MINUTES
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
1st Floor Conference Room
Town Hall, 302 Main Street
I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chairman, Janis Esty, called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present
Janis Esty, Vice Chairman acting Chairman for Robert McIntyre
Donald Ranaudo, Regular Member
Robert Missel, Regular Member
Cathryn Flanagan, Alternate seated for Salvatore Aresco
Members Absent
Robert McIntyre, Chairman
Salvatore Aresco, Secretary
Richard Sullivan, Jr., Alternate Member
Cameron Evangelisti, Alternate Member
Staff Present
Christine Nelson, Town Planner
Joanne Rynecki, Clerk
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Minutes
MOTION to approve the minutes from June 1, 2011; MADE by D Ranaudo; SECONDED by C. Flanagan; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
B. Correspondence
Correspondence as included in packets.
Invoices from Branse, Willis & Knapp #27977 in the amount of $29.00, #28044 in the amount of $188.50, and #28182 in the amount of $203.00 for legal fees.
MOTION to approve the payment of Branse, Willis & Knapp Invoice #’s 27977, 28044 and 28182 totaling 420.50; MADE by D. Ranaudo; SECONDED by R. Missel; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none: APPROVED: 4-0-0.
Invoice #74160 from Nathan L. Jacobson & Associates in the amount of $511.57 for engineering fees.
MOTION to approve the payment of Nathan L. Jacobson & Associates Invoice #74160 in the amount of $511.57; MADE by D. Ranaudo; SECONDED by C. Flanagan; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
C. Committee, Representative & Staff Reports- C. Nelson reported that Phase II of the side walk project on Route 1 is being finalized with the installation of benches, trash receptacles and bus stops. The project will be complete in the fall with the planting of trees. The Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District and the Center on Land Use Education and Research is looking for a site in Old Saybrook to install a demonstration rain garden. The Land Use Department has hired 2 part time administrative support staff to replace the full time position that was vacant due to retirement. This fall the Land Use Department will be working with the Nature Conservancy as a pilot town for their on-line coastal resilience tool to project
flood scenarios using sea level rise. This tool will provide information to assist the town in planning for the future.
MOTION to amend the Agenda to move Item IV, A. “Public Hearing” to Item V, A.; MADE by R. Missel; SECONDED by C. Flanagan; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A. “Hilger” Subdivision of Land & Lot Line Change – 1 Lot (6.02 ac.)
63 Obed Heights Road (Map 58/Lot 43),~Residence AA-1 District
Applicant: Steve Hilger, Owner Agent: Joe Wren, P.E.
ACTION:Consider and act by 9/22/2011.
Joe Wren, Engineer for the Applicant reviewed the proposed site plan of the "Hilger" subdivision and lot line change. As part of the subdivision of "Hilger" land the Applicant proposes a lot line change which will increase the road frontage for proposed lot #2 in exchange for additional land (approx. 1.8 acres) for the adjacent Labriola property. C. Nelson reported that reports received from CRAHD and the Zoning Enforcement officer had no objections to the subdivision.
MOTION to approve the “Hilger” Subdivision of Land & Lot Line Change at 63 Obed Heights Road, Map 58/Lot 43; MADE by R. Missel; SECONDED by C. Flanagan; DISCUSSION: The IWWC has not acted on this Application, therefore the Planning Commission must continue this matter until an approval is received by the IWWC.
MOTION to withdraw the previous Motion for “Hilger” Subdivision of Land & Lot Line Change at 63 Obed Heights Road, Map 58/Lot 43; MADE by R. Missel; SECONDED by C. Flanagan; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
MOTION to continue “Hilger” Subdivision of Land & Lot Line Change at 63 Obed Heights Road, Map 58/Lot 43 until the next regular meeting scheduled for August 17, 2011 at the Town Hall 1st Floor Conference Room, 302 Main Street Old Saybrook, CT; MADE by R. Missel; SECONDED by C. Flanagan; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
B. “Heck Business Park” Modification of Subdivision of Land – 1 Lot (2.09 ac.)
119 Spencer Plain Road (Map 46/Lots 4-1, 4-2, 4-3 & 4-4),~Gateway~Business B-4 District
Applicant: OSCT, LLC, Owner Agent: Joe Wren, P.E.
ACTION:Consider and act by 9/22/2011.
Joe Wren, Engineer for the Applicant presented the application to modify the subdivision of land owned by OSCT, LLC, known as BJM Pumps. Currently there are 3 buildings located on 4 lots. Future plans include the construction of a 4th building; however, one of the easements affects the front yard setback on the eastern side of the proposed building. The Applicant would like to extinguish the 4 right of ways and add a Common Driveway and Parking Easement. The driveway entrance on the NW side of the property will remain a 2 way entrance/exit and the NE corner entrance will be converted to a one way (enter only) to eliminate the sight restrictions when exiting the property. Mr. Wren assured the Commission that the Easement will run with the land even if these buildings are later
sold individually. The Town Attorney, Matt Willis has approved the Easement Agreement and reports from CRAHD, CRERPA and the ZEO had no objections to the modification. C. Flanagan asked if the truck turning radius will cross over current parking spaces and Mr. Wren said the parking spaces will be reconfigured to allow for truck traffic.
MOTION to approve the “Heck Business Park” Modification of Subdivision of Land at 119 Spencer Plain Road, Map 46/Lot 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, & 4-4; MADE by D. Ranaudo; SECONDED by R. Missel; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
V. PUBLIC HEARING
A. “Otter Cove Estates” Resubdivision of Land & C.S.P.R. – 1 Lot (4.40 ac.)
11 Crest Road (Map 63/Lot 50),~Residence AA-3 District
Applicant: Mildred D. Cook, Trustee Agent: Thomas Metcalf, P.E., L.S.
ACTION:Open public hearing, close by 8/17/2011 (NLT 8/23/2011); consider and act.
Vice Chairman Esty opened the Public Hearing and reviewed the format for the Public Hearing.
Thomas Metcalf, PE, representing the Applicant, explained the plans to re-subdivide the property on 11 Crest Road to create Lot #2 consisting of 2.2 acres. A Request for Waiver of Section 5.8 “Open Space” is part of the Application. There are no wetlands on the property or within 100 ft. of the property. A Coastal Site Plan Review is part of this application. Mr. Metcalf stated that there will be no adverse impact on any coastal resources on or adjacent to the property. The Regional Planning agency suggested the tree cutting be restricted where the property is visible from the CT River. Mr. Metcalf said the property is not visible from the CT River. Ms. Nelson said when the property owner applies for permits the visibility from the CT River will be
checked again with regards to the house size and tree cutting.
Vice Chairman Esty opened the hearing for Public Comment; no public comments; Vice Chairman Esty closed the public portion of the Public Hearing and opened the floor for discussion from the Commission members.
MOTION to approve “Otter Cove Estates” request to waive Section 5.8 Open Space - “Waive Open Space Dedication- Original Otter Cove Estates subdivision included 20.5 +/- Ac of reserved area/open space.” as part of the Application for Resubdivision of Land and CSPR at 11 Crest Road, Map 63/Lot 50; MADE by C. Flanagan; SECONDED by D. Ranaudo; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
MOTION to Close the Public Hearing for “Otter Cove Estates” for property located at 11 Crest Road, Map 63/Lot 50; MADE by J. Esty; SECONDED by D. Ranaudo; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
MOTION to approve “Otter Cove Estates” Application for Resubdivision of Land and CSPR at 11 Crest Road, Map 63/Lot 50; MADE by J. Esty; SECONDED by D. Ranaudo; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
VI. REFERRALS
A. “BJM Pumps” Special Exception for Warehouse Bldg. – 8,030 s.f. (2.09 ac.)
119 Spencer Plain Road, (Map 46/Lots 4-1, 4-2 & 4-3),~Gateway Business B-4 District
Applicant: OSCT, LLC Agent: Joe Wren, P.E.
ACTION:~Review and report to Zoning Commission for 8/9/2011 Public Hearing.
Joe Wren, Engineer, represents the Applicant for the application to the Zoning Commission Special Exception and Coastal Site Plan for Structures in a Gateway Zone. Mr. Wren explained that with approval of the Modification of Subdivision by the Planning Commission the proposed building will now be in compliance with the Zoning Regulation setback requirements. A variance was obtained from the ZBA to allow a less than 50 foot setback from the property line. The distance from the street to the property line is 27 feet and a 50 foot setback would put the building more than 75 feet from the street and reducing the trucks turn around space. There will be 2 loading bays with expected truck traffic of 4 incoming trucks per month and 4-10 outgoing trucks per day.
MOTION to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for the Special Exception application for “BJM Pumps” 119 Spencer Plain Road Map 46/Lots 4-1, 4-2, & 4-3 as it is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development for the Town of Old Saybrook; MADE by C. Flanagan; SECONDED by R. Missel; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
B. “Pite” Spec’l Exception & CSP for structure(s) in Gateway Zone–
7,247 s.f. (1.44 ac.)
193 Ayers Point Road, (Map 63/Lot 68),~Residence AA-1 District, GC & CM Zones
Applicant: William Pite, Owner Agent: Joe Wren, P.E.
ACTION:~Review and report to Zoning Commission for 8/9/2011 Public Hearing.
Joe Wren, Engineer for the Applicant presented the plans for a Special Exception and Coastal Site Plan for a proposed structure in the Gateway Zone which was referred by the Zoning Commission. Mr. Wren explained that the Applicant will be adding more coverage and gross floor area to the property. There is currently 1 house, 1 barn, an in-ground pool, 1 shed, and a 1 bed room guest residence on the 1.44 acre property. The Applicant is proposing to add another barn, keeping with the same style as the existing buildings, for the storage of vehicles. The new driveway will use crushed stone. The Gateway Commission has provided a favorable review. Ms. Nelson asked about the location of existing trees and the visibility from the CT River. Mr. Wren responded that the Applicant is
planning to relocate 5 to 6 of the trees in order to construct the barn and that the remaining trees are very large and will make it difficult to see the barn from the CT River.
MOTION to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for the Special Exception & Coastal Site Plan application for “Pite” 193 Ayers Point Road Map 63/Lot 68 as it is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development for the Town of Old Saybrook; MADE by R. Missel; SECONDED by D. Ranaudo; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
C. “The Castle” Spec’l Ex. for Two-family Dwelling, CSP & Preservation Review
16,464 s.f. (1.09 ac.)
12 Billow Road (Map 1/Lot 82-4),~Residence A District, CM Zone
Applicant: W. Wayne Rand, Owner Agent: Rowena Moffett, Esq.
ACTION:~Review and report to Zoning Commission for 8/9/2011 Public Hearing.
D. Ranaudo recused himself from this application and left the room.
Ms. Nelson gave background on the historic Old Saybrook home and explained why any changes made to the exterior of this landmark must come before the Planning Commission for review. Attorney Rowena Moffett represents the Applicant for the request to convert this one family residence into 2 separate units with separate deeds, separate owners and shared common areas. The 2 residences will be approximately 10,404 sf. and 6,500 sf., respectively. Attorney Moffett explained that a 440 sf. garage will be added to the 6,500 sf. unit along with at deck and balcony off the 1st floor kitchen with views of the water. The addition meets all zoning requirements and the revisions to the septic have approved by CRAHD and there are no adverse impacts found in the Coastal Site Plan Review.
Attorney Moffett feels this project meets the Planning and Conservation with respect to Cultural and Historical Resources Goals - Preserve unique historical resources that help focus attention on Old Saybrook’s historic past. Continue to promote the historical and cultural resources of the community and to build support for local historic preservation efforts. Policy- Continue to assure that development activity involving historic sites incorporates design and landscaping features in keeping with the historical nature of the site. Encourage developers to build structures that are consistent with the small-town New England character and style. Initiate and support activities that educate the public on the importance of aesthetics, artifacts, local history, and culture, and their impact on quality of life in Old Saybrook, thereby cultivating pride and the desire to protect our historical and architectural heritage. Attorney Moffett is not
aware of any restrictions in The Cornfield Point Association with regards to converting a single family residence to a 2 family residence.
MOTION to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for the Special Exception, Coastal Site Plan and Preservation Review “The Castle” 12 Billow Road Map 1/Lot 82-4 as it is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development for the Town of Old Saybrook as stated above; MADE by C. Flanagan; SECONDED by R. Missel; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 3-0-0.
Donald Ranaudo rejoined the meeting
D. “Grossman” Mod. of Spec’l Ex. for Automobile Sales & Service
295-300 Middlesex Tpke (Map 52 / Lot 63-1), ~Gateway Business B-4 District
Applicant: Jon Grossman, Owner Agent: David Annino, L.S.
ACTION:Review and report to Zoning Commission for 8/9/2011 Public Hearing.
David Annino, Surveyor is representing the applicant for a Modification of Special Exception for Automobile Sales and Service is seeking a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for an addition to an existing building. Mr. Annino explained to the Commission that the Applicant is proposing an additional 3,500 sq. ft. which will include a drive up and a detail area. The application is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development with respect to Economic Development Goals: Retention of existing business…in the Auto Complex.
MOTION to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for the Modification of Special Exception for “Grossman” 295-300 Middlesex Turnpike, Map 52/Lot 63-1 as it is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development for the Town of Old Saybrook as stated above; MADE by C. Flanagan; SECONDED by D. Ranaudo; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 3-0-0.
E. “Fees” Chapter 118 of the Town Code
ACTION:~Review and report to Board of Selectmen.
Fee Schedule draft proposed increases for 2011.
The commission members reviewed the draft Planning Commission fees and found them to be acceptable.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 10:07 PM until the next regular meeting scheduled for August 17, 2011 at the Town Hall 1st Floor Conference Room, 302 Main Street Old Saybrook, CT; MADE by D. Ranaudo; SECONDED by R. Missel; NO DISCUSSION. VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Flanagan, J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joanne Rynecki, Planning Clerk
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