Sound View Commission
Meeting Minutes — Unapproved
23rd May, 2011
Shoreline Community Center, 7.30 pm
Present: Frank Pappalardo (Chair), Joann Reis Lishing, Michaelle Pearson (Secretary), Russ Carlo (Alternate), Frank Maratta (Alternate)
Absent: Harry Plaut, Joseph Camean (Alternate), David Kelsey
Also present: Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder, ex officio
7.40p Meeting called to order at pm by Frank Pappalardo (Chair).
7.40 Alternates Russ Carlo and Frank Maratta appointed in place of Harry Plaut and David Kelsey.
Chairman Pappalardo moved to approve minutes of 4/25/11. Seconded by Joann Lishing. Approved.
Joann Lishing moved to amend tonight’s agenda to hear from Claude Brouillard, the owner of several Hartford Avenue properties, regarding his proposed development plans. Seconded by Russ Carlo. Approved.
Claude Brouillard introduced his comprehensive plan of development to renovate the sites as housing and storefront retail, which he had presented to the Town several years ago. He stated his desire to move forward with the property as soon as possible. Mr. Pappalardo asked Mr. Brouillard to refresh the Commission’s memory regarding what was actually proposed several years ago. According to Mr. Brouillard, the initial plan was: El Morocco would be 3 housing units plus retail in front. El Morocco parking lot/ Arcade would be 6 units of condos, 2 story 2 br townhouses. Save the façades of historic buildings. Mr. Brouillard stated that the town wanted a mix of residential and commercial uses, but that he would rather see the street be residential. He then presented a new, alternative plan, based on existing SVVD zoning which would
take the existing block including parking lot, El Morocco, the Single Family house in back and up to the Arcade. All would be torn down and seven single-family houses would be built on seven building lots. Easiest thing would be to demolish arcade and everything else, and build 7 nice houses on 7 building lots. Mr. Brouillard stated that the Arcade building is structurally strong but doesn’t look good. Would be simpler to demolish it and replace with residences. He emphasized that there was nothing in the current Zoning to prevent him from tearing down these properties immediately and replacing them with residences. Ms. Pearson expressed concern that there was no guarantee that the properties would be rebuilt, leaving Hartford Avenue a swath of empty lots, which might then exacerbate the illegal parking problem. Mr. Pappalardo expressed concerns about assisting local businesses, and possibly saving at least the façade of the historic O’Connor’s/Dance Hall
building.
Mr. Carlo stated that he was very interested in seeing those buildings torn down, that it would be easier to sell seven lots, and that it would immediately change the area for the better overnight.
8.15pm Public Comment: Dee and Jerry Vowles, owners of the Carousel Shop said that as local business owners they favored residential development, as it would “bring life to the street”. Mrs. Vowles stated that if we really want to help businesses, what is needed are real bathroom facilities with running water.
Mr. Pappalardo suggested that perhaps the arcade/dancehall could be purchased for use as a bathhouse, etc., and that this possibility should be discussed with the Selectmen and various other entities in Town, as well as with residents. Mr. Brouillard stated that he was open to such a possibility but that it would have to happen soon, as he wants to move on these properties ASAP. Mr. Pappalardo asked the Commission to schedule a Special meeting to discuss this issue. Discussion ensued, meeting set for 13th June, at 7.30 pm at the Shoreline Community Center.
8.24: Zoning Enforcement Update
Follow-up on the Commission’s Letter to Ann Brown, asking her to enforce several zoning issues in the Sound View area. Mr. Pappalardo said he called Ms. Brown several times and finally received a response. She told Mr. Pappalardo that she has taken a ride up and down Rte 156 and noticed a number of signs that did not conform. She will enforce these. Also property stored outside and excessive litter on the sidewalks/streets, particularly in front of commercial establishments. Ms. Brown clarified that per Zoning, there may only be one unregistered motor vehicle per lot. Regarding external spotlights or other nuisance issues, Ms. Brown stated that if we send her a specific picture and location, she will act.
Ms. Brown told Mr. Pappalardo that illegal parking lots fall under the purview of the Police Department under ordinance 161-8. Mr. Pappalardo stated that he subsequently spoke to the Police, and they said that parking is a Zoning issue. Mr. Pappalardo said that he will ask the Selectmen to clarify the issue. Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that this could be an issue for the Town Attorney to resolve so that there can be some accountability.
8.35. There was some discussion regarding construction specs for parking lots. Frank Maratta wants to pave his lot and there are runoff issues. Further discussion regarding traffic patterns and when road closures might take effect. Mr. Pappalardo stated that Police and emergency management staff can close roads whenever there is an issue of public safety.
8.47 Commission’s Letter to Area Residents. Ms. Lishing moved to accept letter with grammatical corrections. Seconded by Mr. Carlo. Motion passed.
8.53 Trash Cans: Mr. Pappalardo stated that he tried to get in touch with Ed Adanti at Public Works re: additional trash cans. Other PW issues include Alley maintenance and rehabilitation of the Bocce courts, which are a disaster. Some residents wanted to rebuild to correct specs. Could PW get involved there?
9.02 Meeting agenda for June: bullet point list of goals and objectives, including Hartford Ave construction issues.
9.06 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) manual. Tabled until Harry Plaut can be present. Chairman Pappalardo asked Commissioners to think about what points need to be addressed in an SOP manual. Ms. Lishing stated that we should get a copy of the Town’s Emergency Plan from Dave Roberge.
Selectwoman Reemsnyder suggested that there should be a stack of Town Reports available for residents to pick up at the Shoreline Community Center. Ms. Pearson volunteered to pick some up in time for the next meeting.
9.10 Key goals for 2011. Tabled until after the meeting w/residents.
9.15 Mr. Maratta stated that there should be a subcommittee to plan events to bring people to the area. Mr. Pappalardo spoke about a possible Jazz and Chowder event in September. Selectwoman Reemsnyder suggested that it could possibly take place the same weekend as the education run.
9:31 pm: Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Carlo, seconded by Ms. Lishing. Meeting adjourned.
Special Meeting to discuss Hartford Avenue development. June 13, 7.30 pm Shoreline Community Center.
Next regular meeting: 27th June, 2011 at 7.30 pm, Shoreline Community Center.
Respectfully submitted,
M. Pearson
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