TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK
Zoning Commission
302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741
Telephone (860) 395-3131 FAX (860) 395-1216
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, March 6, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.
Pasbeshauke Pavillion at Saybrook Point Park
155 College Street Extension
I CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Fish called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II ROLL CALL
Attendant Members Absent Members
Madeleine Fish, Chairman P. Stuart, Regular Member
Robert Friedmann, Vice Chairman C. Sohl, Alternate Member
Walter Harris, Secretary
Elizabeth Steffen, Regular Member
Geraldine Lewis, Alternate Member
Kathy Edgar, Alternate Member
Attendant Staff
Christina Costa, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Eric Knapp, Consulting Legal Council
Maura Farbotka, Recording Clerk
Alternate Member G. Lewis will seated for regular member, P. Stuart
III MINUTES
Correction needed on February 21, 2006 minutes under section III, Item A. Should read E. Steffen was reseated.
Correction on Section III, item C. Should read R. Snarski, not Cznarsky, and address should read Briarwood Drive, not Briarcliff Drive.
MOTION to approve the February 21, 2006 minutes as corrected MADE by E. Steffen; SECONDED by W. Harris. No discussion on the motion. VOTING IN FAVOR: M. Fish, R. Friedmann, W. Harris, E. Steffen; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: G. Lewis; APPROVED 4-0-1
Old Saybrook Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes March 6, 2006
IV CORRESPONDENCE
MOTION to approve payment of invoice # 11627, #11624, #11629, #11626, from Branse and Willis, LLC for a total of $812.00 MADE by E. Steffen; SECONDED: by G. Lewis; VOTING IN FAVOR: M. Fish, R. Friedmann, W. Harris, E. Steffen, G. Lewis; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0
V COASTAL SITE PLAN REVIEW
18x36 pool with approximately 750 s.f. patio at grade
414 Main Street, Mapp 22/Lot 15-1, A District
Applicant: Seth Adams
Applicant Seth Adams and Bill Leffingwell of Leffingwell Pools were present.
W. Harris stated he is a neighbor of the applicant, but he did not feel it was necessary to step out.
The applicant and Mr. Leffingwell answered several questions from the commission with regard to the location of the pool, its filter, and the fill. Enforcement Officer Costa stated the plans conform to all regulations. The applicant stated the area of his property was selected because of the location of his septic system. Per the contractor, the dirt will be removed from the site, and siltation will be in place. Fences will surround the patio and pool at a height of 4 feet.
MOTION to approve the Coastal Site Plan Review for a 18 x 36 pool with approximately 750 s.f. patio at grade located at 414 Main Street, Map 22/Lot 15-1 A District, Applicant: Seth Adams; That the project be approved as submitted because it is consistent with all applicable coastal policies and includes all reasonable measures to mitigate adverse impact. MADE by R. Friedmann; SECONDED: G. Lewis; VOTING IN FAVOR: M. Fish, R. Friedmann, W. Harris, E. Steffen, G. Lewis; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0
VI PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A PETITION FOR PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING REGULATIONS OF THE TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK (Cont’d).
“SETBACKS” new Section 8.23 in Business Districts; New Definition, “Pedestrian Node”; Sections 31 (B-1), 32 (B-2), 33 (B-3), and 34 (B-4)- Make all uses Special Exception uses in Pedestrian Nodes.
Petitioner: Max’s Place LLC Agent: Attorney David Royston
Attorney Royston thanked the commission for continuing the Public Hearing from 2/21/06. Attorney Royston stated it was the intent of the applicant at the suggestion of staff, that they should attempt to comply or adopt the Boston Post Road Corridor Study. An application was filed for both Setbacks and Signs, and Max’s Place withdrew its Sign application because they are still working with staff on changes. Attorney Royston pointed out different changes made to this amendment after close reviews by the Architectural Review Board, the Planning Commission, and the Regional Planning Agency. These specific items were incorporated into the amendment
Old Saybrook Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes March 6, 2006
proposed dated January 12, 2006. This revised amendment was reviewed by Attorney Branse, at which time he indicated that it had substantially taken care of the concerns.
Attorney Royston pointed out that the most important aspect of this regulation is that if there is any application for non-residential use involving the Pedestrian Node Zone, it will be by special exception. This requirement increases the level of discretion that the Zoning Commission has in allowing the reduction of setbacks.
Vice Chairman Robert Friedmann raised several questions regarding the amendment, especially involving the B-2 zone.
It was agreed that two changes be implemented on the text amendment.
To change the definition of the Pedestrian node to include property from Boston Post Road to Lynde street, and the B-2 area between the Oyster River and North Main Street.
To change the language in item C, that an uninterrupted bland wall can not exceed 20 feet.
The Zoning Commission instructed staff to change the proposed regulations. The revised text amendment will be continued to the March 20, 2006 Zoning Commission meeting for review.
Commissioner Fish opened the meeting to the public.
After conferring with Attorney Eric Knapp, it was agreed that the public hearing could be closed
MOTION to close Public Hearing MADE: by W. Harris; SECONDED By G. Lewis. No discussion on the motion. VOTING IN FAVOR: M. Fish, R. Friedmann, W. Harris, E. Steffen, G. Lewis; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0
B PETITION TO AMEND SECTION 56 OPEN SPACE SUBDIVISIONS OF THE OLD SAYBROOK ZONING REGULATIONS (Cont’d).
Petitioner: Old Saybrook Conservation Commission
Robert W. Fish, Chairman
Commissioner Fish stepped down fro this public hearing. Vice Chairman Robert Friedmann will take over, and Kathy Edgar will be sitting for M. Fish for this vote.
There was discussion with regard to the authority of the Planning Commission to grant Special Exception. Attorney Eric Knapp indicated it relates only to this hearing, for the granting of special exception for the conservation subdivisions, specifically to include residents in AAA district. There were no questions from the Commission.
Vice Chairman opened the hearing to the public.
Robert Fish, Chairman of the Old Saybrook Conservation Commission concurred with all the statements from Robert Friedmann. It was noted that memos had been received from the Conservation Commission, the Planning commission and Joan Hoelzel of the CT D.E.P., Office of Long Island Sound Programs. All comments were favorable with regard to the application to amend section 56.
Old Saybrook Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes March 6, 2006
MOTION to close public hearing MADE by W. Harris; SECONDED: by E. Steffen; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, W. Harris, E. Steffen, G. Lewis, K. Edgar; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0
MOTION TO APPROVE PETITION TO AMEND SECTION 56 OPEN SPACE SUBDIVISIONS OF THE OLD SAYBROOK ZONING REGULATIONS; Petitioner: Old Saybrook Conservation Commission, Robert Fish, Chairman. MADE by E. Steffen; SECONDED: by W. Harris; no discussion on the motion. VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, W. Harris, E. Steffen, G. Lewis, K. Edgar; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0. To become effective April 10, 2006
M. Fish resumes her seat as Chairperson, and K. Edgar is removed.
Christina Costa turned the meeting to Attorney Eric Knapp, to report on affordable housing. Attorney Knapp stated that there would be an increase from 25 to 30 % of affordable housing units. He suggested that the commission work with and negotiate with the applicant under the existing application, and try to modify the existing stipulated judgment. This has an advantage of not requiring extensive public hearing, and not having to go through another application of the affordable housing act. Attorney Knapp stated that if a new application if filed, the commission would lose discretion, particularly concerning architectural design. Christina Costa stated that the contract purchaser of the project would like to come in and talk to the commission at the next regularly scheduled meeting on March
20, 2006.
VII COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE AND STAFF REPORTS
Enforcement Officer Costa spoke at length about the status of current zoning enforcement matters.
1379 Boston Post Road. Automotive Dealership, looking for a change of ownership.
MOTION to approve the suitability of location of Ibbitson Auto, 1379 Boston Post Road, as suitable for automotive use. MADE by M. Fish, SECONDED: by G. Lewis, VOTING IN FAVOR: M. Fish, R. Friedmann, W. Harris, E. Steffen, G. Lewis; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0
A request by Goldenrods, located at 5 Custom Drive to change from a limited Repair facility to a General Repair facility. This was approved by the ZBA, and this change is necessary to clarify for Liability Insurance.
Old Saybrook Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes March 6, 2006
MOTION to approve the suitability of location for automotive use for Golden Rods, 5 Custom Drive; MADE by R. Friedmann’ SECONDED by W. Harris; No discussion on the motion. VOTING IN FAVOR: M. Fish, R. Friedmann, W. Harris, E. Steffen, G. Lewis; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0
Chris Costa stated owner of Sleepys has requested release of landscaping bond in the amount of $19,400. Commission concerned that growth has not yet been established.
MOTION to with hold landscaping bond in the amount of $19,400 for a minimum of one year, per zoning regulation 63.6. After the one year period, the zoning Commission will consider second year growth as is customary. MADE by E. Steffen; SECONDED: by R. Friedmann; VOTING IN FAVOR: M. Fish, R. Friedmann, W. Harris, E. Steffen, G. Lewis; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0
Suggested by Chris Costa for Zoning Commission to set up workshop tentatively for Tuesday, April 4, 2006.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p.m.
Respectively Submitted,
Maura Farbotka
Recording Clerk
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