MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut October 1, 2009
Present: Ms. Dean; Mr. Bloom and Mr. Mulholland. Alternates: Mr. Belden sitting in for Mr. English and Mr. Cruson sitting in for Ms. Brymer. Also present. George Benson, Land Use Director. Clerk: Ms. Wilkin
The meeting was opened at 7.32 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
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROPOSAL CONCERNING P&Z SIGN REGULATIONS
Peter Giarratano, President and Donald Sharpe member of the Chamber of Commerce, represented a number of residents requesting relaxation of sign regulations. They submitted data backing up their findings, stating that in this current financial climate businesses should be allowed to attract business and asked the Commission to consider temporary four square foot signs placed in front of establishments only when open.
Ms. Dean stated that she, Ms. Brymer and Mr. Benson had spent a considerable amount of time updating and revising the sign regulations. There were many opposing opinions on the subject. The Commission will review the submissions and take the suggestion under advisement and get back to the Chamber of Commerce when they have made a decision.
Dave Bauer, Toll Bros. 21 Oakview Road, Sandy Hook, Connecticut submitted statistics regarding temporary signs. Ms. Dean agreed that real estate signs were unique.
Bob Rau, Chairman of the EDC asked the Commission to give the suggestion a try.
Robert Hall, Esq., 43 Main Street, Newtown, Connecticut, representing Toll Bros. asked for any other Penn State data available in the Land Use Office.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
POND PERMIT APPLICATION
APPLICATION BY NORMAN NAGY FOR A POND PERMIT FOR CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE OF COGER POND, COLD SPRING ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT.
The Inland Wetland Commission rejected this application, which means that this Commission cannot approve it.
Mr. Bloom moved the following:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission that the application by Norman Nagy for a pond permit for cleaning and maintenance, 39 Cold Spring Road, Newtown, Connecticut as shown on a certain map entitled “Overall Site Plan, Dam Restoration & Pond Maintenance, Coger Pond, 38 Cold Spring Road, Newtown, CT” dated April 13, 2009, revised 6/15/09, scale as shown.
SHALL BE DISAPPROVED for the following reasons:
1. The Inland Wetland Commission has denied the application for a permit, therefore Section 8.07.560 of the Newtown Zoning Regulations is applicable. 8.07.560 – “Any required permits issued by other governmental entities must be in place before a Pond Permit is issued. If the regulations of the Inland Wetland Commission apply, those regulations shall take precedence”
2. The applicant has not provided the Commission with complete detailed plans describing the extent of the impact and the restoration of the disturbed area for the revised submitted plans
3. In the absence of the testimony on the submitted revised plans dated 6/15/09; the likelihood of adverse impact on the wetlands and watercourses generated by the proposed activity is increased.
4. Letters in opposition to the project from the Conservation Commission, Trout Unlimited and the Pootatuck Watershed Association.
Seconded By Mr. Belden
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Mr. Bloom Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Mr. Belden Yes
Mr. Cruson Yes
Motion approved.
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE
LAND USE DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS
Mr. Benson distributed draft amendments to regulations regarding environmental issues. He asked the Commission for input before proceeding to prepare the proposed amendments for public hearing.
MINUTES
Mr. Mulholland moved to approve the Minutes of September 17, 2009 as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Bloom. The vote was unanimous
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Mulholland made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss legal matters. Seconded by Mr. Belden. At 8:25 the Commission unanimously agreed.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bloom made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. England. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 10:22 p.m.
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