MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut November 6, 2008
Present: Ms. Dean; Mr. Bloom, Secretary Pro Tem; Mr. Mulholland. Alternates: Mr. Belden seated for Mr. English and Mr. Cruson seated for Ms. Brymer. Also present: George Benson, Land Use Director. Clerk: Ms. Wilkin
The meeting was opened 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
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 applicant referred to Town Attorney Grogin’s interpretation of regulation 4.06.111 which allows for shared driveways only on the boundary of a lot. For this reason he asked that the plans be revised to combine lots 1 and 2, thereby making this a seven lot subdivision.
Larry Edwards, P.E., 227 Stepney Road, Easton, Connecticut submitted revised plans combining lots 1 and 2. They will require modification of the Wetlands permit.
Ms. Dean wanted the staff to review the revised plans before making a decision on his application.
The hearing was closed at 7:44 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
APPLICATION BY NEWTOWN SELF STORAGE, LLC FOR AN AMENDMENT TO A SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO ADD TWO (2) ADDITIONAL STORAGE BUILDINGS TO THE REAR OF THE SITE AT 1,500 SQUARE FEET EACH AS SHOWN ON A CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED “PROPOSED SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN PREPARED FOR NEWTOWN SELF SORAGE LLC, PARCEL A-2, 137 SOUTH MAIN STREET, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT” DATED AUGUST 25, 2008, SCALE 1”=20’, ASSESSOR’S MAP 36, BLOCK 7, LOT 12 LT A2
The hearing was opened at 7:45 p.m.
Mr. Bloom read the call for the hearing.
Ms. Dean read the correspondence in the file then asked to hear from the applicant.
Larry Edwards, P.E., 227 Stepney Road, Easton, Connecticut explained the proposal. They agreed to replace any vegetation that had died. The number of parking spaces would remain the same. They agreed with Mr. Benson’s request to remove the island in the parking lot, which was unnecessary under the current regulations.
Ms. Dean noted some outstanding items such as the dumpster which needs to be enclosed as originally required. The drainage was not as specified.
Mr. Edwards explained that all the water ends up in the drainage system.
Tom Christiano, 137 So. Main Street, Newtown, Connecticut, owner, stated that no-one was allowed t sore hazardous maerials. There is a demand for small units. The dumpster enclosure was removed because tenants dumped a lot of stuff outside.
Ms. Dean considered the application straightforward.
The hearing was closed at 8:00 p.m.
ACTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission that the application by Newtown Self Storage, LLC for an amendment to a special exception to add two (2) additional storage buildings to the rear of the site at 1,500 square feet each as shown on a certain map entitled “Proposed Site Development Plan prepared for Newtown Self Storage, LLC, Parcel A-2, 137 South Main Street, Newtown, Connecticut” dated August 25, 2008, scale 1”=20’, Assessor’s Map 36, Block 7, Lot 12 LT A2
SHALL BE APPROVED, with the following stipulations:
1. That the existing zoning violations are corrected prior to the beginning of construction.
2. That landscaping will be replaced and augmented as requested by DAB
3. Grass islands will be removed.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the application is consistent with the purpose and intent of the Town of Newtown Plan of Conservation and Development.
BE IT FURTHER RESOVED that the Commission finds that the application meets the standards and criteria for a special exception as set forth in Section 11 of the Zoning Regulations and the application to be consistent with the Industrial M-5 zone.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this approval shall become effective on November 17, 2008.
Seconded by Mr. Beldon
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Mr. Belden Yes
Mr. Cruson Yes
Motion approved
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
APPLICATION BY NEWTOWN MAIN, LLC FOR A ZONE MAP CHANGE TO SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT #3 (SDD3) AND AMENDMENT TO THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN ZONING REGULATIONS AT SECTION 6.06 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 47-49 SOUTH MAIN STREET, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT, AS SHOWN ON A CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED “PROPOSED SITE PLAN WALGREENS, SOUTH MAIN STREET AND MILE HILL ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT”, DATED MAY 14, 2008 AND REVISED, ASSESSOR’S MAP 28, BLOCK 7, LOTS 8 & 9
Ms. Dean said she had a change of mind. The Police Commission said that the Traffic Report was acceptable.
Mr. Mulholland was still concerned with the internal traffic flow. He thought it needed further evaluation
Mr. Cruson said that the only reason the applicant was coming in under the SDD was so they could have a drive through window.
Ms. Bloom was concerned about the traffic flow and delivery trucks
Ms. Dean said that the use would generate less traffic than potential by right use. The signs are acceptable and because the pick-up winder is for prescriptions only it should not generate much traffic.
Mr. Belden noted that the difference between this location and the one in New Canaan that was not allowed a drive-through window under their regulations was the fact this location would not encounter walk-in traffic. He added that anything built on this site would exacerbate traffic.
After more discussion Mr. Bloom moved the following:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission that the application by Newtown Main LLC for a zone map change to Special Development District #3 (SDD3) for property located at 47-49 South Main Street, Newtown, Connecticut, as shown on a certain map entitled “Proposed Site plan Walgreens, South Main Street and Mile Hill Road, Newtown, Connecticut” dated May 14, 2008, revised scale As Shown, Assessor’s Map 28, Block 7, Lots 8 and 9
SHALL BE APPROVED with the following conditions:
· The height of the building conforms with the current zone
· The more extensive landscaping be proposed and accepted by the Commission
· The signs comply with existing zoning regulations, to be approved by the Commission
· Phase ll environmental study be completed, and all remediation required be done.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission finds that the zone map change is consistent with:
· The purpose and intent of the South Main Village Design District (SMVDD) at section 4.27.100
· The design criteria for the SMGDD at section 4.27.420
· The compatibility objectives for the SMVDD at section 4.27.430
· The purpose and intent of the Special Development District #1, at section 4.29, and
· The Newtown Plan of conservation and Development.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this approval shall be effective November 17, 2008
Seconded by Mr. Crusen.
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Mr. Mulholland No
Mr. Belden Yes
Mr. Cruson No
Motion approved
CORRESPONDENCE/COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Dean advised the Commission of a request from Toll Bros., for a utility sink and closet in finished lofts at Oak View. The Commission disapproved. Ms. Dean will advise them of this decision.
The Commission discussed an upcoming application for an adaptive re-use to change a house at 190 South Main Street. There would be no exterior changes. They will come before the Commission with a final design.
Commissioners followed-up on various meetings they had attended.
Mr. Benson advised the Commission that the owner of Fireside is desirous to use the space under the building originally allocated for parking for storage. They will come before the Commission with the plans.
MINUTES
Mr. Crusen made a motion to approve the minutes of October 16, 2008 as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Bloom. The vote was unanimous.
SCHEDULE OF 1009 MEETING DATES
The Commission moved to approve the 2009 schedule.
Ms. Crusen made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Belden
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Mr. Belden Yes
Mr. Cruson Yes
Motion approved
The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
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