MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
Council Chambers April 5, 2012
3 Primrose Street, Newtown, Connecticut
Present: Ms. Dean, Ms. Brymer, Mr. Mulholland, Mr. Porco. Alternates: Mr. Pozek seated for Mr. Swift and Ms. Fillion. Also present: George Benson, Land Use Director. Clerk: Ms. Wilkin
The meeting was opened at 7.37 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 (Continued)
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 (SHOULD BE MARCH), 2012
Amy Mangold, Director of Parks & Recreation and Jane Brooks, member of the Parks and Recreation Commission were available to answer any question posed by this Commission.
The discussion included an update on Eichler’s Marina. Ms. Brooks advised that nothing could be done to improve the area until funding is available to expand parking.
There were no members of the public present. The Commission complimented Ms. Mangold and the P&R Commission for an excellent document, unanimously agreeing to accept it for the Plan of Conservation and Development.
The hearing was closed at 7:47 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING REGULATIONS AT ARTICLE V, SECTION 6.05.500 CONCERNING FESTIVALS AS AN ACCESSORY USE IN THE SANDY HOOK DESIGN DISTRICT AS CONTAINED IN A CERTAINA DOCUMENT ENTITLED “DRAFT PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE NEWTOWN ZONING REGULATIONS SANDY HOOK DESIGN DISTRICT, FESTIVAL REGULATIONS” DATED MARCH 7, 2012.
Ms. Brymer read the call for the hearing.
Ms. Dean read the correspondence in the file and asked Mr. Benson to explain the application.
Mr. Benson advised that signs have been requested by the Sandy Hook business for expansion of the sign regulations to include for profit organizations. These regulations will make it easier to control which up to now has been cumbersome and has not worked very well.
The Commission agreed that this will be a trial run of one year, after which time if successful expand them to include the other design districts and shopping centers.
There were no members of the public present.
The hearing was closed at 7:57 p.m.
Ms. Brymer 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 zoning regulations at Article V, Section 6.05.500 concerning festivals as an accessory use in the Sandy Hook Design District as contained in a certain document entitled “Draft Proposed Amendment to the Newtown Zoning Regulations Sandy Hook Design District, Festival Regulations” dated March 7, 2012
SHALL BE APPROVED
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendments are consistent with the Town of Newtown Plan of Conservation and Development.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendments shall become effective on April 16, 2012
Seconded by Mr. Mulholland
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Ms. Brymer Yes
Mr. Porco Yes
Mr. Pozek Yes
Motion 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”.
There was nothing to report. The sub-committee meeting was cancelled. The Commission discussed the matter of emergency volunteers and the drop in the number of age appropriate people, which might result in having to hire. Mr. Brymer will work on town stats and convert them into a pie chart for future discussion.
COMMUNICATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE
LAND USE AGENCY DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS
Mr. Benson updated the Commission on a meeting with the Board of Selectmen regarding the sewer extension at Exit 9 in Hawleyville. He suggested that there should be a commitment for the sewer to attract businesses. However, the town wants to have committed tenants before installing the sewer line. Ms. Dean noted that part of the property is zoned residential. She asked if it was feasible to hook the line up as requested. First Selectman Llodra will discuss the matter with Fred Hurley who will find a way to finance it. Mr. Benson added that this is an investment because the town would eventually get the money back. He added that a final plan is needed.
Mr. Benson noted that he had made three minor changes to Amendments to the Newtown Zoning Regulations Sandy Hook Design District. Mr. Porco agreed to make notes on the reaction to the regulations. The matter will be revisited in October.
The matter of Amendments to the Regulations regarding Business and Professional Office Zone (BPO), Adult Day Care Centers and Multiple Housing Development (MHD) will be studied and discussed at a later date. Ms. Dean will get legal opinion for advice on how certain regulations can be changed.
MINUTES
Ms. Brymer made a motion to approve the minutes of March 15, 2012 as revised. Seconded by Mr. Pozek. The motion was approved unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Pozek made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Porco. The vote was approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m.
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