MINUTES
OLD LYME PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
Present were: Harold Thompson, Rob McCarthy, Steven Ross, Chris Kerr, Edgar Butcher and Alternates Don Willis and Barbara Gaudio.
Chairman Thompson called the meeting to order at 5:07 p.m.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE OLD LYME ZONING REGULATIONS – ADDITION TO SECTION 3 DEFINITIONS: “SCHOOL”.
Thompson stated the commission received the referral dated July 27, 2015 from the Chairman of the Zoning Commission. Thompson stated the background information he received is that the Zoning Commission is concerned that people can loosely define school and it can be located in many areas of town. Therefore the petition is to add the following definition to Section 3 of the Old Lyme Zoning Regulations and renumber accordingly. Thompson read the definition into the record. “School – Any structure, the use of which meets State licensing requirements for accredited primary, secondary or college instruction and education. Such school may be public or private and is a permitted structure and use in all zoning districts.”
Chris Kerr expressed concern that the regulation would become too restrictive and perhaps limit in home instructions.
The commission discussed some of the history and felt the regulation was created as a result of one issue in town.
Ross stated he agreed with Mark Branse’s comments permitting it in all zones. He further stated he felt we were using a baseball bat to swat a fly. He said this is a form of spot zoning and a reaction to create a definition because of a single situation that has arisen.
Gaudio stated she felt if we are going to the point that yoga is going to be a school, it may create problems for a lot of people teaching in a home business that could be categorized as a school.
McCarthy stated he felt that it was creating a regulation that was just not necessary.
Thompson stated basically the commission is in agreement that the definition is too narrow and restrictive.
Steven Ross made a motion that we respond to the Zoning Commission that the Planning Commission feels that this definition is too restrictive and unnecessary and recommend no change. Chris Kerr seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
RECOMMENDATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF THE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXTENSION OF BLACKWELL LANE
Thompson stated the commission received a letter from Thomas E. Metcalf dated May 25, 2015 recommending the retention of $2,383.00 which is 10 percent of the original construction cost estimate. He stated this will serve as the Maintenance Bond in accordance with Section 60 C.3 of the Design and Construction Standards. He stated this bond should remain in effect for one year after the formal acceptance of the road by the Town.
Steven Ross made a motion that the Planning Commission recommends to the Board of Selectmen that Blackwell Lane be accepted as a town road contingent upon Tom Metcalf’s letter dated May 25, 2015 and verification that the road was constructed as designed. Chris Kerr seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Subsequent to the meeting, Mr. Metcalf verified that the road has been constructed in accordance with Town Standards.
PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION TO THE IMPROVEMENTS OF 56 AND 58 HARTFORD AVENUE – FRANK NOE AND BILL RANDAZZO.
Frank Noe (owner of 58 Hartford Avenue known as the Kittyland or Arcade) and Bill Randazzo (owner of 52 and 56 Hartford Avenue which is the old El Morroco).
Noe stated he was present to get an insight of the Planning Commission’s opinion and thoughts for improvements to Hartford Avenue. He further stated he was seeking the Planning Commission’s support on proposing some changes to the zoning regulations with regard to the Sound View Village District (SVVD). He stated at this point the current zoning regulations have restrictions that would limit any proposed improvements to Hartford Avenue. He circulated photographs and pictures of other beach communities. Noe stated he would like to see Hartford Avenue resemble other beach communities like Watch Hill, Mystic and Essex.
Noe stated he started with the Planning Commission in hopes of developing a vision prior to drafting regulations.
Bill Randazzo also discussed the limitations because of the flood zone regulations. He noted between the properties they each owned it provided the potential to improve and entire town block.
Steven Ross stated he has felt and stated for many years the Zoning Commission has not gone far enough in making changes to the regulations in the Sound View Village District so that viable residential or commercial enterprises could be built there and the results of that is quite evident. He stated over the years nothing has really changed except for a few facades. He stated it is quite obvious that major changes need to be made in the regulations in order to be able to accommodate any kind of viable buildings on your properties. He said it is great that you are here because they are the most blighted properties on Hartford Avenue. Ross stated he felt it would be beneficial to come to back to any of the commissions with some solid recommendations for what changes you see as necessary that you feel are
potentially acceptable so there is something specific to discuss.
Randazzo stated he just wanted to know what the Planning Commission’s vision was for Hartford Avenue. Did they see sewers coming to the area because that will dictate what can be put there. Randazzo stated he would like to know what the Planning Commission would like to see for improvements at Hartford Avenue if there are not sewers and if there are sewers.
He stated he did not want to invest a lot of money in designs that the town did not support.
Ross stated the key to this is changing zoning regulations not Planning’s vision. Noe stated that he was seeking the input of the Planning Commission as to how they saw this development fitting into the Plan of Conservation and Development.
Thompson stated the Plan of Conservation and Development already states that the commission supports improvements to the Sound View area but the point is before any plan can go forward in that area the zoning regulations have to be amended to support proposed building removal, remodeling and new construction along Hartford Avenue.
Randazzo stated they offered to knock down all the buildings on the current properties down and plant grass for now with the agreement the present zoning stays in place until they are ready to do build . He noted that proposal was denied so unfortunately the dilapidated buildings have to remain until they are able to move forward with construction.
OTHER REPORTS
Thompson stated there will be a Joint Land Use Meeting on Monday, September 14, 2015 that the public is invited to attend at the Regional Training Institute Auditorium, Camp Niantic, Smith Street, East Lyme from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information visit the projects website at www.stonesranchjlus.com or contact Gary Goeschel.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Groves
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