MEETING MINUTES
January 8, 2015
Economic Development Office, Old Saybrook Town Hall
7:00pm
I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Carol Conklin called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Members Absent:
Carol Conklin Maura Richards
John DeCristoforo Lauren Ashe
David Cole Dr. David shearer
Bruce Greenfield James Keating
Bruce Greenfield was seated for Elizabeth Swenson.
Staff Present:
Susan W. Beckman, Economic Development Director
Joanne Kegel, Recording Clerk
Christine Nelson, Planning Director
Chris Costa, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Attorney Mark Branse, Branse & Willis, LLC
Attorney Eliza Hines
Attorney Caleb Hamel
1 Member of the Public was present.
III. PUBLIC QUESTION & COMMENT
Carol Conklin inquired about the status of Guppies to Puppies Pet Store, 719 Boston Post Road. ZEO Chris Costa reported that it will reopen as a new pet store with a new name.
IV. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Approval of Minutes: December 11, 2014
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the December 11, 2014 EDC meeting as presented; MADE: by D. Cole. SECONDED: by B. Greenfield. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, B. Greenfield, C. Conklin. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 4-0-0
B. Correspondence & Announcements
1. Amended Zoning Commission Referral: Petition to amend Zoning Regulations on signs.
The Petition to Amend the Sign Regulations has been revised. The Director and Christine Nelson explained that the petition now requests freestanding signs be allowed for lots with frontage on separate streets be a special exception and that the size of the signs can be equal (the request to increase the size of the signs has been removed). The petition also requests that signs be allowed on a 3rd wall for each tenant in a building. The Director reminded the Commission that the changes will affect all businesses in Town. The Commission expressed concerns about visual problems, but empathized with businesses in Town. ZEO Chris Costa reminded the Commission that the Amendment gives the Zoning Commission discretion to deny signs if inappropriate. The Commission supports the Petition.
MOTION: To respond to the amended Zoning Commission Referral dated December 15, 2014, in support of the Petition to amend Zoning Regulations on Signs. MADE: by D. Cole. SECONDED: by B. Greenfield. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, B. Greenfield, C. Conklin. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 4-0-0
2. Petition to Amend the Old Saybrook Zoning Regulations to Prohibit Bulk Propane & Fuel Storage
Proposed text to Amend Zoning regulations was presented to the Commission to prohibit bulk storage of propane or other gas without prohibiting its sale in local hardware stores, from a propane distributor, for an individual user of gas or other typical consumer storage and use. Discussion by the Commission was in support of the amendment.
MOTION: To respond to the referral from the Zoning Commission dated December 30, 2014 in support of the Petition to Amend the Old Saybrook Zoning Regulations to Prohibit Bulk Propane & Fuel Storage as presented; MADE: by B. Greenfield. SECONDED: by D. Cole. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, B. Greenfield, C. Conklin. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 4-0-0
Elizabeth Swenson arrived at the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Carol Conklin left the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Bruce Greenfield was re-seated for Carol Conklin.
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Mariner’s Way
1. Zoning Changes – Discussion of options and potential economic development impact
The Zoning Commission sponsored a workshop meeting with its Attorneys from Branse & Willis, LLC, to help direct the EDC with branding, theme and uses of the Mariner’s Way Corridor on Route One East. Attorney Mark Branse presented the Commission with an outline of how zoning works with the EDC. He explained that zoning protects public health, safety and welfare of both business and residents, and helps to minimize adverse impacts on other properties. He explained the history of zoning concepts, called “Euclidian Zoning”. Mark explained that there can be unforeseen consequences, good and bad, by allowing land uses in one area and not allowing them in others. Zoning can protect and
enhance property values, provide security and synergy, and protection from incompatible uses. Negative results can be sprawl, environmental impacts, unsightly development, non-conforming uses and exclusionary zoning.
Suggested solutions to deficiencies in Euclidian Zoning include clustering, encourage walking, resource-specific regulations, design standards to prevent blight and provide a comfort level for more uses, mixed use regulation to make uses compatible, establishment of a Village district, redevelopment, streetscape improvements and proactive Incentive Housing.
Christine Nelson displayed the planning map of Mariner’s Way and explained that the area is small and limited, and is automobile oriented, not a pedestrian node. The Study Committee stated that the Commissions need to re-think the uses of Mariner’s Way. Proposed uses are for Gateway or destination uses, marine or recreation.
Attorney Branse recommended to group similar businesses using one theme without drawing away from the Town Center, to support design standards, and install a Gateway marker to designate Mariner’s Way at its entry. He suggested to be general with a theme as an overlay zone, but include some percentage of mixed use.
ZEO Chris Costa stated concerns regarding the non-specific use presently. The Commission agrees that a use needs to be defined. The EDC will be working on a chart of allowed and prohibited uses to eliminate unwanted uses, and list desirable and acceptable ones, to support existing businesses, support short term vs. long term goals, and enhance the community.
2. Branding – No update
3. Brownfields Assessment Grant status-No update
B. Spirit of Old Saybrook Award-No discussion
VI. NEW BUSINESS - None
VII. PUBLIC QUESTION & COMMENT-None
VIII. DIRECTOR’S REPORT-To be discussed at the next regular meeting.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission on February 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at 302 Main Street, Town Hall, EDC Office, First Floor; MADE: by D. Cole. SECONDED: by J. DeCristoforo. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, B. Greenfield, E. Swenson. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 4-0-0
Respectfully,
Joanne Kegel
Recording Clerk
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