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PC 022107.Minutes

Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Pasbeshauke Pavilion at Saybrook Point Park
155 College Street Extension

I.        CALL TO ORDER

Chairman, Mr. Robert 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                             William Voigt, Alternate Member
Salvatore Aresco, Regular Member        
Janis Esty, Regular Member      
Richard D. Tietjen, Regular Member
                
Attendant Staff                                                        
Christine Nelson, Town Planner
Kathy Noyes, Recording Clerk

III.    REGULAR BUSINESS


A.      Minutes

MOTION to approve the minutes of February 7, 2007 as amended. On page 1, add the word “vacant” under alternate members under the heading, on the bottom of page 3, change the sentence to “Robert McIntyre announced that the public hearing was closed after all “parties”spoke, but that the public (add word “hearing”) would continue at the next meeting of the Planning Commission, 2-21-07.” Also, amend the second motion on page 4, to add the words “public hearing” after “continue” so it will read, “Motion to continue public hearing re: “Neely” resubdivison of Land (14.62 ac. Total) – 9 Lots & Open Space (1.27 ac.)”  MADE by J Gallicchio. SECONDED by J. Esty  VOTED IN FAVOR:  R. McIntyre, , J. Esty, J. Gallicchio, OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: R. Tietjen;  APPROVED: 3-0-1.



        B.      Correspondence

                Members’ packets contain a bill from Branse, Willis and Knapp, LLC re: the                              Appeal of Approval of Resubdivision (Max’s Place), the agenda for the                                           Architectural Review Board, Zoning Commission minutes, a letter from the                                  CT Federation of Planning and Zoning Agencies  re: length of service/lifetime                           achievement awards (nomination forms attached), two Warranty Deeds re:                                  the “Neely” Resubdivision, a letter from Atty. Michael E. Cronin, Jr. dated                                      Feb 2, 2007 re: the Jay Rankin Application #06-034, a copy of the permit                                        from the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission re: the Jay Rankin                                   Application #06-034, a memo from Christina M .Costa, Enforcement Officer                                        re: “Neely” Resubdivision, from Christine Nelson chapter 7 entitled  “Access”                                  from the book Site Planning, from the Planning Commissioners Journal a                          newsletter entitled “To Build or Not to Build”, and from the Regional Plan                                      Association March 2006 a handout called “Design Perspective”.

MOTION to approve statement and pay bill from Branse, Willis & Knapp, LLC #14535 for $87.00. MADE by J. Gallicchio.  SECONDED by J. Esty  VOTED IN FAVOR:  J. Gallicchio, J. Esty, R. McIntyre, R. Tietjen OPPOSED: none;  ABSTAINED: none;  APPROVED: 4-0-0.

                      Mrs. J. Gallicchio asked about the minutes from the Zoning Commission from                                       February 5, 2007 regarding “street design for rural subdivisions” (page 8).  Ms. C.                                    Nelson said she could get Mrs. J. Gallicchio a copy.

        C.      Committee, Representative &  Staff Reports

        Mr. R. Tietjen shared with the commission his report from CRERPA  re: the Gateway.              There are new height standards and the town has accepted them. Also, anything over                      4,000 square feet needs an application for permission. There are concerns over clear                    cutting and tree cutting. Mass transit is an important consideration.
        The CRERPA budget is available for anyone who would like to look it over.

        Mrs. J. Gallicchio attended a meeting of the “Road Regulations Update Committee.”

        Ms. C. Nelson reported on the vote on the South Green Historic District. Ballots are                    due March 1, 2007.

Ms. C. Nelson reported on the Main Street Gateway Node which is Lynde Street to Main Street and 1,500 feet on either side. Merchants and property owners are invited to attend a workshop on March 27, 2007. On April 10, 2007, drafted proposals will be discussed re: types of landscaping, signage, lighting, shared parking, etc.

Ms. C. Nelson attended a Land Trust meeting on February 21, 2007. There was discussion on differentiating land acquisition for building purposes versus conservation purposes.

Ms. C. Nelson reported on the Harbor Management Commission as a follow up to their quarterly meeting re: a request to dredge North Cove.

Ms. C. Nelson will distribute minutes from the “Neely” Resubdivision site walk in the next Planning Commission packet.

                             
IV.      PUBLIC HEARINGS

           A.       “Neely” Resubdivision of Land (14.62 ac. Total) – 9 Lots &  Open Space
                        (1.27 ac) W. side of Ingham Hill Road; 400’ ft. N. of Old Rock
                        (Map 34/ Lots 5-1 & 5-4) Residence AA-1 District
Applicant: Jay Rankin   Agent: Robert L. Doane, Jr., P.E.               
ACTION: Open, continue or close public hearing by 2/21/07 (NLT 2/21/07) deliberate & &act

        The Commission noted that it has 65 days from today to deliberate and act.

        Mr. Robert L. Doane, Jr., P.E. presented for the applicant, Mr. Jay Rankin.

In a letter dated, February 21, 2007, Mr. R. Doane requested a waiver re: Section 5.3.4 Dead End Streets (re: length of streets), and Section 5.3.5 A for Local Residential Streets (re: width of streets for Bethel Heights and Wisteria Lane).

Mr. R. Doane submitted revised plans to Jacobsen showing houses on the adjoining properties.

Wisteria Lane will be a public roadway not a private roadway.

In the revised plan, modifications have been made to separate the Berglund driveway and the proposed roadway with a grade 1 ½ feet higher.

Mr. R. Doane explained that there cannot be looping between Bethel Heights and Wisteria Lane due to the topography. This was an issue from the last meeting.)

Noted: Sal Aresco arrived at the meeting at 8:10 p.m.


Mr. R. Doane said Attorney Christina Burnham was present to answer any legal questions the commission might have.

Attorney Edward Cassella who is representing Ann Brit Berglund, adjacent property owner, objected to the proposed intersection stating that it is a safety hazard. He stated that the Berglunds are not under any obligation to move their existing driveway. Attorney E. Cassella referenced the report from Jeff Jacobsen (which was in the packet from the last meeting) to validate his concerns of this being a traffic hazard.

Mr . R. Doane submitted drawings dated 2/14/07 for the commission’s review.

Mr. R. McIntyre suggested the commission address the two waivers presented, Section 5.3.4 Dead End Streets and Section 5.3.5A Local Residential Street (re: Bethel Heights and Wisteria Lane). The first waiver is re: the length of the streets, and the second waiver is re: the width of the streets.

There was discussion about the hammerhead design of the cul-de-sac.

               
MOTION to approve first waiver 5.3.4 Dead End Streets as requested by applicant for “Neely” Resubdivision of Land (14.62 ac. Total) – 9 Lots & Open Space (1.27 ac.) W. Side of Ingham Hill Road; 400’ ft. N. of Old Rock Road (Map 34 / Lots 5-1 & 5-4) Residence AA-1 District. Applicant: Jay Rankin, Agent: Robert L. Doane, Jr., P.E. . MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by S. Aresco.  VOTED IN FAVOR:  R. McIntyre, J. Esty, J. Gallicchio, S. Aresco, R. Tietjen OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none;  APPROVED: 5-0-0.
        


Discussion began on the second waiver, 5.3.5A Local Residential Streets. Mr. R. Doane explained that the width of the streets was reduced to reduce pavement. Also, this design is more environmentally friendly and is less conducive to speeding. He also stated that the proposed road would be wide enough for emergency vehicles.

A standard street is 26 feet wide and the request is for 22 feet for Bethel Heights and 20 feet for Wisteria Lane.

                Mrs. J. Gallicchio referenced a letter from the Board of Selectmen in the packet re: the                                Board’s approval of an alternate road.


MOTION to approve second waiver 5.3.5A Local Residential Streets as requested by applicant for “Neely” Resubdivision of Land (14.62 ac. Total) – 9 Lots & Open Space (1.27 ac.) W. Side of Ingham Hill Road; 400’ ft. N. of Old Rock Road (Map 34 / Lots 5-1 & 5-4) Residence AA-1 District as requested by the applicant. Applicant: Jay Rankin, Agent: Robert L. Doane, Jr., P.E. . MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by S. Aresco.  VOTED IN FAVOR:  R. McIntyre, J. Esty, J. Gallicchio, S. Aresco OPPOSED: R. Tietjen ABSTAINED: none;  APPROVED: 4-1-0.



Mrs. J. Gallicchio asked about Attorney E. Cassella’s statement re: the Berglund driveway. Since the proposed road is a town road, Mrs. J. Gallicchio asked if the town could change the driveway to make it safer. Ms. C. Nelson said she’d follow up on that.

Mrs. J. Gallicchio asked about the Jacobsen report dated 1/29/07 and if there were any outstanding issues that had not been addressed. Mr. R. Doane said that all issues had been addressed.

Mrs. J. Gallicchio asked Mr. R. Doane for his professional opinion as to whether or not he felt the Berglund driveway was hazardous. Mr. R. Doane said that the proposed plans would improve the driveway situation making it safer.

Mr. S. Aresco asked about standard site lines. Mr. R. Doane stated the standard is 275 feet and the proposed is 300 feet.

Mr. R. McIntyre requested Mr. R. Doane address the Berglund driveway to the drawing adding an easement across the road to Bethel Heights. He asked if a waiver would be needed. Attorney C. Burnham spoke re: the town’s ordinance driveway permit to go into a town road.

Ms. C.Nelson asked about street signage.  Mr. R. Doane said there would be one post with the street name and either “dead end” or “no outlet” above it.

Ms. C. Nelson suggested reducing the center of the proposed cul-de-sac. Mr. R. Doane said he could design an island in the center for greenery and the applicant consented to this.

Mr. R. Tietjen asked about the slope at the proposed intersection. Mr. R. Doane responded that the slope at the intersection is 3.64% and the town requirement is 4%.


MOTION to close public hearing re: “Neely” Resubdivision of Land (14.62 ac. Total) – 9 Lots & Open Space (1.27 ac.) W. Side of Ingham Hill Road; 400’ ft. N. of Old Rock Road (Map 34 / Lots 5-1 & 5-4) Residence AA-1 District as requested by the applicant. Applicant: Jay Rankin, Agent: Robert L. Doane, Jr., P.E. . MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by S. Aresco.  VOTED IN FAVOR:  R. McIntyre, J. Esty, J. Gallicchio, S. Aresco, R. Tietjen OPPOSED: none ABSTAINED: none;  APPROVED: 5-0-0.



V.      OLD BUSINESS


None    
                                

VI.     NEW BUSINESS

        A.      “Saltaire Subdivision” Coastal Site Plan Condition of Approval for Lot 4                        & Architectural Review of Historic Beach Residence (Ye Castle Inn)
        12 Billow Road (Map 1/82-4)
        Applicant: Wayne Rand, Owner
        ACTION:  Review and act per Resolution 02-001.


Ms. C. Nelson spoke  about this property. Because it has historic and architectural significance, the planning commission can vote on a motion for approval, denial or approval with modifications within 65 days.

Mr. W. Rand presented the Application Form Municipal Coastal Site Plan Review that was sent to Ms. C. Costa, the Zoning Enforcement Officer, from Chatham Engineering, Inc.

Also submitted was a letter dated 2-19-07 from Rand Construction requesting placement on the Planning and Zoning meeting agenda.

Mr. W. Rand presented his plans to the commission. He said there were only four exterior changes. 1. to add a garage, 2. to add two balconies to the third floor (they were there originally), 3. to open two doors onto a small deck on the second floor and to make a trellis, and take down some of the roof, and 4. on the first floor, to open windows down to the floor. He plans to restore the roof and to replace the doors and windows.

Ms. C. Nelson addressed coastal issues and said the plan is respectful of the shorefront and poses no disturbances to the coast.



MOTION to approve the renovations to historic beach front residence “Saltaire Subdivision” 12 Billow Road (Map 1/82-4), Applicant Wayne Rand, Owner, as the plans are consistent with the historic and architectural style of the existing building.  MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by S. Aresco  VOTED IN FAVOR:  J. Gallicchio, J. Esty,  S. Aresco, R. McIntyre, R.Tietjen OPPOSED: none;  ABSTAINED: none;  APPROVED: 5-0-0.

MOTION to approve the CAM application consistent with all applicable coastal management policies for “Saltaire Subdivision” 12 Billow Road (Map 1/82-4), Applicant Wayne Rand, Owner.  MADE by J. Gallicchio. SECONDED by S. Aresco  VOTED IN FAVOR:  J. Gallicchio, J. Esty,  S. Aresco, R. McIntyre, R.Tietjen OPPOSED: none;  ABSTAINED: none;  APPROVED: 5-0-0.




VII.   WORKSHOP

        A.      “Road Design”

                The workshop was cancelled because the presenter would like more time to prepare.


VIII.   ADJOURNMENT

MOTION to adjourn meeting at 9:45 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pasbeshauke Pavilion, Saybrook Point Park, 155 College Street Extension.  MADE by S. Aresco. SECONDED by J. Gallicchio.  VOTED IN FAVOR:  J. Gallicchio, J. Esty,  S. Aresco, R. McIntyre, R.Tietjen OPPOSED: none;  ABSTAINED: none;  APPROVED: 5-0-0.


Respectfully Submitted,



Kathleen Noyes
Recording Clerk