MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
Municipal Building January 6, 2011
3 Primrose Street, Newtown, Connecticut
Present: Mr. Poulin, Chairman Pro Tem; Mr. Bloom; Ms. Brymer; Mr. Mulholland. Alternates: Mr. Cruson seated in place of Ms. Dean; Mr. Porco and Mr. Pozek Also present: George Benson, Land Use Director. Clerk: Ms. Wilkin
The meeting was opened at 7.34 p.m. Notice is made that the entire meeting was taped and can be heard in the Planning and Zoning Office, Municipal Building, 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, Connecticut
PUBLIC HEARING
APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING REGULATIONS AT ATICLE VIII, SECTION 8.18.100 CONCERNING OUTDOOR WOODBURNING FURNACES, AS CONTAINED IN A CERTAIN DOCUMENT ENTITLED ‘DRAFT – Outdoor Wood-burning Furnace Zoning Regulation” DATED NOVEMBER 23, 2010
Mr. Poulin asked Mr. Benson to explain the proposed amendment.
These regulations are very similar to the State statutes, which are the main guide for potential applicants. These would give the regulations more weight. Rather than banning them altogether it was decided to limit them to the winter months: April 1 through October 1. Mr. Bloom thought the regulations to be rather harsh. He did not see excessive smoke emitted from them, asking what the difference was with inside furnaces. Ms. Brymer suggested changing item #3 to read that pre-existing furnaces need to comply.
Mr. Poulin asked to hear from the public.
William Thiessen, 103 Currituck Road, Newtown, Connecticut has a problem with a neighbor’s furnace. He submitted two photos showing the smoke from his house. He had no problem with the furnace till the State made them put the flue 55 ft high, which is level with his home. He read his experiences into the record. He would at least like to see them banned in the summer months, preferring that they be banned altogether. He purchased a meter to read the smoke in his house, However, the EPA takes readings from the furnace location, where the count is not as high.
Mr. Benson stated that these regulations do not govern smoke from factories. He said that wood-burning stoves should not be mistaken for outdoor furnaces. They are obligated by the State to implement the regulations.
John Urso, 20 Great Quarter Road, Newtown, Connecticut is an owner of one of these furnaces and would like to be able to use it all year to heat his water. His unit is compliant with the EPA Phase ll requirements. He has never had a complaint even though he is close to a public beach. He thinks the regulations are great and explained how the phase ll works. He has to clean it out every ten days or it did not operate.
Mr. Benson said that they could add to the regulations that all new units should be phase ll compliant. He asked that the hearing be continued in order for claarify a couple of questions raised. He will consult with the Health Department and find out what the emission standards are
It was the consensus of the Commission that it would not be prudent to ban them entirely, however they cannot allow a situation to exist where a person cannot go outside because of smoke.
The hearing was held open in order to get more details from the Health Department and EPA.
PUBLIC HEARING (Continued)
APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR UPDATE TO THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AS CONTAINED IN A DRAFT DOCUMENT ENTITLED “SECTIONS OF THE WORKING DRAFT TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT 2010 SANDY HOOK DESIGN DISTRICT DRAFT - HAWLEYVILLE CENTER DESIGN DISTRICT DRAFT - SOUTH MAIN STREET DESIGN DISTRICT DRAFT”.
This hearing will be continued at the next meeting
There was a recess at 9:45 p .m.
The meeting reconvened at 9:55 p.m.
COMMUNICATION/CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Poulin had a couple of comments: The Finance Committee will be using the conference room shortly which means the Commission will be meeting at another venue. Once the location is confirmed the Commission will be advised.
Ms. Dean would like to make sure that everyone has read the Incentive Housing document, forwarding any comments to Mr. Benson. There were some negative comments. Mr. Benson reminded the Commission that this is simply a guideline. They hired a company to do this study without outside influence, and the Commission needs to accept it or not. The State wants towns to meet the 10% affording housing goal. Ms. Brymer said that this is a study suggesting ideas. They do not have to do anything. She thought it well written. This will be put on the Agenda at the next meeting for acceptance or rejection. Mr. Benson will research a few issues raised by Mr. Poulin.
LAND USE AGENCY DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS
Mr. Benson had nothing to report.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Mulholland made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss the Dauti matter. Seconded by Mr. Bloom. The vote was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned.
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