MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
Council Chambers June 7, 2012
3 Primrose Street, Newtown, Connecticut
Present: Ms. Dean, Mr. Mulholland, Ms. Brymer and Mr. Porco. Alternate: Ms. Fillion seated for Mr. Swift. 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
APLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING REGULATIONS AT ARTICLE VI, SECTION 6.05.410, TO ALLOW ONE RESIDENTIAL DWELLING AND ONE COMMERCIAL BUILDING ON ONE LOT IN THE SANDY HOOK DESIGN DISTRICT AS CONTAINED IN A CERTAIN DOCUMENT DATED MAY 15, 2012
Ms. Brymer read the call for the hearing.
Ms. Dean read the correspondence in the file and explained the application, which has been discussed in depth. Apartments over commercial property is currently allowed in the Sandy Hook Design District. This proposal is to allow similar accommodation in separate structures on the same property. Ms. Dean asked to hear from the public.
Michael Burton, 107 Glen Road, Sandy Hook, Connecticut, representing SHOP understood there are two interested parties wishing to take advantage of these new regulations. He considered the application conducive to the Design District and asked to have the application approved.
The hearing was closed at 7:40 p.m.
ACTION
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 VI, Section 6.05.410, to allow one residential dwelling and one commercial building on one lot in the Sandy Hook Design District as contained in a certain document dated May 15, 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 June 18, 2012
Seconded by Mr. Mulholland.
Vote: Ms. Dean Yes
Mr. Mulholland Yes
Ms. Brymer Yes
Mr. Porco Yes
Ms. Fillion Yes
Motion approved.
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESONDENCE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION CONCERNING A REQUEST BY ARTHUR H. HOWLAND ASSOCIATES FOR ENGINEERING CHANGES TOA THE APPROVED SITE PLAN FOR HIGHLAND PLAZA, 123 SOUTH MAIN STREET, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT
Mr. Benson explained that due to the number of changes the Commission should be aware of them. These should be the final changes to this application.
Paul S. Szymanski, P.E. A.H. Howland & Associates, 30 Bridge Street, New Milford, Connecticut, became the engineer of record six months ago, during which time a full analysis was done of what has been constructed and what is proposed. The changes include, among other things, the location of the dumpster, drainage, parking, elimination of the drive-up window and lighting elevations according to the Commission’s requirements.
Ms. Dean noted that the Commission had no objection to approving the proposed changes.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION CONCERNING THE REFERRAL TO THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN CONCERNING AN APPLICATION BY SPATH BJORKLUND ASSOCIATES TO THE TOWN OF MONROE PLANNING AND ZONING AGENCY FOR A REGULATION AMENDMENT APPLICATION. THE PROPERTY ADDRESS IS 1585 MONROE TURNPIKE, MONROE, CONNECTICUT.
Mr. Benson indicated the property on maps and plans that had been submitted. The applicant wants to allow for a CL&P staging area added to the uses. The referral is sought due to the close proximity to the town line. Mr. Mulholland expressed concern about possible leaking vehicles. Mr. Benson will advise Monroe of these concerns.
The Commission approved the referral with reservations.
The town of Brookfield has changed a zoning regulation allowing for trucks to be left in driveways. The Commission considered this an internal matter effecting Brookfield only.
TCD Four Corners, in Brookfield is trying to get new regulations in order to submit plans for the area. The Commission said this would have no impact on Newtown.
Brookfield is changing regulations allowing non-family members to rent in peoples’ houses, which is similar to Newtown regulations. The State requires adjoining towns to be notified. The Commission had no objection. Ms. Dean will send correspondence advising Brookfield that this is considered a local concern only.
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
Ms. Dean advised that the initial draft of the POCD was sent to the Board of Selectmen, who will forward it to the Legislative Council for comment. Transportation, Housing and Community is almost finished. Mr. Benson has listed everything that has been accomplished to date.
PUBLIC HEARING (Continued)
APPLICATION BY THE TOWN OF NEWTOWN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING REGULATIONS AT ARTICLE III, NEW SECTION 3.03, MULTIPLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AS CONTAINED IN A CERTAIN DOCUMENT DATED APRIL 12, 2012
The Commission had nothing to add at this time. Mr. Porco noted that the town of Oxford is planning a similar zone change, adding that the neighbors are not happy.
Because there were no members of the public present to address this matter, the application was continued.
MINUTES
Mr. Mulholland made a motion to approve the Minutes of May 17, 2012 as submitted. Seconded by Ms. Fillion. The motion was approved unanimously.
OTHER MATTERS
The Commission discussed a possible meeting of concerned parties to discuss the future of Fairfield Hills. This should include the First Selectman, Mr. Benson, representatives of the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Economic Development Commission and the Fairfield Hills Authority as well as an architect/planner. Mr. Benson will advise of a mutually convenient date.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Fillion made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Mulholland. The motion was unanimously approved.
The meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
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