OLD LYME PLANNING COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012
PRESENT WERE: Harold Thompson, Chris Kerr, Steve Ross, Stephen Martino. Alternate Don Willis was seated for Robert McCarthy.
Chairman Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
SUBDIVISION – BGP DEVELOPERS, LLC – 5- 1 DAVIS ROAD.
Chairman Thompson explained that the hearing would not move forward this evening due to the fact that the applicant did not provide proper notification to the adjacent property owners. The applicant asked if the Commission would consider holding a Special Meeting in August.
AMEND THE AGENDA
Harold Thompson made a motion to amend the agenda to add an item to consider holding a Special Meeting in August for 5-1 Davis Road. Stephen Martino seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
OLD LYME LAND TRUST GRANT APPLICATION CORRESPONDENCE
Thompson noted that the commission received a copy of the correspondence. Thompson stated the Old Lyme Land Trust is applying for a grant under the 2012 Open Space and Watershed Acquisition Program in order to acquire land at 29-1 Hatchetts Hill Road. He stated the parcel consists of 44.17 acres. The commission oriented themselves as to the location of the parcel.
Thompson stated the Land Trust wrote a letter for the Planning Commission to sign endorsing the acquisition.
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OLPC – July Meeting
Thompson also stated as part of the overall Plan of Conservation and Development the commission does support the acquisition of Open Space.
Chris Kerr stated he did not feel it was a desirable piece. He felt there were more desirable tracts of land. He further stated he did not feel the property would support many homes and felt its location was not great and it was not contiguous to any other open space. He also expressed concern that in the future it would have an impact on the further development of anything located in the industrial zone. Don Willis also concurred with Mr. Kerr.
Steve Ross stated he also concurred with Mr. Kerr’s comments but his primary objection is to spend money and resources to protect a parcel that doesn’t need protection because the very nature of it protects it. Therefore, he stated while we support all the goals and objectives of the Old Lyme Land Trust he thinks they should be directed toward a different parcel.
Steve Ross made a motion to send correspondence to the Old Lyme Land Trust indicating that the Planning Commission enthusiastically supports the goals and objectives however we feel they should be directed at a parcel other than this one that we feel would have potential better than this one as open space and would need protection since we feel this one have very little development potential. Don Willis seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
WOOD CREST ESTATES – ACCEPTANCE OF A TOWN ROAD
Thompson noted that the commission received a letter dated July 6, 2012 from Attorney William J. Nulsen on behalf of Wood Crest Estates and Kenwood, LLC requesting that the Town of Old Lyme accept Woodcrest Road as a public road and release any bond which may currently exist in regard to said road. He said the commission also received a letter from Attorney Cassella in response to the correspondence.
Thompson stated that Attorney Cassella’s letter indicates there are still some outstanding issues that need to be resolved. He stated a couple of the items discussed were the decorative stone walls along the entrance and the maintenance responsibility of the guardrails. Discussion ensued.
Don Willis also suggested the developer looking into Weathered MBR (Metal Beam Rail). He said it is brown and looks old and rustic.
It was determined that further discussion with Attorney Cassella is required. The commission tabled this to their next meeting.
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OLPC – July Meeting
BIRK – ORIGINAL DIVISION – 459 SHORE ROAD – REQUEST TO POST A BOND IN LIEU OF CONDITION OF APPROVAL.
Thompson stated the commission received a letter from Kimberly and Carleton Birk concerning 459 Shore Road dated July 9, 2012. Thompson stated the commission reviewed this Original Division prepared by Angus McDonald and Gary Sharpe and Associates. He stated one of the conditions of approval was verification a new septic system was installed or the existing system was located and working.
Thompson explained the current system does not comply and must be replaced. The applicant is asking if the Planning Commission would accept a $10,000.00 bond for the installation of a new septic system. This would allow for the mylars to be signed and recorded on the land records allowing the transfer of ownership. He stated this would then enable the property owner to secure a construction loan to install the system.
Steve Ross made a motion to approve the request of the applicant to post a $10,000.00 cash bond in lieu of the condition of approval. Chris Kerr seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
SPECIAL MEETING IN AUGUST
Thompson stated he would like to accommodate the applicant at 5-1 Davis Road rather than have them wait until September. Discussion ensued.
Chris Kerr made a motion to schedule a Special Meeting in August. Steve Ross seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
READING AND APPROVAL OF THE JUNE MINUTES
Steve Ross made a motion to waive the reading and approve the minutes as submitted.
Don Willis seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Groves
Land Use Administrator
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