OLD LYME PLANNING COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING/PUBLIC HEARING
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2012
PRESENT WERE: Harold Thompson, Steven Ross, Chris Kerr, Stephen Martino, and Rob McCarthy.
Steven Ross made a motion to amend the agenda to place Item 3 on the agenda before Item 2. Stephen Martino seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING
SUBDIVISION – BGP DEVELOPERS - QUESTA BUILDERS – 5-1 DAVIS ROAD
Bob Doane, Professional Engineer and Licensed Land Surveyor was present on behalf of Questa Builders. He stated the proposal is to subdivide a 12.67 acre parcel on the north side of Davis Road and create two lots. The front of the property runs across the northern end of Davis Road and that portion of the property is located in the C-30S zone and is already developed with a commercial building. He stated the proposal is to develop the residential portion of the property into a single family lot consisting of 11.4 acres of which 4.5 acres will be open space in the form of a conservation easement.
Doane stated soil testing has been done on the property to demonstrate the MABL as well as suitable areas for a sanitary system. He noted there is an existing emergency access on the site to Talcott Farms.
Doane stated he was aware the public hearing would be continued to allow him the opportunity to address the comments in Ann Brown’s memo dated August 2, 2012. Harold Thompson read a letter into the record from Diana Atwood Johnson dated July 13, 2012 indicating that the Open Space Commission agreed that this was a favorable outcome for the Open Space. Groves also noted that the Health Department had issued an approval.
Ross asked what was proposed for the driveway surface. Doane indicated it would be a paved surface with underground utilities.
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Questions from the Audience:
William Kelly – 8 River Bend Road – Mr. Kelly asked Mr. Giannotti if he had ever resolved the issue at his prior residence on Catbriar Road. Mr. Giannotti indicated the issue had been resolved.
Claudia Kelly – 8 River Bend Road – Mrs. Kelly expressed concern about potential blasting at the site. Mr. Giannotti stated he did not think any blasting would be necessary for the house and pool site. He further stated blasting may be required down below in order to put the utility trench in. Mr. Giannotti invited the Kelly’s to visit the site.
Harold Thompson made a motion to continue the Public Hearing until the regularly scheduled meeting in September. Steven Ross seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF WOODCREST DRIVE
Thompson stated the commission received invoices today from the work that has been done at the site. He stated the work included guard rail repair, cleaning of the catch basins as well clearing of the sight line. Thompson noted that the commission also received a letter from Attorney Cassella dated August 2, 2012 indicating he has reviewed the legal documents provided by Attorney William Nulsen and they appear to be in good order. Cassella also noted in his letter that he would recommend that the Commission vote to refer the acceptance of Wood Crest Drive to the Board of Selectmen upon the following conditions: 1) maintenance items have been certified as completed by Mr. Metcalf; 2) legal documents have been fully approved by counsel and executed copies are on file at the Land Use Office; 3) all review fees
and costs are paid by the applicant.
Thompson stated he wanted to discuss the bonding with Mr. Metcalf in regards to retaining an amount for one year after the town’s acceptance of the road. Thompson noted that the roadway has been constructed for over 2 years and appears to be in good shape.
Ross made a motion to recommend the approval of Wood Crest Drive to the Board of Selectmen contingent upon Metcalf’s inspections and the maintenance bond should be released because the road has been completed for at least two years. Stephen Martino seconded the motion.
DISCUSSION:
Thompson expressed concern about releasing the maintenance bond without having the opportunity to discuss the invoices or work completed with Mr. Metcalf.
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Ross amended his motion to include all the conditions outlined in Attorney Cassella’s letter dated August 2, 2012. Stephen Martino seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
ZONING REFERAL – PETITION TO AMEND THE ZONING REGULATIONS TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTING AND OPERATING OF INDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN A LI-80 ZONE.
Chris Kerr recused himself.
Ross stated that he was in favor of anything that increases business in the Town Of Old Lyme and provides opportunities for recreation at no town expense. McCarthy stated that LI-80 zone is an area that is meant for larger facilities.
Steven Ross made a motion that the Planning Commission is in favor of the amendment to the Zoning Regulations to allow constructing and operating of an indoor recreational facility in a Light Industrial District zone. Stephen Martino seconded the motion. The motion passed. 4 In Favor, 0 Against, 1 Abstention.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Groves
Land Use Administrator
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