MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut November 5, 2009
Present: Ms. Dean; Ms. Brymer; Mr. Bloom; Mr. Mulholland and Mr. English. Alternates: Mr. Cruson and Mr. Pozek. 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
APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING REGULATIONS AT ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 8.01.619 PERTAINING TO SPECIAL EVENT TEMPORARY SIGNS AS CONTAINED IN A CERTAIN DOCUMENT ENTITLED “PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN ZONING REGULATIONS, ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 8.01.619 – SPECIAL EVENT TEMPORARY SIGNS” DATED OCTOBER 16, 2009.
Ms. Dean read the call for the hearing and the correspondence in the file.
Arnold Sharpe, 62 Underhill Road, Newtown, Connecticut, representing the Chamber of Commerce joined the Commission and Mr. Benson in the discussion of this matter. His only concern was the cost of the permit. Mr. Benson assured him that it would be reasonable.
Ann Marie Dewees, 40 Philo Curtis Road, Sandy Hook, Connecticut, said that anything that would help commercial establishments in town would be appreciated.
Nicholas Kopcik, 1 Short Hill Road, Newtown, Connecticut considered this a step in the right direction.
Don Bates, Drug Center Pharmacy, 61 Church Hill Road, Newtown, Connecticut said that anything that could be done to help small stores in town would be appreciated.
The hearing was closed at 7:44 p.m.
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 at Article VIII, Section 8.01.619 pertaining to special event temporary signs as contained in a certain document entitled “Proposed Amendment to the Town of Newtown Zoning Regulations, Article VII, Section 8.01.619 – Special Event Temporary Signs” dated October 16, 2009
SHALL BE APPROVED
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the reason for amending the regulations is as follows:
· To allow with certain restrictions temporary signs for special events including pennants, valances, flags and streamers, inflatables and A-frame signs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendment is consistent with the Newtown Plan of Conservation and Development
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendment shall become effective on November 16, 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 FOR A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING REGULATIONS AT ARTICLE III, SECTION 3.03.800 PERTAINING TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS FOR SUBDIVISIONS AS CONTAINED IN A CERTAIN DOCUMENT ENTITLED “PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN ZONING REGULATIONS, 3.03.800 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR SUBDIVISIONS” DATED OCTOBER 16, 2009
The hearing was opened at 7:45 p.m.
Ms. Dean read the call for the hearing and the correspondence in the file.
The Commission and Mr. Benson discussed the proposed amendment which would be required only if relevant to proposed subdivisions.
Robert Hall, Esq., 43 Main Street, Newtown, Connecticut indicated a discrepancy in the posting of the hearing in the newspaper. The Commission agreed to re-publish and went on to discuss the wording of the amendment with Mr. Hall.
Kim Danziger, 5 Stonewall Ridge Road, Newtown, Connecticut expressed concern that this could possibly create more legal action in the future because of its vagueness.
The Commission agreed that Mr. Danziger’s comments were worth consideration and that cluster housing should be addressed. The notice would be re-published and the hearing will continue at the December 3, 2009 meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE
LAND USE DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS
FAIRFIELD HILLS LAMP POSTS
Mr. Benson referred to a letter from Andy Willie, Vice Chairman, Fairfield Hills Authority dated October 28, 2009 regarding the non-conforming nature of light fixtures installed at the Newtown Municipal Center on the Fairfield Hills in “wanton disregard of the design standards that exist for this property”. The Commission agreed that the lighting should adhere to the Fairfield Hills Authority guidelines. Mr. Benson will draft a letter in response.
MINUTES
Mr. Bloom moved to accept the minutes of October 1, 2009 with one amendment to spelling of Mr. English’s name (not England) on the adjournment motion. Seconded by Mr. Mulholland. The vote was unanimous
Mr. Bloom moved to accept the minutes of October 15, 2009 as submitted. Seconded by Mr. English. The vote was unanimous.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Mulholland made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Bloom. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m.
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