MINUTES
Monday, April 16, 2007
2nd Floor Conference Room, Town Hall
302 Main Street
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Friedmann called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., noting the relocation of the meeting due to flooding at the Pasbeshauke Pavilion.
II. ROLL CALL
Attendant Members Absent Members
Robert Friedmann, Chairman Paula Stuart, Regular member Elizabeth Steffen, Vice Chairman Geraldine Lewis, Alternate
Member
Walter Harris, Secretary
Madeleine Fish, Regular Member
Charles Sohl, Alternate Member
Attendant Staff
Chris Costa, ZEO
Maura Farbotka, Recording Clerk
C. Sohl will be seated for Regular Member, Paula Stuart
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Minutes
MOTION to approve the minutes of March 19, 2007 as submitted MADE by E. Steffen; SECONDED: by W. Harris; no discussion on the motion; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, E. Steffen, W. Harris, C. Sohl; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: M. Fish; APPROVED: 4-0-1.
B. Correspondence
MOTION to pay Branse, Willis & Knapp, LLC invoice #15013, for $1493.50, #15009 for $58.00, #15011 for $174.00, #15012 for $319.00, #15019 for $87.00, and #15021for $304.00 MADE: by E. Steffen; SECONDED: by W. Harris; no discussion on the motion; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, E. Steffen, W. Harris, M. Fish, C. Sohl; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0
IV. ANNUAL OUTDOOR SEATING RENEWALS (Cont’d).
ZEO Costa reviewed applications received for outdoor seating renewals:
Cloud Nine, Paesan’s Johnny Ad’s, Subway, Penny Lane Pub, OS Dairy Queen, Monkey Farm, James Gallery, Dunkin Donuts (2 locations), Liv’s, Terra Mar Grille, Bruehwilers, Rosemary and Sage, Café Toscano, and Vanderbrookes.
Clarification is still needed on several of these renewals regarding the # of seats. The Commission asked the ZEO to remind the applicants to make sure that none of the outdoor seating encroaches on the sidewalk, particularly The Penny Lane Pub, and Liv’s Oyster Bar.
Ms. Costa will finalize all applications for the next regularly scheduled Zoning Meeting.
V. DISCUSSION: (Cont’d): Saybrook Point Inn, Bridge Street
Building/Structure Coverage and Proposed Gazebi’s Agent: Jonathan Turley
Jonathan Turley was present for the applicant. He submitted plans and photos to the commission clarifying the remaining square foot numbers, as requested at the 03/19/2007 Zoning Commission Meeting. R. Friedmann noted that this plan does not include the new location of the generator. Mr. Turley explained this would be updated once the generator is moved. It was noted this is an accessory use to the Inn and the Restaurant, not to the Marina. Mr. Turley advised the commission this is a seasonal canvas/cover. The commission and Mr. Turley agreed the canvas will be removed from December 1st until April 1st every season.
MOTION to approve the Saybrook Point Inn Bridge Street alteration of the existing snack bar to a gazebo, the deck level to be the same as the present finished floor level. Gazebo is 6 meter x 6 meter (3 meters in height), by the patio facing the river. With the stipulation that the awning material (canvas cover) will not be in place from December 1st through April 1st each season. MADE by R. Friedmann; SECONDED: by E. Steffen; no discussion on the motion; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, E. Steffen, W. Harris, M. Fish, C. Sohl; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
VI. DISCUSSION: Between the Bridges Marina, Ferry Road
Proposed seasonal restaurant Agent: Maggie Gallagher
Maggie Gallagher and Attorney William Childress were present. Ms. Gallagher explained this is the first step which is tied into an overall plan to update the marina. Ms. Gallagher presented the commission with a full description of the proposed restaurant (The Back Porch), including the seating, parking, and menu plans. The restaurant would include 150 interior and 50 exterior seats.
The commission confirmed that the proposed parking spaces and seating meet all zoning regulations.
Discussion was held between the Commission and Attorney Childress as to whether or not a special exception application is required. Attorney Childress felt this should be considered a use to use situation, and should be handled administratively. Noting the previous 2 tenants (The Martini Bar, Ebb Tide), he stated the restaurant use was never abandoned. The restaurant would occupy approximately 4021 of the total 9,000 s.f. space. Attorney Childress read from the June 6, 2005 Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes, relating to this same property. At this meeting, the Commission made a motion to consider the application a use to use, and to handle administratively.
Ms. Gallagher advised the commission she is currently meeting with architects and hopes to have tentative plans for the update to the marina by January/February of 2008. The Chairman checked with ZEO Costa, and she has no concerns with this plan.
MOTION that the plan can be considered a use to use, (reference: June 6, 2005 ZC minutes), and be handled administratively; with parking requirements remaining the same as in the 2005 proposal; MADE: by W. Harris; SECONDED: by E. Steffen; no discussion on the motion; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, E. Steffen, W. Harris, M. Fish, C. Sohl; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
VII. PUBLIC HEARING:
Application for Modification to Special Exception Use Permit #04-009
Sal’s Pizza & Pasta, c/o Michael Fava –CZC # 07-034
29 Spencer Plains Road, Map 25/Lots 24-1, 24-2, B-4 District
Change existing 2nd floor use of restaurant accessory use/business office
Employee space to kitchen/food prep area and dining space
Agent: Robert Mangino, architect
Mr. Robert Mangino, architect for the project reviewed the changes for the commission. The second floor use would be used as a food prep and employee space only. Mr. Mangino also discussed the location of the dumpster, providing the commission with a plan. The dumpster will be located by the kitchen/loading area. It complies with the 10 foot side yard setback. The dumpster will be in an enclosed, screened area. Initially, the plan for the 2nd floor was to have this be extra dining space. Parking was increased to reflect this change. Although it is not necessary with the revised plans, the applicant is keeping the additional 10 parking spaces. Chairman Friedmann opened the hearing to the public. No comments.
MOTION to close public hearing MADE: by M. Fish; SECONDED: by W. Harris; no discussion on the motion; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, E. Steffen, W. Harris, M. Fish, C. Sohl; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to approve the MODIFICATION TO SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE PERMIT #04-009, Sal’s Pizza & Pasta, c/o Michael Fava –CZC # 07-034, 29 Spencer Plains Road, Map 25/Lots 24-1, 24-2, B-4 District; with the following conditions:
1. To change the existing 2nd floor to food preparation and employee space (no customer dining) 2. The added ten parking spaces will be retained, along with the relocation of the handicapped space 3. The location of the dumpster will be added to the plans and 4. The dumpster will only be opened when loading and unloading; MADE: by E. Steffen; SECONDED: by R. Friedmann; no discussion on the motion; VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, E. Steffen, W. Harris, M. Fish, C. Sohl; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS:
A. CHAIRMAN’S DISCUSSION (Cont’d): Zoning Commission List of
Priorities for Possible Amendments to the Zoning Regulations
The Commission discussed at length possible amendments to the Zoning Regulations.
IX. COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVE & STAFF REPORTS
-Sandpiper Inn going to ARB for façade renovation; no change to building
-Cal Calderella/Eden Harbor, looking to change age restriction.
-G. Bessoni property @90 Ingham Hill Road; Chris Costa discussed Hazmat list; Commission requested he come to ZC meeting to discuss.
-Discussion held w/ regard to proposed business on property adjacent to John Deere.
-ZEO Costa gave review of current ZBA issues.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Friedmann adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Monday, May 7, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pasbeshauke Pavilion at Saybrook Point Park, 155 College Street Extension.
Respectively submitted:
Maura Farbotka, Recording Clerk
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