SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
November 10, 2015
Saybrook Point Pavilion
7:00 pm
Chairman Carol Conklin called the meeting to order at 7:02pm.
Members present: Jim Keating, John DeCristoforo, David Cole, Elizabeth Swenson, Joseph Arcari, Sandra Roberts, Matthew Pugliese arrived at 7:17pm.
Members absent: Bruce Greenfield
Staff: Susan Beckman, Economic Development Director, Christine Nelson, Town Planner, Chris Costa, Zoning Enforcement Officer, Meryl Moskowitz, Recording Clerk
II. OLD BUSINESS
A. Mariner’s Way
1. Proposed Zoning Changes – Discussion of proposed changes with property owners and the public.
C. Conklin introduced the concept of Mariner’s Way. Jim Keating gave some history of the development of the Mariner’s Way project. In 2012, the First Selectman appointed a task force (Post Road East) to look into the area known as Post Road East, to revitalize it as a gateway to recreation. The goal was to enhance the value of the property, not take anything away. The plan was presented to the Board of Selectman, and the Economic Development Commission was chosen to implement the plan.
J. Keating explained that in order to implement the Mariner’s Way Plan, some zoning changes would need to be made as the existing mix of zones constrains developers from doing what they may want to do. The Mariner’s Way Proposal is an overlay zone, meaning the underlying zone remains, and a new zone is added.
Attorney Eliza Heinz further explained the overlay zone.
J. Keating explained that the overlay zone will emphasize a marine theme and will allow additional uses. It would allow larger buildings, up to a maximum of 170,000 sq. ft. He then opened the floor for questions.
Susan Voight, resident, architectural designer, and currently a retailer stated she found some disturbing zoning requirements, in particular regulating the percentage of goods that are marine related. She would like to see a pedestrian zone in this section.
JT Dunn, resident, property owner, former fire chief, and business owner stated his concerns. He believes this will affect small business and there is no place for small businesses, like his and others, to go.
There was a discussion about the I-95 interchange at route 154. Town Planner Christine Nelson related findings from a 2004 state study which determined that the interchange at Springbrook Road is slated to go away, though no time table was given.
Comments were heard from other audience members including:
a resident of 41 years who opposes more stores in town and would like to see a walkway beginning at the Monkey Farm; a resident who doesn’t agree with the concept to constrict traffic, believing it’s not good for retail; a resident who suggested creation of a school to train people in whatever skills might be needed
Resident and attorney, David Royston addressed the audience, and submitted his written remarks to the Commission. In summary, D. Royston would like to see the Overlay Zone expanded to include the B3 and B4 properties at its easterly end, contingent upon the residential properties in the B3 area to not be non-conforming and to make the current residential properties in the B4 conforming. He also addressed proposed regulations to the Mariner’s Way proposal, as well as setbacks and coverage. He is opposed to the proposed maximum setback of 50 feet for buildings 25,000 sq. ft. or less and believes this could be left to the Special Exception process. He introduced developer Mark Mancuso with the firm Kincora. Mr. Mancuso stated he disagrees with the proposed regulation of 20% marine related, and believes the 300 ft
setback from Boston Post Road for large buildings is counter-productive. He agreed the area is in need of development and advised that the town strive for balance.
C. Conklin gave closing remarks and the meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Meryl Moskowitz
Recording Clerk
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