MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
Council Chambers January 5, 2012
3 Primrose Street, Newtown, Connecticut
Present: Ms. Dean, Ms. Brymer, Mr. Mulholland, Mr. Porco and Mr. Swift. Alternates: Mr. Pozek and Ms. Fillion. Also present: George Benson, Land Use Director. Clerk: Ms. Wilkin
The meeting was opened at 7.33 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 TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS AT ARTICLE IV, NEW SECTION 4.15.300 CONCERNING WAIVER OF SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS AS CONTAINED IN A CERTAIN DOCUMENT DATED NOVEMBER 22, 2011
Ms. Dean read the call for the hearing.
There were no members of the public present to comment.
The meeting was closed at 7:35 p.m.
Ms. Dean moved the following:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission that the application by the Town of Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission for a proposed amendment to the subdivision regulations at Article IV, new Section 4.15.300 concerning waiver of subdivision regulations as contained in a certain document dated November 22, 2011.
SHALL BE APPROVED
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendment is consistent with the Town of Newtown Plan of Conservation and Development.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendments shall become effective on January 16, 2012
Seconded by Mr. Mulholland
The Commission discussed the matter stating that this allows for more flexibility, especially at times when open space is not exactly what is called for in the regulations. The Commission cannot use the State regulations if they are not in the town regulations. The State gives the Commission the right to use it. This is not for a specific purpose. Any waiver requires a 4/5 vote.
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Ms. Brymer Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Mr. Porco Yes
Mr. Swift Yes
Motion approved
APPROVAL OF AUTOMOBLE REPAIRER’S LICENSE FOR A NEW OWNER
APPPLICATION BY NEWTOWN AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTICS LLC, 7 DOGDINGTOWN ROAD, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT
Ms. Dean explained that this was merely a formality. A new owner of an existing business has to apply for their own license, requiring her signature. The Commission had no problems with the application.
Ms. Dean made a motion to approve the application by Newtown Automotive Diagnostics LLC for an auto repair license for property located at 7 Dodgingtown Road, Newtown, Connecticut. Seconded by Ms. Brymer. The vote was unanimously approved.
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”.
Ms. Dean distributed a revised list of Sections to be reviewed by the Commission:
Community Facilities Ms. Fillion
Economic Development Mr. Swift
Open Space Mr. Mulholland
Transportation Mr. Porco
Housing Ms. Dean
Future Land Use Plan Mr. Pozek
Ms. Dean would like to hold meetings once a section is up to date. She would like to know if other Commissions have had studies done. She and Ms. Brymer will meet to discuss how the report will be approached. The format will be the same, using the template of the last report where possible.
COMMUNICATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE
LAND USE AGENCY DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS
Nothing at this time.
MINUTES
This was tabled till be next scheduled meeting.
OTHER MATTERS
The Commission discussed anti-blight and what can be done about it. It is difficult because some owners are hard to find and many are delinquent with their taxes. Mr. Mulholland felt there should be a process in place so people know how to start action against owners of derelict properties. Ms. Dean agreed to see if a process could be viable. They will wait to hear from the First Selectman.
Mr. Benson suggested the Commission discuss the possibility of assigning a zone for adult entertainment in the event an application comes in. X-rated activities cannot be banned but if it is in the regulations under a particular zone the Commission would have more discretion. He will distribute copies of Brookfield’s regulations.
Mr. Benson will arrange to have high density open space subdivisions scheduled for public hearing on February 2, 2012.
Ms. Dean advised the Commission they have been invited to attend a meeting “Come Learn About the Freedom of Information Act” by Thomas E. Hancock scheduled for January 12, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
Ms. Dean received an executive summary about the economic benefits to residents about having more open space.
The Commission discussed a question posed by Ms. Fillion regarding the distance allowed for hunting from private property lines.
Ms. Dean advised that the State has decided to allow applicants’ expiration of some use permits for subdivisions for as long as eleven but not more than fourteen years.
Ms. Fillion noted an article in the Bee regarding Fairfield Hills. The Commission discussed the process and Mr. Benson updated the Commission on the current status.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Pozek made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Porco. The vote was approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m
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