OLD LYME PLANNING COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING/WORKSHOP
THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2012
PRESENT WERE: Robert McCarthy, Todd Machnik, Stephen Martino, Steve Ross and Chris Kerr. Also present were Tom Metcalf, P.E. and Attorney Ed Cassella.
Vice Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
DISCUSSION OF SECTION 5.5.7 AND OTHER PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE OLD LYME SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
Rob McCarthy stated that the commission members had received revised Subdivision Regulations as well as the Town of Haddam’s Road Standards.
Mr. Ross asked why the commission received the Town of Haddam’s Standards. Metcalf explained that at the commission’s last meeting the road ordinance was discussed and there was a consensus that it’s obsolete and needs to be updated. Metcalf stated that after reviewing the document he determined it really needs a complete rewrite. Therefore, Metcalf stated after doing some research he determined that similar regulations were being used in many of the neighboring towns which were created by Jeff Jacobsen. Metcalf stated he contacted Mr. Jacobsen and he stated that several years ago the Town of Coventry was in a similar situation as Old Lyme and Jacobsen drafted a new ordinance. Metcalf further stated that Jacobsen has used this document as a base and then made changes to suit
the individual town’s needs.
Metcalf stated to draft regulations from scratch would be very expensive. Therefore, he suggested that the commission meet with Mr. Jacobsen and perhaps form a subcommittee which would include the Selectmen to go through it and cross out what is not applicable to Old Lyme and what might be added.
The commission also discussed whether the Subdivision Regulations and Design Standards should be done in tandem since there are many items that are in direct conflict with one another in the documents.
Cassella discussed some of the big picture items with the commission such as private streets, and road acceptance. Cassella went on to explain that due to new legislation towns are now prohibited from requiring a one year maintenance bonds.
Page 2 – June 7, 2012
Planning Commission – Workshop
Ross suggested the process be simplified. Cassella stated the simple way to do it is to not allow the sale of any lots until the improvements are completed. Therefore the regulations would eliminate the right to post the bond in lieu of doing the work. Cassella provide text changes with regard to bonding.
The commission further discussed and reviewed some of the proposed changes outlined by Tom Metcalf. Tom Metcalf agreed to make the final text changes and provide revised copies to the members prior to the July meeting.
No actions were taken.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Groves
Land Use Administrator
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