REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Hall – 1st Floor Conference Room
302 Main Street
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Chairman Janis Esty called the meeting to order at 7:05pm.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present
Janis Esty
Daniel Walden
Kenneth Soudan, seated for Robert Missel
Michael Urban, seated for Cathryn Flanagan
Members Absent
Robert Missel
Cathryn Flanagan
Kathleen Sugland
David Shearer
Staff Present
Christine Nelson, Town Planner
Meryl Tsagronis, Recording Clerk
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Minutes
MOTION to approve the minutes of June 18, 2014 as presented; MADE: by K. Soudan; SECONDED: by D. Walden; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Walden, K. Soudan, M. Urban; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED:
4-0-0.
B. Correspondence
None
C. Committee, Representative & Staff Reports
Ken Soudan acknowledged the passing of Linda Krauss, executive director of the Lower CT River Valley Council of Governments. He read her obituary and recognized her work and the contributions she has made.
Town Planner Christine Nelson announced the town has received a $1 million grant for improvements to North Main street, which will be used in part for sidewalks, streetscapes, improved street parking, benches, and street lights.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
Proposed section of the Town Plan of Conservation & Development “Mariner’s Way: A Vision to Improve the Route 1 East Corridor between Saybrook Junction town center and Ferry Point marina district”
MOTION to reconsider the motion previously made at the last meeting to close the public hearing of Mariner’s Way as a notice for a public hearing was inadvertently advertised as continuing to this date, and to reopen the hearing for Proposed section of the Town Plan of Conservation & Development “Mariner’s Way”. MADE: by J. Esty; SECONDED: by M. Urban VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Walden, K. Soudan, M. Urban; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
J. Esty reopened the public hearing at 7:15pm.
Jim Keating of Cornfield Point, Old Saybrook, and a member of the Economic Development Commission, encouraged adoption of the plan, stating that the area most in need of being brought up to the level of the rest of the town was the area identified as Mariner’s Way. He added that the Economic Development Commission fully supports the Plan.
Eleanor Laplace commented about the lack of manufacturing in town and would like to see the town concentrate on good paying jobs.
Andrea Isaacs, owner of Cloud Nine asked if the plan accounts for the closing of exit 68. J. Esty responded that the Commission is planning for either outcome, the closing of the exit or its continued use.
Bob Antoniac stated his concern about the pollution in the area.
Andrea Isaacs asked what happens if businesses don’t move in. C. Nelson explained that the plan calls for public and private investment and revitalization, to make it inviting for developers.
Gail Antoniac asked what happens to those existing businesses that are a blight on the town? C. Nelson responded that the idea is to attract new development, to set the tone for businesses to upgrade, that the town take the lead for both existing businesses and those looking to invest.
A resident of Coulter Street observed the lack of good paying jobs, and wondered if youth will be able to afford this new development. M. Urban replied that the Plan of Conservation & Development addresses the future shape of the town, as well as affordable housing.
Another resident of Old Saybrook asked how do we know a hotel can be viable and not become the type of hotel we have now? M. Urban stated that a hotel is not specifically planned, that it is one of many ideas, that Mariner’s Way provides a general plan.
Bob Antoniac asked if there is a specific plan for how development will unfold. J. Esty responded that there is not, that this is a broad concept plan and that implementation will likely not occur for some time.
John Decristoforo, on behalf of the Economic Development Commission reiterated that this is a plan, that it’s hard to attract hard or soft manufacturing to this area. He believes this framework is needed, for the town to incorporate this into its Plan of Conservation & Development.
Eleanor Laplace added that according to the research she has done young people want to live 15 minutes from their work. She encourages the Commission to talk to young people and get their views.
MOTION to close the public hearing of the Proposed section of the Town Plan of Conservation & Development “Mariner’s Way”, MADE: by M. Urban; SECONDED: by K. Soudan; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Walden, K. Soudan, M. Urban. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
MOTION to move discussion of Mariner’s Way to after discussion of Eastpointe; MADE: by D. Walden; SECONDED: by M. Urban; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, D. Walden, K. Soudan, M. Urban; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
“Eastpointe” Incentive Housing Development – 186 units (10.78 ac.) 7 North Main Street (Map 40 /Lots 5 & 6-1 and Map 39 / Lot 9) Shopping Ctr. Bus. B-2 District, Ped. Node, Incentive Hsg. IH Zone (Multi-Family MF Subzone) Applicant: Eastpointe, LLC., contract purchaser Agent: Edward M. Cassella, Esq.
Attorney Edward Cassella, representing Eastpointe, LLC, explained the proposed development. Also present were Bill Finger, Bruce Reinheimer, and Bryan Robik.
E. Cassella explained that one of the major issues when Eastpointe first brought forth this proposal was with Zoning and a question of density—there is a minimum number of units required per acre, and the developer now meets that requirement. Under the Incentive Housing Zone there is a minimum of building units that are required per acre, so they were able to decrease the acreage and reduce the number of units to 186.
DOT has taken 3.6 acres to construct a parking lot along the rail tracks for use by rail commuters. That leaves 10.78 acres for the proposed development.
He added that they have addressed concerns about impact to the cemetery and that the development will have no impact on it, and in addition, buffers are proposed to prevent impact on the cemetery in case of remains outside the cemetery. They took the added step of using ground-penetrating radar to review the area and nothing of significance was found. He stated the applicant is here today for Incentive Housing site plan approval. E. Cassella referred to the Memorandum of July 16, 2014, which states the reasons why the site plan is consistent with the Town Plan of Conservation & Development. He also stated that the buildings meet the allowable height of 38ft and that 20% of units will be deemed affordable.
Bruce Reinheimer, landscape architect, with BHR reviewed landscape plans. Some key points:
- a 10 ft buffer will remain
- the Southern end will have an emergency access road with stabilizing material that will support heavy emergency equipment
- 186 units in 8 buildings, with 24 units per building on average; 3 stories with max height of 38’ above existing grade
- Green space for recreation, pool, grilling station, provision for bike loaner station.
- NW corner will have an onsite sewage treatment plant that is below grade
- One story parking garages
- Drainage will be underground, infiltrated
Regarding landscaping, the property contains maple and oak. He addressed concerns about what will be seen from the street. They hope to save the 60’ trees along the property line. They will try to retain the indigenous trees and add similar species. He stated they have addressed the landscaping in an aggressive way, aiming to do a great job by proposing 2 - 3 times the required minimum amount.
B. Reinheimer clarified that residents will be able to walk down the emergency road; that the evergreens will be white spruce, colorado spruce, and norway spruce. He has plans for an understory layer of shrubs, such as viburnum.
K. Soudan reiterated his overall concern that the buildings blend well with the environment and landscape.
Regarding storage, E. Cassella said that Eastpointe did their research and multi family units in the area do not have storage. There will be bike storage. There will be natural gas, and CNG says they have capacity.
J. Esty asked for clarification about the statement of use regarding green, open space. There is proposed 1.65 acres.
B. Reinheimer talked about pedestrian circulation, noting there will be sidewalks that make the walk contiguous, with a connection put in place to the rail station.
It was also stated that: 300 or so residents are predicted to live there; there will be 339 parking spaces; a management company will be on site as well as a full time maintenance person.
J. Esty read into the record the July 16, 2014 Memorandum from Eastpointe LLC regarding “Consistency with the Plan of Conservation and Development”. She found the proposal to be consistent with the Town Plan of Conservation and Development with regard to:
Residential Development Goals
- Provide sufficient opportunity for creation of housing alternatives to the typical high-cost single family house in order to:
- Accommodate the elderly in a safe and convenient environment
- Enable young persons to continue to both live and work in town
Affordable and Attainable Housing
Encourage developers of residential projects that create diversity in housing type, size, and cost. In particular, support efforts of non-profit housing organizations to construct and operate housing for low- and moderate-income families in a manner that does not jeopardize the health and safety of residents, or conflict with public interests, the sewer density issue, or the zone.
MOTION to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for “Eastpointe” Incentive Housing Development – 186 units (10.78 ac.) 7 North Main Street (Map 40 /Lots 5 & 6-1 and Map 39 / Lot 9) as it is consistent with the Town Plan of Conservation and Development, MADE: by J. Esty; SECONDED: by M. Urban; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, M. Urban, D. Walden, K. Soudan; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED:
4-0-0.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Discussion of Mariner’s Way resumed: Proposed section of the Town Plan of Conservation & Development “Mariner’s Way: A Vision to Improve the Route 1 East Corridor between Saybrook Junction town center and Ferry Point marina district”
C. Nelson introduced Susan Beckman, director of Economic Development. S. Beckman had submitted comments on wording, language, and formatting on the Mariner’ Way Plan, which C. Nelson has incorporated. Some of those comments were reviewed by Commission members.
MOTION to approve and adopt the Proposed section of the Town Plan of Conservation & Development “Mariner’s Way: A Vision to Improve the Route 1 East Corridor between Saybrook Junction town center and Ferry Point marina district” as part of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development effective August 1, 2014; MADE: by D. Walden SECONDED: by M. Urban; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, M. Urban, D. Walden, K. Soudan; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
MOTION to amend the motion directly above to approve and adopt the Proposed section of the Town Plan of Conservation & Development “Mariner’s Way: A Vision to Improve the Route 1 East Corridor between Saybrook Junction town center and Ferry Point marina district” as part of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development effective August 1, 2014 and to include corrections and additions made by staff; MADE: by D. Walden; SECONDED: by M. Urban; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, M. Urban, D. Walden, K. Soudan; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:24 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission on August 6, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., 302 Main Street, Town Hall, 1st Floor Conference Room; MADE: by D. Walden SECONDED: by M. Urban; VOTED IN FAVOR: J. Esty, M. Urban, D. Walden, K. Soudan; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED:
4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Meryl Tsagronis
Recording Clerk
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