Town of Newtown, CT Archive

8-6-09


	MINUTES Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission Land Use Office Regular Meeting 31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut August 6, 2009 Present: Ms. Dean; Mr. Bloom; Ms. Brymer, Mr. Mulholland and Mr. English. Alternates: Mr. Belden and Mr. Cruson.. . Also present. George Benson, Land Use Director. Clerk: Ms. Wilkin The meeting was opened at 7.36 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 COMMUNICATION/CORRESPONDENCE REQUEST BY HIGHLAND HC LLC FOR A ONE YEAR EXTENSION OF THE COMPLETION DEADLINE AND A WAIVER OF THE COMMENCEMENT DEADLINE FOR PHASE II, HIGHLAND PLAZA, 121, 123 & 125 SOUTH MAIN STREET Catherine Cuggino, Esq., Chipman, Mazzucco, Land & Pennarola, LLC, 30 Main Street, Danbury, Connecticut, representing Highland HC LLC discussed the State Statute, Section 8-3 extending completion deadlines to six years. The Commission unanimously agreed to a one year waiver. A letter confirming this would be forthcoming PUBLIC HEARING APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION TO AMEND THE ZONING REGULATIONS AT ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 1, SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO SIGNS AS DESCRIBED IN A CERTAIN DOCUMENT ENTITLED “TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING REGULATIONS ARTICLE VIII, SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO SIGNS” DATED JUNE 2, 2009 The hearing was opened at 7:43 p.m. Ms. Dean read the call for the hearing and read the contents of the file. There were no members of the public present. After a brief discussion the hearing was closed at 7:45 p.m. ACTION Ms. Brymer moved the following: BE IT RESOLVED by the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission that the application by this Commission for revisions to the Town of Newtown Zoning Regulations pertaining to signs as written in a certain document entitled “Town of Newtown Planning & Zoning Commission Proposed Amendment to Zoning Regulations Article VIII, Supplemental Regulations Pertaining to Signs” dated June 2, 2009 SHALL BE APPROVED BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the reasons for amending the regulations are as follows: · provide identification of commercial enterprises, places of worship, organizations, and government establishments for customers, clients, residents, members, employees, and/or visitors; · establish criteria based both on the zone and the use of the lot in which the sign is located; and · assure compatibility of signs with surrounding land usage The intent of these sign regulations is to · provide a basic, coordinated design theme for all signs within the site; · establish consistency within zones; · provide an orderly relationship with site access and development; · preserve the Town’s character; and · enhance property values in all zones BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendments are consistent with the Newtown Plan of Conservation and Development BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendments shall become effective on August 17, 2009 Seconded by Mr. Bloom Vote: Ms. Dean Yes Mr. Bloom Yes Ms. Brymer Yes Mr. Mulholland Yes Mr. English Yes Motion approved PUBLIC HEARING APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION TO AMEND THE ZONING REGULATIONS AT ARTICLE XI, SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS AS DESCRIBED IN A CERTAIN DOCUMENT ENTITLED “TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION DRAFT AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS” DATED JUNE 29, 2009. The hearing was opened at 7:49 p.m. Ms. Dean read the call for the hearing and read the contents of the file. There were no members of the public present. After a brief discussion the hearing was closed at 8:05 p.m. ACTION Ms. Brymer moved the following: BE IT RESOLVED by the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission that the application by this Commission for revisions to the Town of Newtown Zoning Regulations pertaining to Special Exceptions as written in a certain document entitled “Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission Draft amendments to the Zoning Regulations Pertaining to Article XI Special Exceptions” dated June 29, 2009, revised 8/6/09 SHALL BE APPROVED BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the reasons for amending the regulations are as follows: · to clarify information required to amend a special exception · to clarify requirements for special exception uses in an existing special exception property · to authorize the Zoning Enforcement Officer, the Town Engineer, and Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve a minor change in an approved special exception BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendments are consistent with the Newtown Plan of Conservation and Development BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendments shall become effective on August 17, 2009 Seconded by Mr. Bloom Vote: Ms. Dean Yes Mr. Bloom Yes Ms. Brymer Yes Mr. Mulholland Yes Mr. English Yes Motion approved DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION POND PERMIT APPLICATION APPLICATION BY NORMAL NAGY FOR A POND PERMIT FOR CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE OF COGER POND, COLD SPRING ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT The Commission was unable to vote on this application. They are still waiting for approval from Inland Wetland Commission and DEP. COMMUNICATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE (Continued) PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION ABOUT REZONING SOUTH ROUTE 6 Ms. Dean and Mr. Mulholland updated the Commission on their research with the aid of GIS map of the area. Wes Thompson of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) joined the discussion. Their conclusion was that there was no reason currently to change the zone along the particular strip of Route 6. The Commission agreed LAND USE AGENCY DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS Ms. Dean read a Judge’s Mandate pertaining to the Hunter Ridge Subdivision. Mr. Benson advised the Commission of the status of the revised application that should be scheduled soon for public hearing. The Commission and Mr. Benson discussed a developer’s concept for property within the Sandy Hook Village District. Before proceeding, the developer is looking for feedback The Commission and Mr. Benson discussed the final adjustment to zone lines before the GIS is finalized. The Commission wants to approve the final plan before it is published. The Commission discussed the options for retaining trees on property to be developed. MINUTES Mr. English made a motion to approve the Minutes of July 16, 2009 as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Mulholland. The vote was unanimous. Mr. English made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Bloom. The vote was unanimous. The meeting was closed at 9:15 p.m.