TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK
Planning Commission
302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741
Telephone (860) 395-3131 FAX (860) 395-3125
MINUTES
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.
Pasbeshauke Pavilion at Saybrook Point Park
155 College Street Extension
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Bob McIntyre, called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Attendant Members Absent Members
Robert McIntyre, Chairman James Conroy, Alternate Member
Judith Gallicchio, Vice Chairman Julius Castagno, Regular Member
Richard Tietjen, Regular Member
William Voigt, Alternate Member
Janis Esty, Alternate Member
Salvatore Aresco, Regular Member
Attendant Staff
Katie Beecher, Recording Clerk
Christine Nelson, Town Planner
Janis Esty was seated for Regular Member Julius Castagno.
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Minutes
MOTION to approve the May 3, 2006 minutes as presented. MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by R. Tietjen. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, R. Tietjen, J. Esty, S. Aresco, J. Gallicchio; OPPOSED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
B. Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
Correspondence
Commission members received minutes from the Conservation and Zoning Commissions and the Architectural Review Board. They also received a Town Volunteer Proclamation, an article on catch basins, two bills from Branse, Willis & Knapp, a bill from Jacobson and a referral from Selectman Michael Pace to Jane Sypher. The Town Planner will arrange for Jane to come to another meeting to discuss the referral.
MOTION to pay bill from Branse, Willis & Knapp number 12307 for $348.00 MADE by S. Aresco. SECONDED by J. Gallicchio. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, R. Tietjen, J. Esty, S. Aresco, J. Gallicchio; OPPOSED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to pay bill from Branse, Willis & Knapp number 12305 for $275.00 MADE by S. Aresco. SECONDED by J. Gallicchio. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, R. Tietjen, J. Esty, S. Aresco, J. Gallicchio; OPPOSED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to pay bill from Jacobson number 10999 for $78.49 MADE by S. Aresco. SECONDED by J. Gallicchio. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, R. Tietjen, J. Esty, S. Aresco, J. Gallicchio; OPPOSED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to add “Main Street Utility Pole Removal” Municipal Improvement to New Business MADE by R. McIntyre. SECONDED by J. Gallicchio. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, R. Tietjen, J. Esty, S. Aresco, J. Gallicchio; OPPOSED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Representative Reports:
Christine would like to put an excerpt of the Sidewalk Plan into Town Events.
Bob McIntyre reported that the Wetlands Commission is still discussing Big Y.
Staff Reports:
Christine Nelson will present an update at the Quarterly Meeting next Tuesday, May 23 at 7:00.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
V. OLD BUSINESS
None.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. “Gateway Conservation Zone” Petition to Amend the Zoning Regulations
Section 58 Gateway Conservation Zone; Section 59 Coastal Area Management Zone; Section 38 Point District; related amendments to Sections 6, 7, 8 and 9.
Petitioner: Zoning Commission Rep: Madeleine B. Fish, Chairman
Madge Fish presented for the Zoning Commission regarding incorporating Gateway standards into the Zoning Regulations. This is an update of the standards making Old Saybrook standards stricter than the Gateway Commission standards.
MOTION: to recommend the approval of the Amendments of the Zoning Regulations as presented by Commissioner Fish in that they are consistent with the Plan of Development, Town Image, page 2: Connecticut River Gateway Conservation. Strengthen municipal standards to maintain the visual integrity of the Lower Connecticut River Gateway Conservation Zone, Coastal and River View Protection, page 20, Encourage development to enhance existing public vistas, especially across marshes, the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. Discourage inappropriate development and tree removal practices that negatively affect the Connecticut River view shed from land as well as from the river. Provide for scenic easements and height restrictions of new structures where
appropriate. Smart Growth, page 21, Make every effort to influence the design of proposed development to conserve land and resources by advocating natural vegetation and buffering of wetlands and watercourses, native landscaping and greenery, reduction of impervious surfaces (NEMO principles), pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly transportation systems, and against vehicular dependence. Compatibility Standards, page 24, Develop standards for new construction in order to encourage more of an architectural blend and compatibility with existing style and character of the Town. Coastal Setbacks, page 35, Develop setbacks from beaches, dunes, bluffs, escarpments, etc. Conservation Buffers, page 41, Through zoning and subdivision regulations, require establishment and maintenance of conservation easements along salt marshes, streams and ponds within Town. MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by S. Aresco. VOTED IN
FAVOR: R. McIntyre, R. Tietjen, J. Esty, W. Voigt, J. Gallicchio; OPPOSED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
B. Petition to Amend “North Cove Landing” Planned Residential Development to permit a deck on each of Units 8, 9 and 10. (236 s.f. each) 446 Coulter Street (Map 22/Lot 22) Residence A District, Coastal Management Zone. Petitioner: North Cove Landing Assoc. Agent: Susan R. Marquardt, PE
Residents of North Cove Landing, units 8, 9 and 10, are requesting decks. The decks of units 8 and 9 will be 128 sq. ft. and the deck on unit 10 will be 236 sq. ft. All are outside of the 50-foot setback to tidal wetlands.
MOTION: to send a positive referral regarding the Amendment of the “North Cove Landing” Planned Residential Development to permit decks on Units 8 and 9 as shows on the Improvement Location Plan North Cove Landing April 11, 2006. The Planning Commission also recommends a positive referral for a deck on Unit 10 as shown on the same map in that they are not inconsistent with the Plan of Development MADE by J. Gallicchio SECONDED by S. Aresco. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, R. Tietjen, J. Esty, S. Aresco, J. Gallicchio; OPPOSED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
C. “Main Street Utility Pole Removal” Municipal Improvement
In front of the Old Saybrook Firehouse, Town Green and Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center & Theatre Petitioner: Board of Selectman
The Town Planner presented a letter from Michael Pace, First Selectman regarding the relocation of the telephone poles in front of the Old Saybrook Firehouse, Town Green and Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center & Theatre to the opposite side of the street for aesthetic reasons.
MOTION: to allow relocation of the telephone poles in front of the Old Saybrook Firehouse, Town Green and Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center & Theatre as told to the Planning Commission by the Town Planner that it is not inconsistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development MADE by R. McIntyre SECONDED by R. Tietjen. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, R. Tietjen, J. Esty, S. Aresco, J. Gallicchio; OPPOSED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
VII. WORKSHOP
A. Subdivision of Land
Town Planner, Christine Nelson continued the workshop started at the last Planning Commission meeting. A discussion regarding rear lots suggested by Chairman McIntyre commenced. Rear lots are limited in order to limit conflicts with neighbors, legal actions and police actions resulting from the use of shared driveways. Shared driveways use less environmental resources however. Permission must be granted for their use on a per lot basis and the use of shared driveways must be appropriate for the requirements.
The Planning Commission members asked the Town Planner for more information on the imperviousness of paved vs. gravel driveways and the advantages of using each.
The Commission requested a meeting about Open Space Developments with the Parks & Recreation Commission, the Conservation Commission and any other relevant commissions. Christine Nelson listed the five uses for open space: recreation, habitat, public health and safety, culture and economics.
Bill Voigt suggested that a house number and street name be placed on the final plot plans for new developments the Planning Commission approves in addition to the Map and Lot number. This would improve services such as mail delivery and emergency response. Judy Gallicchio suggested continued discussion of open space regulations.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: to adjourn meeting at 9:35 until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pasbeshauke Pavilion, Saybrook Point Park, 155 College Street Extension. MADE by R. McIntyre. SECONDED by J. Gallicchio. VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Gallicchio, J. Esty, R. McIntyre, S. Aresco, R. Tietjen; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Katie Beecher
Recording Clerk
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