MINUTES
OLD LYME PLANNING COMMISSION
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013
PRESENT WERE: Harold Thompson, Robert McCarthy, Chris Kerr, Stephen Martino and Alternate Don Willis seated for Steven Ross.
PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION – 43-1 HATCHETTS HILL ROAD – ONE LOT SUBDIVISION
Peter Gardner, of Dieter & Gardner was present to discuss the proposal with the commission. Mr. Gardner stated the parcel is located in the LI-80 zone and is approximately 21 acres. He noted the proposal is to divide the parcel into one additional lot. He noted the property currently has one building on the site (Teleaid Industries) which is owned by Bill Siega, Siega Enterprises, LLC.
He noted there have been test holes done on the site and the property has plenty of frontage on Hatchetts Hill Road. He stated the current access to the property is off of Charles Street. He stated the existing building would contain 7.7 acres and the newly created lot would be approximately 13.5 acres.
Robert McCarthy suggested the Fire Department be contacted because of the length of hose that would be needed to reach the site. He suggested they may want to create possible access from the fire pond.
The commission agreed to forward a set of plans to Tom Metcalf, Consulting Engineer and Mr. Gardner would be in touch with Mr. Metcalf as to whether the existing 24 ft. wide roadway approximately 650 ft in length would be sufficient access to an additional site.
CGS – SECTION 8-24 – MUNICIPAL REFERRAL – ROGERS LAKE DAM
Selectwomen Reemsnyder gave the commission a brief overview of the proposal. She noted the town is working with Nathan Jacobsen Associates Engineering Firm. She stated one of the issues that held the project up was the fish ladder. She stated when the dam is completed a fish ladder will be installed with a gate that can be opened and closed depending on the season. She stated the DEEP encouraged the town to include the fish ladder during the planning process. She stated the plans are complete and the DEEP has issued a tentative approval for the project. She stated the next step will be to go out to bid.
Thompson asked if Army Corps retained jurisdiction on the project. Reemsynder stated that they have decided it is out of their jurisdiction.
Thompson asked what time of year the project would be under construction. She stated the project would begin sometime after July 1, 2013 but probably August to September. She noted that they have to do it at a certain time of the year because of fish species. Thompson asked about an emergency spillway. Reemsnyer stated she thought the plans included provisions for this issue.
The commission agreed this was a project that needed to be done. Chris Kerr made a motion to recommend the approval of this project. Stephen Martino seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CGS – SECTION 8-24 – MUNICIPAL REFERRAL – SOUNDVIEW IMPROVEMENT
Reemsnyder distributed a booklet that provided the commission with an overview of the project. She stated for years there have been comments and concerns about this area and a desire to generate a plan that will initiate long term improvements to the Soundview Area. She noted several studies have been prepared and that most have been rejected. She stated one of the challenges facing Sound View has been the need for permanent public restrooms making the area more desirable to the residents of Old Lyme as well as out of town visitors.
She stated the proposal is to install permanent restroom facilities, a picnic area, improved landscaping and parking for 44 spaces creates a park like atmosphere with walkways. Kiosks would be used for parking which would reduce labor costs and this proposal would also include a bike path from I-95 down Route 156 to Hartford Avenue. She stated this is Alternative Transportation. She noted the original cost estimate for the project was $660,000.00. She stated the town has received a DOT Enhancement Grant as a priority project which will pay 80% of the cost.
She stated the first step would be to go out for an RFP/QBS (Quality Base Selection) to choose an engineering firm to work with the town to do the final design and specs on the project. She stated the anticipated cost of the engineering work is around $65,000 to $70,000.00. She stated once a firm is selected and the costs are understood a town meeting would be held to get the entire amount approved. She said the town would then be reimbursed for 80 percent of that cost of the design and specs. Once this process is completed the town would then get an estimated cost of the construction and a 2nd town meeting would be held to approve the construction cost in which we would also receive 80 percent. She further stated these are Federal Transportation Funds that are secured and cannot be taken
away.
Thompson asked about security at the restrooms. Reemsnyder stated they are considering the installation of cameras. Pappalardo stated they felt they are starting to see a culture change in the area which may lesson some of the security concerns. He also stated they what is proposed is more of a family oriented park which will encourage families to come to the area. He also noted they have put security into their operating budget.
Reemsnyder stated that both the Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen have endorsed the project.
Robert McCarthy made a motion to recommend the approval of the Soundview Improvement Design Project. Stephen Martino seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
APPOINTMENT TO LOWER CT. RIVER VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
This item was tabled until the March meeting.
READING AND APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER MEETING MINUTES.
Harold Thompson made a motion to waive the reading and approve the minutes as submitted. Robert McCarthy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Groves
Land Use Administrator
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