a discussion about whether the rear lot would be permitted under the regulations. The Commission considered the road frontage insufficient. The Commission could not approve the application as submitted. The hearing was left open to submit alternative plans.
CORRESPONDENCE/COMMUNICATIONS
MINUTES
Mr. English made a motion to approve the Minutes of September 4, 2008 as submitted. Seconded by Ms. Dean. Ms. Brymer suggested that under Correspondence the last item should have added … the request of a State grant for incentive housing zones. The vote was unanimous as amended.
Ms. Dean advised the Commission of Workshops scheduled for November 1, 2008. Also the CT Conference of Municipalities round table scheduled for October 22, 2008. Applications will be distributed to the Commission for those wishing to attend.
Ms. Dean made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Mulholland
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Ms. Brymer Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Mr. English Yes
Motion approved
The meeting adjourned at 11.15 p.m.
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