Minutes
North Stonington Affordable Housing Committee
June 28, 2012
In Attendance: Mary Ann Ricker, Tim Pelland, Kristen Comstock, Michelle Brophy and James Scaramozza
Absent: Tony Rose
Guests: Juliet Leeming and Ann Renehan
Location: Wheeler High School Media Center
The meeting was called to order by Co-Chairman Mary Ann Ricker at 6:00 PM. The minutes of the prior meeting were approved.
First off, Ann Renehan updated the Committee as to Meadowcourt and the ongoing issues concerning this proposed development. The majority of the discussion focused on the “requirement” that the land be raised up to 10 feet to counter purported issues of potential flooding. If this were indeed required as part of any final approvals or permitting, the feasibility of the project could be called into question. The Committee decided that with the assistance of others it would send a letter to the appropriate officials seeking a clarification of this ostensible requirement (as to both its necessity and genesis) and, with respect, the propriety of same under all of the surrounding circumstances.
Next, the Committee discussed the transition from Jason Vincent to another employee of Planimetrics and our need to meet with these individuals to ensure a smooth transition. (The Committee is scheduled to meet with them at its next meeting in July). At this meeting, the Committee intends to also discuss Planimetrics’ attendance at future Town workshops or events pertinent to the housing plan.
Juliet Leeming also reported to the Committee that some clarification was given by her to Planimetrics with respect to what the plan is to encompass going forward. A “table of contents”, acting as both an outline and digest of topics and subject matter for the housing plan, was to be prepared by Planimetrics and shared with Ms. Leeming and the Committee for review.
The Committee next returned to its ongoing discussion of the Wintechog Road parcel and how--with proper planning and a consensual vision and leadership-- this 100+ acre parcel could address many of the Town’s current economic and housing issues. In short, affordable housing, coupled with a certain % of retail space and market rate housing, could be constructed on this very large tract of land, with an adequate amount of acreage preserved as open space. Community gardens and greenhouses could also comprise parts of this development. The Committee believes this to be an excellent opportunity to advocate for affordable housing that would remain in character with the Town, namely, its pastoral and rural nature, but address the shortage of truly affordable housing that exists. Further, the parcel
could be utilized to spur economic development by the development of certain retails stores. The concept of a “master plan” was discussed as well, that might serve as the first step to myriad agencies and committees, with the citizens of the Town, working together to create a common vision for this parcel and its overall development for many purposes that would all benefit the Town.
The meeting was adjourned by our co-chair Mary Ann Ricker at approximately 7:10 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
James Scaramozza
Recording Secretary
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