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I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Friedmann called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Attendant Members Absent Members
Robert Friedmann, Chairman Carl C. Garbe
Madeleine B. Fish, Vice Chairman David M. Shearer
Geraldine M. Lewis, Secretary
Charles E. Sohl
John T. Talbott (seated for C. Garbe)
Attendant Staff
Christina Costa, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Eric Knapp, Counsel
Sarah H. Lyons, Zoning Clerk
III.REGULAR BUSINESS
A. MINUTES
A letter dated May 12, 2011 was received from the Secretary of the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management informing of the re-designation of Mid-State and Connecticut River Estuary Planning Regions into one new planning region to be known as the Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region.
There was discussion regarding a column by Rick Green of the Hartford Courant which featured the Ferry Crossing project at 45 Ferry Road.
IV. PUBLIC HEARING
- APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE
Application for Special Exception Use/ Coastal Site Plan to construct 25,000 s.f. retail building, 3,910 s.f. retail/office/bank building, and 1,500 s.f. retail building. 1657-1687 Boston Post Road, Map 25, Lots 21 and 22, Gateway B-4 District, Coastal Management Zone, Pedestrian Node.
Applicant: Colvest Old Saybrook, LLC Agent: Peter LaPointe
Edward Cassella presented a Site Plan Review Comments Response, dated May 23, 2011 from the Colvest Group, revised plans dated May 24, 2011, a revised Statement of Use, dated May 24, 2011 and several other documents. Edward Cassella, and Peter LaPointe, along with Stephanie Fuss, Stuart Fairbanks, and Tom Harned addressed the comments and concerns from TPA Design Group, Purcell Associates, Nathan L. Jacobson & Associates, and the Land Use Department.
Of note were discussions concerning tree species along the street, on-site lighting structure; the possibility of a bikeway, deliveries, possible reserve parking, the feasibility of burying overhead power lines, and stonework on the wall and buildings.
The public hearing was opened to the public for comment. Ms. Lori Grader, a property owner at Jensen Properties, stated that she was happy with the fencing which will extend beyond her property. She expressed her preference to maintain her side of the fence.
MOTION to Close Public Hearing MADE: by G. Lewis , SECONDED: by C. Sohl. VOTING IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, M. Fish, G. Lewis, C. Sohl, and J. Talbott OPPOSED: None, ABSTAINING: None, APPROVED: 5-0-0
COMMISSION BEGAN DELIBERATIONS
The Commission reviewed updated approvals and suggestions from the Land Use Department, TPA Design Group, Purcell Associates, the Fire Marshal, the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, and Jacobson & Associates
Chairman Friedmann inquired whether the setback for a 25,047 s.f. store to 10’ from the right of way was compatible with the Commission’s intent for the Spencer Plains Road pedestrian node or if the standard 50’ setback should apply. He expressed concerns about the bulk of the building. The Commission had consensus on the following:
- The sidewalk plan was sufficient; however the applicant will verify the stamp pattern prior to construction of the sidewalks with the Land Use Department staff.
- 20% Reserve parking, in the northwest corner. The Commission discussed placing 16 spaces in reserve and the possibility of including the 7 compact spaces by the bank.
- A sign pointing to the compact car spaces in the northwest corner. The seven spaces north of the bank should be marked “compact car parking” on the wheel stops. A sign on the building adjacent to the four compact spaces.
- There should be no bollards.
- The bank/retail signs need ARB and ZC sign approvals and there will be no A-frame signs.
- Any speaker on an ATM machine, or teller device should have minimal volume so as not to be heard over the property line.
- All signs in the right of way and sidewalks should be approved by the DOT.
- There should be no “OLD SAYBROOK” letters on the stone wall.
- There should be street numbers on the front of all buildings.
MOTION to adjourn the deliberations of the public hearing to the next Special Meeting on TUESDAY, June 14, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. at Old Saybrook Town Hall - First Floor Conference Room, 302 Main Street; MADE by R. Friedmann; SECONDED by C. Sohl; VOTED IN FAVOR: R. Friedmann, M. Fish, G. Lewis, C. Sohl, and J. Talbott OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
- COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVE & STAFF REPORTS
- At the 5-18-2011 Town Meeting, the Aquifer Protection Agency was formally transferred from the Zoning Commission to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. Christina Costa will remain the APA agent until the Town’s Environmental Planner completes certification class.
- ZEO informed that FEMA is conducting a Flood Study and is in the process of making new flood maps. Drafts will be available by the end of the summer with the final, approved maps available by the summer of 2012.
- FOGO restaurant submitted its request for outdoor seating, which was approved by the Commission.
Chairman Friedmann adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m. until the next Special Meeting to be held on June 14, 2011 at the Old Saybrook Town Hall First Floor conference room, 302 Main Street at 7:30.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sarah H. Lyons
Zoning Commission Clerk
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