Monday, July 21, 2008
Pasbeshauke Pavilion, 7:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting
I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chairman Madeleine Fish called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Attendant Members Absent Members
Madeleine Fish, Vice Chairman Robert Friedman, Chairman
Paula Stuart, Regular Member Walter Harris, Secretary
Geraldine Lewis, Alternate Member Carl Garbe, Regular Member
Charlie Sohl, Alternate Member
John Duhig, Alternate Member
Attendant Staff
Christina Costa, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Eric Knapp, Legal Counsel
Maura Farbotka, Recording Clerk
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. MINUTES
MOTION to approve the minutes of the June 16, 2008 meeting as presented; MADE: by P. Stuart; SECONDED: G. Lewis; no discussion on the motion; VOTING IN FAVOR: M. Fish, P. Stuart, G. Lewis, C. Sohl, J. Duhig; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
B. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence includes a letter from Fairfield Residential, and the Zoning Commission monthly budget. The remainder will be covered under Staff Reports.
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IV. NEW BUSINESS:
A. SITE PLAN REVIEW: (DZC 08-119): Vin Baker Off-street Parking Lot (pre-
viously approved 5-15-06- (CZC 06-095) – Essex Road, Map 58/Lot 134-1, B-2
district. Agent: Attorney Stephen Sheehan
Attorney Sheehan discussed the plans for off-street parking with the commission. All changes comply with the May 2006 approval. Each of the changes was reviewed, and include;
-A six foot chain link fence along the highway (as per the recommendation of the DOT).
-The eastern most parking space removed.
-Addition of one tree, and other landscaping.
-Addition of a 5 foot sidewalk
-Striping/crosswalk added as per recommendation by the traffic engineer.
Attorney Sheehan noted these plans make the parking area, currently being used much brighter, safer and easier to use.
ZEO Costa requested the high sea grass on the property be cut down on a regular basis due to vehicle site line issues, and the A-Frame sign be removed.
MOTION to approve the Vin Baker Off-street parking Lot, Essex Road, Map 58/Lot 134-1, B-2 District; MADE: by P. Stuart; SECONDED: by G. Lewis; VOTING IN FAVOR: M. Fish, P. Stuart, G. Lewis, C. Sohl, J. Duhig; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
B. DISCUSSION: Saybrook Commons project
North Main Street, Map 39/Lot 9; Map 40/Lots 3m ^-1, B-2 District
Per request of Andrew Montelli, FAIRFIELD RESIDENTIAL
Andy Montelli, a partner in Fairfield Residential reviewed the previously approved plans with the commission. He advised that recently the owner of the neighboring Executive Suites Motel contacted David Mack stating he was interested in selling his property. Mr. Montelli presented the commission with some aerial photographs showing some plans he has put together for possibilities with this added property from Executive Suites.
The plan would include two additional residential buildings. It would add 48 units, for a total of 234. Fourteen or fifteen would be additional affordable units per C.G.S. 8-30g.
Mr. Montelli reviewed images which detailed the two additional buildings. He indicated on the plan a pedestrian retail plaza, made of decorative pavers which included pavilions to possibly be used as retail rentals. This area would also act as an egress to the property site.
Eric Knapp confirmed that this access would be in lieu of the previously proposed Burger King access. Mr. Montelli stated access would have to follow recommendations from the police and fire departments. He emphasized this is a plan which should emphasize the possible addition of housing units. He notes this would require additional DEP/WPCA approval.
Discussion held if this would be considered a new application, or be considered part of the previously approved application. Mr. Montelli confirmed the existing Executive Suites Motel would be removed.
Attorney Knapp advised the commission of basically three options.
-Make this and the previously approved plans an entirely new application.
-Include only this new proposal as a new application.
-Include this new proposal as part of the previously approved stipulated judgment.
Mr. Montelli stated in new of this “retail plaza area” the area could be more green space/ landscaping.
Discussion held with the commission who agreed they are interested in hearing more about the plans, but definitely need more time and information to review. The Commission did not make a determination if the application was a new application or not.
V. WORKSHOP DISCUSSION
ZONING REGULATIONS REWRITE: Revisit 2003 workshops on business district
Uses
The Commission reviewed at length the rewrites on business district zoning regulations. ZEO Costa and the commission reviewed and clarified some of the changes.
VI. COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVE & STAFF REPORTS
-Review of 2nd year growth landscape bond for Beach Babies, Boston Post Road.
MOTION to approve the return of the $5000.00 landscaping bond for second year growth; MADE: by M. Fish; SECONDED: by G. Lewis; VOTING IN FAVOR: M. Fish, P. Stuart, G. Lewis, C. Sohl, J. Duhig; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0
-ZEO Costa updated the commission with the ongoing neighbor disputes and zoning violations on Vincent Avenue.
-ZEO Costa noted closing comments were being heard Tuesday, July 22, 2008 in Superior Court in the matter of the OSZC v. David and Betsey Sams for violations on 7 Rivers Edge Road. Eric Knapp will be in attendance.
-Dirt, LLC; Spencer Plains Road. ZEO Costa advised this is going to trial on July 30th. ZEO will update at the next zoning commission meeting.
- Stark Properties matter, 175-5 Elm Street has been resolved.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chairman Fish adjourned at 9:15 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Monday, August 4, 2008 at the Pasbeshauke Pavilion at Saybrook Point Park, 155 College Street Extension, at 7:30 p.m.
Respectively submitted,
Maura Farbotka
Recording Clerk
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