ROUTE 1 TASK FORCE
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Second Floor Conference Room
Old Saybrook Town Hall
302 Main Street
- CALL TO ORDER: The Chairman called the meeting called to order at 5:40 p.m.
- ROLL CALL
Members present: David Shearer (chair), Kacey Constable, Torrance Downes, Kristen Roberts
Members absent: Tony Lyons, Jim Keating, Barbara D’Agostino
Guest: David Royston, Esq.
Staff: Christine Nelson, Town Planner
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Minutes: Motion by T. Downes to approve 2/26/13 Rte 1 Task Force minutes. Motion seconded by K. Constable. Voting in favor: Shearer, Constable, Downes, Roberts. Minutes were approved 4-0-0 without further discussion.
IV. WORKSHOP
A. Economics
Christine distributed final draft of Bartram & Cochran report.
B. Zoning
Torrance described the concept of a “Floating Zone Overlay”, drawing a distinction between “legislative” zoning decisions and administrative “zoning” decisions. Torrance invited David Royston to address the group. Mr. Royston represents several of the larger land owners in the subject area along Boston Post Road East including Elizabeth Halsey, Frank Heineman, Lab Realty (owned by Alan Hull), James Gardella, and, over the years, Dr. Silberstein’s widow, who is owner of Gladeview. Royston says his clients take great interest in the activities of this committee. Their primary concern is that we not deprive them of economic & development opportunities on their properties. Any zoning changes are of
great concern and interest.
C. Transportation
Discussion about Tony Lyon’s memo of March 25 regarding the Transportation Element:
Rotaries/Roundabouts:
- Intersection of 154 & Boston Post Road: Regardless of the obstacles, it was agreed that a rotary here should be included as a recommendation for future consideration, but not pursued as a priority at this time. If and when such a rotary or roundabout is built, it should also be the site of public sculpture as part of the entrance to Saybrook theme.
- Intersection of Main & Boston Post Road: perhaps too complex to retrofit a rotary here, BUT is also an “F” rated intersection. Some form of drastic improvement must be implemented as 800 new train station parking spaces will access the lot primarily from this intersection.
- Intersection of Stage & Boston Post Road: Currently a traffic light w/ “F” rating.
Bike Lanes: One multi-use bike/pedestrian lane needed. Should be on the EAST side of the Post Road, all the way from head of Main, over railroad bridge, continuing on Boston Post Road East. Lyons proposal indicates termination of the bike lane on Route 1 East at Springbrook Road. Members asked why not extend all the way around through the marina are and back toward the Floral Park area? Agreed that it should be separated from the road bed. Kacey presented a drawing showing 10’ wide multi-use lane separated from main road by a grass and tree buffer. Key is to get the bike path over the RR bridge safely and attractively.
RR Bridge: Kacey pointed out that passage over this bridge provides the first real views of the town of Old Saybrook and therefore should be considered the visual gateway into Old Saybrook. She proposed that the future rotary at 154/Boston Post Road intersection be enhanced with proper wayfinding signage and public art. The RR bridge “gateway” should also be enhanced with public art (sculptural pieces) at all four corners of the bridge, and with ample room (on the east side) for bikers/pedestrians to transit in and out of Old Saybrook safely.
Next Meeting - Tony Lyons will discuss the remainder of his transit report.
C. Building Pattern & Landscaping
Next meeting - Kacey & Barbara will present architecture/landscape architecture elements.
D. Marketing
Kristen Roberts was asked to present a marketing plan for the new zone. She will meet with Christine Nelson to develop these ideas and present them to the Task Force at our next meeting.
Christine Nelson distributed copies of the DRAFT committee final report - the purpose of which is to let us know the format, some of the proposed content - both text and graphics.
Motion to adjourn the meeting to 4/23/2013 at 5:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the Town Hall, 302 Main Street; made at 7:15 p.m. by T. Downes and seconded by K. Constable; Voting in favor: Shearer, Constable, Downes, Roberts. Passed: 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Kacey Constable
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