I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman, Robert McIntyre, called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present
Robert McIntyre, Chairman
Janis Esty, Vice Chairman
Salvatore Aresco, Regular Member
Robert Missel, Regular Member
Donald Ranaudo, Regular Member
Marilyn Milliken, Alternate Member
Kenneth Soudan, Alternate Member (arrived at 7:35 p.m.)
Staff Present
Kathy Noyes, Recording Clerk
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Minutes
MOTION to approve the minutes of November 19, 2008 as read. MADE by S. Aresco. SECONDED by D. Ranaudo. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, R. Missel, D. Ranaudo, J. Esty, S. Aresco. OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
B. Correspondence
In their packets, Commission members received information about a DEP workshop about a “Green and Growing” Connecticut which was held 12/3/08, they also received a letter dated 11/10/08 from the Town of Deep River re: a grant from the Rockfall Foundation, and a letter dated 10/14/08 from Betsey Windfield, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse of the State of CT DEP re: 2008 Legislation and Regulations Advisory.
C. Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
IV. OLD BUSINESS
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. ”Martel” Special Exception for Filling>100yd3 – 1,000yd3 (1.16 ac.)
78 Neptune Avenue (Map 8 / Lot 52)
Residence A District, Coastal Management Zone
Applicant: Laura and Rock Martel, Owners
Ed Casella, attorney, and Rock Martel, presented. For the record, Atty. Casella submitted a letter stating how the proposed plan is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development. He also submitted a letter entitled “Part IV: Consistency with Applicable Coastal Resource Policies and Standards.”
Atty. Casella explained that the applicant applied for, and was granted, a special permit from the Zoning Commission in 1990 to construct a timber wall with a second terrace level on his property which is located on a tidal creek in the Knollwood section of town. He further explained that the applicant then applied for an extension in 1992 to complete the wall. The extension was granted. When the applicant applied for another extension in 1993, the Zoning Commission denied his request.
The CT DEP got involved because of allegations of activity inside the wetlands, and the applicant was issued a cease and desist order in 2004. The applicant complied with this order, and was told in 2007 that he was clear to apply for another special permit to finish the project.
The applicant has hired Doane-Collins Engineering and E2 Engineering to draw up site and construction plans, which he has submitted for the record. The Doane –Collins plans are dated 7/23/08 and 10/28/08, and the drawings from E2 Engineering are dated 11/4/08 and 11/14/08.
Atty Casella and R. Martel, discussed the plans with Commission members and stated that the proposed work is outside of the tidal wetlands. They explained that the current wall is in need of reconstruction, and that because of the steep grade, the proposed terraced wall is the best solution from both an engineering standpoint and and environmental standpoint.
The specifics of the wall were discussed including materials. The current timber wall will be replaced with a wall constructed of concrete modular block. Also the height of the wall was discussed as were concerns about safety because of the large dropoff. R. Martel described the temporary fencing he planned to install as well as the permanent fencing that would be installed after the wall had “settled”, which would be approximately one year after completion. He said he is hoping, if approved, that he will have the project completed in 2009.
Commission members requested that both the temporary and permanent fencing be included in the engineers’ drawings, and R. Martel agreed with this request.
There was a lot of discussion about flood compliance and concerns about water redirection because of the wall. Commission members suggest that when the Zoning Commission reviews this application, they take these concerns into consideration.
MOTION to send a letter to the Zoning Commission stating that the Planning Commission has concerns about safety, particularly regarding fencing for “Martel” Special Exception for Filling>100 yd3 – 1,000 yd3 (1.16 ac.) 78 Neptune Avenue (Map 8 / Lot 52) Residence A District, Coastal Management Zone, Applicant: Laura & Rock Martel, Owners. The Planning Commission would like the proposed temporary fencing and permanent fencing to be depicted on the plans. Also, the Planning Commission recommends that the Zoning Commission look at the current topography and how the proposed plan satisfies the current flood plan. The Planning Commission finds the application to be neither consistent nor inconsistent with the Plan
of Conservation and Development. MADE by R. McIntyre. SECONDED by J. Esty. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel, S. Aresco. OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
VI. WORKSHOP
A. Draft Road Regulations & Amendments to Subdivision Regulations
Section 120 – Final Grading, Stabilization & Landscape Criteria
Because Mr. Geoffrey Jacobson was unable to attend tonight’s meeting, Commission members decided to postpone discussion of this matter until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission which will be Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the 1st Floor Conference Room, Town Hall, 302 Main Street.
B. Update of Regional Plan of Conservation & Development
Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency
Commission members discussed the perception of Old Saybrook. It used to be considered a “hub” of retail for the shoreline area, a destination for shopping in the region. They also discussed quality of life in Old Saybrook, employment and labor, growth versus sustainability, and access to beaches and the CT River.
C. Incentive Housing Zone
Commission members decided to postpone discussion of this matter until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission which will be Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the 1st Floor Conference Room, Town Hall, 302 Main Street.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the 1st Floor Conference Room, Town Hall, 302 Main Street, Old Saybrook. MADE by R. Missel. SECONDED by S. Aresco. VOTED IN FAVOR: R. McIntyre, J. Esty, S. Aresco, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel. OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathleen Noyes
Recording Clerk
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