MINUTES
OLD LYME PLANNING COMMISSION
DECEMBER 12, 2013
PRESENT WERE: Harold Thompson, Steven Ross, Edgar Butcher, Chris Kerr and Alternates Todd Machnik and Don Willis. Also present were Attorney Ed Cassella, Tom Metcalf, P.E. and Jeremy DeCarli.
Chairman Thompson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
DISCUSSION UPDATING SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
The commission reviewed the latest changes incorporated into the proposed rewrite of the Old Lyme Subdivision Regulations. The commission discussed in detail some of the discretionary items in Section 5 of the Subdivision Design and Construction Standards. The commission agreed to review the draft document and incorporate any comments and changes at the January meeting. A public hearing will be held in February.
Robert McCarthy will be seated for the remainder of the meeting.
NATURAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN – JEREMY DECARLI
Jeremy DeCarli was present to discuss with the commission what they would like their role to be in plan process. Thompson asked how the neighboring towns had handled their involvement in the process. DeCarli stated some towns had chosen to not be involved and others created a sub-committee. He said it has really been a town to town decision.
Todd Machnik stated he had reviewed the document and felt it was mostly a narrative of facts that doesn’t have a whole lot to do with the Planning Commission. He further stated there needs to be something in place to assist people in the FEMA process.
Discussion ensued.
Steven Ross made a motion that the Planning Commission recommend to the Board of Selectmen that they establish a town wide committee (including various land use boards and emergency management) to work with the Lower Ct. River Valley Council of Governments to update the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. Chris Kerr seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The Planning Commission also stated that they consider the plan to be important to the town because of the Federal Funding.
Page 2 – Planning
December 12, 2013
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE OLD LYME ZONING REGULATIONS
CHANGE TO SECTION 14.5.1 – SPACING OF HOUSE OF WORSHIP OR SCHOOL FOR SALE OF BEER SHALL NOT APPLY TO ESTABLISHMENTS HAVING A GROCERY STORE
Harold Thompson stated this proposal concerns a property that is located on the Shore Road. He noted this establishment is located close to what use to be Christ the King’s summer church and noted it was still currently a house of worship. He stated currently the sale of beer is not permitted within 200 feet or less radius from a property containing a House of Worship or School building. The proposal is that the spacing requirements shall not apply to a grocery store for the sale of beer only. He noted the definition of grocery store is not currently defined in the Old Lyme Zoning Regulations. He also explained that the Liquor Control Licensing Board has a number of definitions of what is considered a grocery store, convenience store, etc. Chris Kerr stated he felt it
was important to define “grocery store”. He further stated he felt there was only one real grocery store in town. Ross stated you can buy groceries at the convenience store.
Ross made a motion that the commission has no objection to the referral of Section 14.5.1. Chris Kerr seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CHANGE TO SECTION 5.12.3 – LIGHT INDUSTRIAL LI-80 DISTRICT – SPECIAL PERMIT USES, PER SECTION 13B TO INCLUDE – “GOVERNMENTAL SERVICE BUILDING.”
Thompson stated this change is proposed because the existing town garage is not permitted in the LI-80 zone. Chris Kerr noted the town is currently proposing an expansion and noted a Lot Line Modification will also be required.
Chris Kerr made a motion to allow government buildings in the LI-80 zone. Steven Ross seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
SUBDIVISION OF LAND OF DAVID BLACKBURN, BLACKWELL LANE – REQUEST FOR 90 DAY EXTENSION.
Robert McCarthy made a motion to grant the 90 day extension for filing of the molars. Steven Ross seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Page 3 – Minutes
December 12, 2013
RESIGNATION OF STEVEN ROSS FROM THE LOWER CT. RIVER VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
This is to notify you that Steven Ross has resigned as a representative from Old Lyme to the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments. Harold Thompson will remain our representative and will attend meetings when appropriate.
We will monitor the agendas and determine if any topics are of interest to the Town of Old Lyme so we can send a representative to that meeting.
The Old Lyme Planning Commission updated its Plan of Conservation and Development recently. We use this Plan in guiding our deliberations and do not feel we have the resources to participate in the regional POCD project.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Chris Kerr made a motion to reinstate the existing slate of officers.
Discussion: There were no additional nominations from the floor.
Robert McCarthy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
READING AND APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER MINUTES
Steve Ross made a motion to waive the reading and approve the minutes as submitted. Chris Kerr seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Sincerely,
Kim Groves
Land Use Administrator
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