MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
Council Chambers March 15, 2012
3 Primrose Street, Newtown, Connecticut
Present: Ms. Dean, Ms. Brymer, Mr. Mulholland, Mr. Porco and Mr. Swift. Alternate: Ms. Fillion. Also present: George Benson, Land Use Director. Clerk: Ms. Wilkin
The meeting was opened at 7.38 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 UPDATE TO THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT “PLAN MEMORANDUM #6 PARKS AND RECREATION” AS CONTAINED IN A DRAFT DOCUMENT DATED JANUARY, 2012
Ms. Dean read the call for the hearing.
Mr. Ed Marks, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission was available to answer questions and discuss the application.
Ms. Dean complimented P&R on the document. It was noted that there has been a 30% drop in the number of children now attending schools, which changes the playing field requirements. The possibility of having paved trails around the entire Fairfield Hills campus was discussed. Mr. Marks will get a subcommittee to stake out where the trails should go and submit a schematic of them to this Commission,
Mr. Marks agreed to add a reference of a beach to the Eichler’s Marina sign so residents are made aware of the fact that it is a beach as well as a marina.
The changes discussed will be incorporated into the document in time for the next meeting.
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. Brymer met with Mr. Mulholland, Mr. Sibley and Ms. Zukowski to go over the strategic plans. This should be approved in a few weeks, at which time it could be incorporated in the POCD. There will be a GIS map indicating soils, wildlife, open space with a summary of the plan to the future. Mr. Benson did a resource report that still needs final approval. All historic houses, barns and structures as well as archeological sites will be indicated. The next thing to do is work on an inventory of open space..
The Commission discussed the latest drafts “Plan of Conservation and Development 2012 Draft Article V Achieving the Vision Special and Overlay Districts and Corridors” and V. Achieving the vision Community Character” both dated March 13, 2012. Ms. Debbie Zukowski joined the discussion. Current and anticipated population growth/decline was discussed, Mr. Mulholland suggested having an inventory of houses on the market, as this could affect the number of children attending school.
COMMUNICATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE
MINUTES
Mr. Mulholland made a motion to approve the minutes of March 1, 2012 as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Swift. The motion was approved unanimously.
Ms. Dean asked the Commissioners to read over a draft memorandum “Proposed Amendment to the Newtown Zoning Regulations Sandy Hook Design District, Festival Regulations 5/7/12 – Article V Special Districts – Section 5 – Sandy Hook Design District (SHDD)” for discussion at the next meeting.
Ms. Dean advised the Commission of various meetings coming up including one at the library on March 20, 2012. On March 24, 2012 there will be a lecture on plant and animal species. Dr. Deitz will speak at WestConn on April 12, 2012 at 7:00pm on the water quality of Lake Lillinoah.
LAND USE AGENCY DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS
Nothing at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Dean made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Porco. The vote was approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
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