MINUTES
Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
Land Use Office Regular Meeting
Council Chambers October 18, 2012
Primrose Street, Newtown, Connecticut
Present: Ms. Dean, Mr. Mulholland, Mr. Porco and Mr. Swift. Alternate: Pozek seated for Ms. Brymer and Mr. Spragg. Also present: George Benson, Land Use Director. Clerk: Ms. Wilkin
The meeting was opened at 7.30 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
SANDY HOOK DESIGN DISTRICT TEMPORARY SIGN REGULATIONS
Ms. Dean reminded everyone that these regulations were requested by SHOP on a one year trial basis, after which they would be either rejected or made part of the regulations.
Michael Burton, 107 Glen Road, Sandy Hook, Connecticut, representing SHOP showed the Commission a sample of the eight sign A-frames, which would have individual business inserts. $1,500 has been invested so far and they would like to make the regulations permanent.
Ms. Dean noted that these signs have been physically available for a short while, not giving them enough time to prove their effect one way or another. It was suggested that the regulations be continued on a temporary basis for one more year. She asked to hear from the public.
Ray Costanzo, 133 Horse Tavern Road, Trumbull, Connecticut, would like to have the regulations made permanent.
Helen Malyszka, 40 Country Way, Bridgewater, Connecticut, a former resident and current business owner in Sandy Hook, stated that because of the economy this is the first year they have had to resort to this form of advertising. They have already paid $200 on their sign and would like to continue using it.
Ms. Dean advised that until the regulations are made permanent, this form of advertising is illegal. She suggested that Ms. Malyszka discuss the matter with Mr. Benson. After further discussion on the matter the Commission unanimously approved extending the temporary regulations as they stand currently. They will revisit the matter in one year.
MANDATORY REFERRAL
MANDATORY REFERRAL UNDER CGS 8-24 FROM THE TOWN OF BROOKFIELD FOR PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE BROOKFIELD ZONING REGULATIONS AT SECTION 242-501G(11) INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS SPECIAL CONDITIONS, RESTAURANT, COCKTAIL LOUNGE, CABARET; SECTION 242-202 DEFINITION DRIVE-THROUGH RESTAURANTS, SECTION 242-308C(2) TEMPORARY PERMIT FOR CARNIVAL, ETC., SECTION 242-306F(7) SPECIAL EVENT SIGNS FOR COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS; SECTION 242-306G(6) SPECIAL EVENT SIGNS FOR COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, AND SECTION 242-202 DEFINITIONS: OPEN SPACE
Ms. Dean had read the regulations, which were sent because Brookfield is a border town. She saw no impact on Newtown and recommended sending a letter to that effect to Brookfield. The Commission unanimously agreed.
PUBLIC HEARING
APPLICATION BY QUICKCOMM, INC. FOR A MODIFICATION TO A SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO CONSTRUCT A PARKING FACILITY AT 12 TURNBERRY LAND TO SERVE THE EXISTING QUICKCOMM BUILDING, LOCATED ON AN ASDJACENT PARCEL, AS SHOWN ON A CERTAIN SET OF PLANS ENTITLED “PROJECT PLAN SET EXPANDED PARKING FACILITY PREPARED FOR QUICKCOMM, INC., LOT #12-TURNBERRY LAND, SANDY HOOK, CONNECTICUT” DATED AUGUST 29, 2012, REGISED 9/13/12, SCALE AS NOTED
The hearing was opened at 8:07 p.m.
Ms. Dean read the call for the hearing and the correspondence in the file. She asked to hear from the applicant.
Steve Trinkaus, P.E. Trinkaus Engineering, Southbury, Connecticut representing Quickcomm, explained the proposal which was a result of the increase in staff, resulting in a shortage of parking spaces. He addressed Rob Sibley’s comments. Wetland approved the Aquifer Assessment Report. The plan is to remove much of the material off site due to lack of space on site. He addressed runoff and recharge which would be good because of the quality of the soil. The Land Use office suggested a retaining wall. The lighting will mirror the current lighting with no light spillage. There would be no plan to build on the site. This request is made as a result of poor planning when the original plans were approved. The Fire and Police Departments require more parking to be available.
Mr. Mulholland would like to listen to the tape of the original application before voting on this one.
Mr. Trinkaus advised that the Conservation Commission expressed concern about mining. He stated that there would be no mining on site. He agreed to flag the area so the Commission is better informed on a field visit to the site. Mr. Mulholland wants to know which trees are going to be felled. Ms. Dean asked to have shade trees breaking up the blacktop. Mr. Trinkaus will find out which trees would be best suited.
Ms. Dean asked to hear from the public.
Karen Carter Mills, 3 Poll Bridge Road, Sandy Hook, Connecticut was concerned about the additional traffic.
Ms. Dean noted that this would result in less traffic than originally considered with another building. Mr. Mulholland noted the need to send data to the State for consideration regarding the Exit 11 development. Ms. Dean advised that the State does a traffic study every five years and Fred Hurley is working on road re-classification.
Joseph Hovious, 3 Leopard Drive, Newtown, Connecticut, representing the Conservation Commission advised that their comments were on file. They felt it very important to maintain the 20ft access to Curtis Pond for recreation use and would like to see it adequately marked. They were also concerned about the removal of the hilltop and the resulting impact on wildlife. They would also like to see a storm water management plan because of the sensitivity of the Poutatuck River and the aquifer.
Ms. Dean said that it was difficult to monitor what material is being removed off the site. Mr. Benson gave a brief background of the entire subdivision where material would be spread around rather than removed off site, which never happened and by the time it was approached it was too late.
Mr. Spragg would like to walk the property once it is flagged. Mr. Pozek asked to see an aerial map of the site.
The hearing was continued till 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
Not discussed.
LAND USE AGENCY DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS
Mr. Benson advised the Commission that the Land Use Office was given approval to hire Steve McGuire as part time Wetland/Zoning Enforcement Officer
MINUTES
Ms. Dean moved to approve the Minutes of October 4, 2012 with the following corrections:
Page 1 - Add Mr. Spragg as present as an alternate.
Remove the line “Wetland Commission ……”
Under ACHIEVING THE VISION – Third line change: …Commission has a comment that (remove she) will…
Seconded by Mr. Mulholland. The motion was unanimously approved.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Pozek made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Porco. The motion was unanimously approved.
The meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
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