MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut October 15, 2009
Present: Ms. Dean; Ms. Brymer; Mr. Bloom; Mr. Mulholland and Mr. English. Alternates: Mr. Belden and Mr. Pozek. Also present. George Benson, Land Use Director. Also present: Attorney Robert Fuller. 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 HUNTER RIDGE LLC FOR A 14 LOT RE-SUBDIVISION, 29,766 ACRES AS SHOWN UPON A CERTAIN SET OF MAPS ENTITLED “RESUBDIVISION PLAN, LOTS 1, 6, 7 & PARCEL A, ROCHAMBEAU WOODS, PREPARED FOR HUNTER RIDGE, LLC, MT. PLEASANT ROAD, U.S. ROUTE 6, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT” DATED JANUARY 3, 3005, LAST REVISED MAY 27, 2009, SCALE 1” = 100’ FOR PROPERTY SHOWN ON THE ASSESSOR’S MAP 7, BLOCK 1, LOTS 22, 23, 24 AND 25
Robert Hall, Esq., 43 Main Street, Newtown, Connecticut, representing the applicant responded to the intervenor’s claims. He submitted a package of documents of suggestions that had been incorporated into the plans. The aim of the developer is to have as little impact on Taunton Lake (Pond) as possible. A composite of five photographs of the lakefront of the west side of the lake taken October 6, 2009 was submitted. He claimed that Hunter Ridge homes would be equally hidden from view. A new conservation deed restriction protecting more trees was also submitted. Mr. Hall read what he had found on talus slopes, which contained no reference to particular species of vegetation or animals that might be in jeopardy. He submitted an additional photograph of the property to the left
of the composite submitted previously.
Larry Edwards, P.E., 227 Stepney Road, Easton, Connecticut submitted plans revised October 1, 2009, a Storm Water Management Plan and Drainage Report Rev. 10/1/09. He stated that as modified the plans are unlikely to pollute or cause any harm to Taunton Lake.
Mr. Hall submitted a handwritten yellow sheet with calculations of the conservation easements.
The meeting recessed at 9:25 p.m. and reconvened at 9:35 p.m.
George Logan, REMA Ecological Services, LLC. 164 Center Street, Manchester, Connecticut. Submitted handouts and video clips of the property taken September 29, 2009 addressing issues raised. He submitted “Assessment of the Proposed Storm water Management System’s Water Management System’s Water Quality Renovation Effectiveness for Selected ‘Treatment Trains’” and “Summary of Arguments in Support of Proposed Design for Rochambeau Woods, Mt. Pleasant Rd, Newtown, CT” He narrated and submitted eight short videos of various locations on the property.
Sigrun Gadwa, Ecologist, RENA Ecological Services, LLC, 164 Center Street, Manchester, Connecticut went through soils and vegetation found on the site adding that few species common to talus slopes were found.
Mr. Hall concluded that this is an unusual situation and the Commission was acting as an arm of the Court. He submitted findings and conclusions.
Ms. Dean stated that the revisions need to be approved by the various land use officers. The hearing would need to be continued.
Joseph Hammer, Esq., 242 Trumbull Street, Hartford, representing Spencer Taylor, the intervenor asked that no additional information be presented in order for them to address what had been submitted.
The hearing is scheduled for continuance November 19, 2009.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROPOSAL CONCERNING SIGN REGULATIONS
Donald Sharpe, Chamber of Commerce was available to answer any questions. After discussing the matter the Commission agreed that they had no problem with a trial period for special events. They will make their decision at the next meeting
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE
LAND USE DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS
Mr. Benson had nothing to report
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bloom made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Pozek. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 11.25 p.m.
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