Sound View Commission
Meeting Minutes — Unapproved
26th January, 2016
7.30 pm
Town Hall Meeting Room
Present: Frank Pappalardo (Chair), David Kelsey, Joann Reis Lishing, Michaelle Pearson, Frank Maratta (Alternate) Sandra Ziemba (alternate)
Also Present: Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal
Absent: Harry Plaut (excused)
7.30 pm Call to Order: Meeting called to order by Chairman Frank Pappalardo.
Sandra Ziemba appointed for the absent Harry Plaut.
Approval of Oct 5th Minutes: Joann Lishing motioned to approve the October minutes. David Kelsey seconded. All in favor. Motion carried.
Correspondence: Chairman Pappalardo sent a letter to the Zoning Board advising them of the Commission’s position on Dimitri Tolchinski’s proposed renovation of his existing business property into a deli.
Election of Officers: Joann Lishing nominated Frank Pappalardo as Chairman. David Kelsey seconded. All in favor. Motion carried.
Joann Lishing nominated Michaelle Pearson for Secretary, Sandra Ziemba seconded. Ms. Pearson abstained; All in favor. Motion carried.
7.32pm Old Business
Presentation on Sound View being recognized as a Historic District
Doug Royalty from the State of Connecticut Office of Historic Preservation spoke to the Commission about the possibility of having Sound View recognized as a Historic District. He explained that while there are many identified historic areas on the Register featuring classic churches and Georgian architecture, there is little in the way of preserving an intact, cottage-style beach community. Sound View has a very rich history, having been founded in 1892, which may make it the oldest public beach in America. It also has ties to historic figures such as Ella Grasso.
Mr. Royalty is a Grant Coordinator in the Office of Historic Preservation. He explained that there is money available under a Hurricane Sandy grant program for historic preservation. We would not have to apply for this grant, the money has already been allocated, and his office has identified Sound View Beach as meriting a listing in the National Register as a Historic District.
R. Christopher Goodwin & Associates will perform this work at no cost to the town.
After Hurricane Sandy, Congress allocated funds for historic preservation. Connecticut received $8 million. In 2013, The Connecticut Office of Historic Preservation put together a program to provide grant funding for historic properties that were damaged in the storm. This also includes allocation of resources for documentation, archaeology projects, and nominations to the National Register. Lindsay Hanna is the Project Manager. The objective is to document Connecticut’s historic resources so we’ll be prepared for the next storm. There was overwhelming consensus that Sound View is a historic, underrepresented resource.
Mr. Royalty explained how the National Register program works:
The National Register is an official, federal list of sites, structures and objects worthy of historic preservation. It is basically an honor roll. There are no restrictions for property owners, who are free to do as they like with their property. Listing is meant to encourage people to preserve the resources we have and that we find significant. The benefits go beyond the positive identification of living or doing business in a historic district, there is also increased potential for obtaining Federal and State grants. This program helps to fix the inefficiency of the grant program for historic property. There’s also a tax credit program. Historic homeowners also receive a tax credit of 30% on qualified rehab work, if you are in a designated property. There are also credits available for people who have
income-producing properties. Developers who rehab buildings may receive significant tax benefits. Its not a regulatory program. There are no restrictions. The process is that consultants come in and survey the area to come up with boundaries of the historic district, then pursue recognition status for the area.
Frank Maratta asked if by being recognized as a historic district could there be any advantage with flood insurance?
Mr. Royalty said that a historic designation wouldn’t have an effect either way on flood insurance.
Frank Pappalardo asked for a further explanation of the process. Mr. Royalty stated that his office had made a predetermination of eligibility for Sound View. A survey team would come and take photos of buildings and the streetscape from the public way. Then the office undertakes research work to determine the historic points of the area. With this information, they will then produce a National Register designation explaining the historic significance of the property/ district. Further presentation and meeting with the Board of Selectmen, then a Public Meeting is held 60 days in advance of the State Review Board’s review of the nomination allowing for comment. Until such time as the completion of comments and Board of Selectman approval no listing action will be taken by the State. The State Review Board
meets quarterly, in March, June and November. Then the National Park Service performs a final review. The timeline for completion would be within this calendar year.
Michaelle Pearson spoke of the book she and her husband had written about the history of the area (Rumrunners, Governors, Beachcombers and Socialists) published by the Old Lyme Historical Society. She offered to give Mr. Royalty a copy to assist with his research, since it details the history of many people and locations pertaining to Sound View. Mr Royalty thanked her and said that he was very familiar with the book, having spent much time reading it at the library while researching the preliminaries for this project.
Ms. Pearson thanked Mr. Royalty for his interest in the Sound View area, and for presenting to the Commission. She then made a motion to escalate this proposal for consideration to the Board of Selectmen with the Commission’s full support. Joann Lishing seconded. All in favor.
8 pm Request from Dr. Bassam Awwa, owner, and Kayla LeDuc, operator, for Outdoor Seating & Business Street Parking at 37 Hartford Avenue (formerly Figs & Olives) for a new deli/ market. Presented by Lenny Corto, Jr.
Lenny Corto, Jr. explained that he and Ms. LeDuc would like to manage a deli and market in the former Figs & Olives space, which is owned by Dr. Awwa. Mr. Corto made a request for seating and business parking spots near the location. Mr. Corto said stated that the Cool Moose is not opening this year, so perhaps some of the business parking could be shifted to reflect the new business at the north end of Hartford Avenue. He would like to have a business spot in front of the building, where the traffic “hash marks” are now.
Frank Maratta said it would certainly be nice to have some life at that end of the street.
Frank Pappalardo stated that while he’s not in favor of removing the hash marks in front of the building, as they are part of the turning radius on that tight corner, but thought we could shift 5 business spots to the north end of the street near the Community Center to accommodate the new business.
Mr. Corto also requested six tables on the narrow sidewalk on Bocce Lane, and six tables out front on Hartford Avenue.
Joann Lishing said she was not in favor of tables on Bocce lane as it is a very narrow street with heavy two-way traffic in summer.
Frank Pappalardo added that considering that an A-2 survey had not been provided, the side property line and street right of way are not clearly defined. In any case, there is not enough of a setback to safely have tables there, especially with the sidewalk being so close to the street. On the other hand, at the front of the building, there appears to be room for the tables. Mr. Pappalardo said he had spoken to the ZEO on this who also had concerns about the side tables. After the redesign of Hartford Avenue (under the bikeway grant), we could revisit the side tables.
Mr. Pappalardo said he had two recommendations for the front of the property: He would like to see some sort of fence or barrier that would clearly define where the private property is vs. the town-owned property, to ensure that there is no town liability issue. Also due to the proximity of residents, Mr. Pappalardo suggested that the hours of operation should be considered.
Mr. Corto stated that he primarily intended the business to be a breakfast and lunch service. We would open early, say 7am, and close early. We’re not planning to serve dinner. It was agreed by Mr. Corto that the hours of operation would likely be between 7am and 7pm, with closing not later than 9pm.
Sandy Ziemba motioned to send a letter to Keith Rosenfeld (ZEO) and the Board of Selectmen stating the Commission’s suggestions with regard to this property: to shift 5 parking spaces, and allow up to 6 tables in the front area only, with fencing and limited hours of operation. David Kelsey seconded. All in favor.
8.16pm: Sugar Shack Special Permit Parking Application referred by Zoning for comment.
Lenny Corto, Jr., spoke about this request. The property is owned by Keith Grills, and managed by Mr. Corto, Jr. There are currently 8 parking spaces allocated to this property, accessible from Alley #2, for staff parking. Mr. Corto is requesting an additional 8 spaces for customer parking, which would be accessed via a new curb cut on Hartford Avenue. This plan would also reduce the outdoor seating area.
Mr. Pappalardo pointed out that they were requesting curb cut, which is directlty in conflict with the street street design. There is a fire hydrant there which would be situated right on the curb cut corner. There will also be a bumpout and catch basin there. The property in question has always been and is permitted as a walk-up restaurant. The parking was supposed to be for employees, not patrons. The curb cut is a nonstarter. In the SVVD guidelines there are several issues we need to look at. SVVD generally encourages design that promotes pedestrian access, fits with area characteristics, does not cause additional traffic congestion concerns and maintains quality of life for residents.
Ms. Pearson said this would be a different use, as it would add a driveway and car traffic to a former pedestrian/ outdoor dining area. The restaurant has always been a walkup model, and to introduce a driveway with cars and traffic through the dining area is against the principles of the SVVD stated goals, and indeed changes the use from a walkup restaurant to a drive-in restaurant.
Mr. Pappalardo added that there are already several business spaces on Hartford Avenue that serve this business, as well as public metered parking. This is not harmonious with the seaside community vision and inhibits pedestrian traffic.
Frank Maratta asked if there might be some compromise? Joann Lishing said she couldn’t see one, as the business has always been a walk-up restaurant and the curb cut would put car traffic across a pedestrian area.
David Kelsey stated that this is private property, but it needs to comport with the ethos of SVVD as well as the plan. Frank Pappalardo pointed out that this request doesn’t comport with the plan. The SVVD encourages pedestrian access. This plan does not meet the criteria of the SVVD special permit, and we can’t have an additional curb cut. This is a significant change of use from a picnic area to a parking lot.
Joann Lishing expressed concern that there are also residences which sit right on Alley #2.
Mr. Corto said they would like to change the access from the Alley to the new driveway. He said that Keith Grills’ concern was that the business might be impacted by any further reduction in beach parking.
Mr. Pappalardo and Ms. Lishing pointed out that the business pre-dated the Town lot by many years, and had always been successful as a walkup restaurant. This plan is a significant change of use. It looks like you would take over 60% of existing seating and replace it with parking.
Michaelle Pearson asked if that lot had been cited for illegal parking last summer. Mr. Pappalardo said that it had been given a Cease & Desist order for numerous overparking/ illegal beach parking offenses, and that it had been over-parked for most of the summer.
Mr. Pappalardo motioned to advise that the Commission finds the proposed parking plan to be inconsistent with the SVVD for the following reasons: Doesn’t encourage for pedestrian circulation, increases vehicle traffic, would be a change of use, and is inconsistent with the Hartford Avenue street design. Sandra Ziemba seconded.
Ayes: Lishing, Ziemba, Pearson. Nay: Kelsey
Motion Carried.
8.48: Sound View Approvals Grant Process:
Bumpouts with benches, 6 foot sidewalks, lighting on existing poles with vintage look LED’s.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder is coordinating with EverSource.
Ms. Ziemba asked about the timeframe for the project.
Mr. Pappalardo said there would be another informational meeting on April 25th.
Then the project goes out to bid. There will be a town meeting in early July to approve, and ground braking projected for just after Labor Day. He also said that he had looked at the space outside Figs & Olives to see if a flush bumpout could be added just to the north part of Bocce. The other bumpouts are raised with curbs and paving stones, and have benches and/ or trees.
Mountable curbs so the fire trucks can have access. The one on Pond Road will be flush so larger trucks can make that turn without having to mount the curb.
9.00 Sound View Summer 2015 Assessment letter to Board of Selectmen.
Frank Pappalardo said he hoped to have some answers from the First Selectwoman regarding the issues of last summer by next month.
7.44: LOL Chamber of Commerce Osprey Festival at Sound View update: June 18th is the date. Mark Griswold is the Chairman. No further info. Website is www.ospreyfestival.com
Frank Pappalardo said that Frank Maratta and Lenny Corto had agreed to coordinate a sandcastle contest on the beach.
SVBA DEEP/ WPCA Update:
The Sound View Beach Association withdrew their letter. DEEP was not in favor of severing Sound View from Hawks Nest.
Coastal Jurisdiction Line/ Survey: Met with surveyor re the Coastal Jurisdiction Line (CJL) survey. The high water mark is in the public trust, then the CJL which may be privately owned but cannot be fenced, built upon or obstructed unless proper State, Federal and Town permits are obtained. Will be surveying five locations on the beach front. ZEO Keith Rosenfeld walked the beach with the surveyor. Mr. Rosenfeld will have any encroachments addressed.
Lenny Corto, Jr, asked what if the line moves over time? Ms. Pearson responded that it likely will, but that it will be revisited it at fixed intervals, perhaps every 10 years.
Events committee: Same as last year. Joann Lishing, Michaelle Pearson, Sandra Ziemba, Frank Pappalardo. Will meet in next few weeks to plan Summer Events.
Proposed Zoning Change Subcommittee: Frank Pappalardo said that in his discussions with Frank Noe and Bill Randazzo (owners of the blighted Hartford Avenue properties) they expressed that they were finding it difficult to develop their properties under current zoning/ FEMA and wished to pursue a zoning change for the area between Bocce and Martino. ZEO Keith Rosenfeld suggested that perhaps this Commission could task a subcommittee to take a look at this issue. Ms. Pearson expressed her concern that this might be seen by the Zoning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals as overstepping the mandate of this Commission. She asked Mr. Pappalardo to confirm that both of those entities were on board with the Commission forming such a subcommittee in an advisory capacity.
Lifeguards:
Frank Pappalardo met with Don Bugbee regarding the possibility of lifeguards at Sound View. Mr. Bugbee expressed deep concern that if there are lifeguards on the beach, there must be a clear definition of roles among lifeguards, rangers, and police. Also, no flotation devices are allowed in the water if there is a lifeguard present. Another big issue is that the towns’s insurance carrier has recommended that there not be any lifeguards at Sound View due to the prevalence of alcohol on the beach and possible danger to the lifeguards. Lifeguards should be looking at the water, not the sand. Rangers should be looking at the sand.
Frank Maratta suggested that perhaps the Rangers should be stationed on the sand, in lifeguard chairs, so they could oversee the beach. It was agreed this might be a good idea and should be explored further.
Motion to Adjourn:
9.17 Michaelle Pearson motioned to adjourn. Joann Lishing seconded. Meeting adjourned.
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