PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall – 1st Floor Conference Room
302 Main Street
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Janis Esty called the regular meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present
Janis Esty
Robert Missel
David Shearer
Donald Ranaudo
Kathleen Sugland
Michael Urban, seated for Cathryn Flanagan
Members Absent
Cathryn Flanagan
Kenneth Soudan
Staff Present
Christine Nelson, Town Planner
Larry Bonin, Director of Public Works
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
MOTION to approve the minutes of February 20, 2013 as presented; MADE by D. Ranaudo; SECONDED by M. Urban; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, K. Sugland, M. Urban, D. Shearer; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: R. Missel; APPROVED: 5-0-1.
B. Correspondence
None.
- Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
David Shearer reported that the Route 1 Task Force is making progress on their vision for Route 1 East, focusing on the economic perspective.
J. Esty reported for Wetlands that public hearings were held for Max’s Place and Tractor Supply and both applications passed.
Christine Nelson reported that hazus maps are in.
Members voted to change the start time of Planning Commission meetings to 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m.
MOTION to change meeting start time to 7:00 p.m.; MADE by J. Esty; SECONDED by D. Shearer; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel, K. Sugland, M. Urban, D. Shearer; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
IV. REFERRALS
A. “Bridge St. Annex” Spec’l Ex. & Coastal Site Plan for 6 Hotel Rooms – 5,000 s.f. (.32 ac.) 19 Bridge Street (Map 24/Lot 54) Saybrook Point SP-3 District, Gateway Conservation Zone Petitioner: Rosewood, LLC; Agent: David M. Royston, Esq.
Tom McDonald, architect with East Wharf Architects of Madison, CT, was present for the applicant. He explained that the building at 19 Bridge Street is to be converted into a six bedroom facility accessory to the Saybrook Point Inn, and that the Planning Commission is to consider whether to issue a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission. D. Shearer asked if consideration has been given to the pedestrian crossings that will take place to and from 19 Bridge Street. A discussion ensued about the desirability of a crosswalk at the corner of Cove and Bridge Streets, as a safety precaution and to facilitate pedestrian crossings of both staff and guests.
MOTION to issue a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission of the Bridge St. Annex” Spec’l Ex. & Coastal Site Plan for 6 Hotel Rooms – 5,000 s.f. (.32 ac.) 19 Bridge Street (Map 24/Lot 54) Saybrook Point SP-3 District, Gateway Conservation Zone Petitioner: Rosewood, LLC; Agent: David M. Royston, Esq. in that it is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development under Economic Development Policies, “promotion of coastal resource features and maritime commerce” and the Policy, “to promote the Town’s historical, cultural and natural resources, marketing Old Saybrook as a year-round destination for visitors” and~that the Zoning Commission consider creating a crosswalk at the corner of Cove and Bridge Streets to facilitate pedestrian crossing;~ MADE by J. Esty; SECONDED by D. Shearer; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel, K. Sugland, M. Urban, D. Shearer; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
Larry Bonin, Director of Public Works, reviewed base maps of the scenic roads, Ingham Hill and Schoolhouse Road, with commission members, noting where resources have been located along both routes. C. Nelson noted that the Commission is balancing protecting the resources that make the areas scenic while maintaining safe roadways.
A discussion ensued about extending Ingham Hill Road to join with the Essex side.
L. Bonin noted that many improvements were made along Schoolhouse Road in the 1990s, including improved site lines, and that improved guardrails could also be made on Schoolhouse Road.
The feasibility of a walking path leading to Town Park was discussed, as was the possibility of extending the scenic road designation to include Old Post Road. Commissioners also discussed feasibility of implementing a pedestrian access to The Preserve from the street.
The Commission will hold its first informational session at its March 20th meeting at 7:00 P.M in the first floor conference room of the Town Hall.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission which will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., Town Hall, 302 Main Street, 1st Floor Conference Room; MADE by D. Shearer; SECONDED by R. Missel; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Ranaudo, R. Missel, K. Sugland, M. Urban, D. Shearer; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Meryl Tsagronis
Recording Clerk
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