OLD LYME ZONING COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING - UNAPPROVED
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The Old Lyme Zoning Commission held a Public Hearing on Wednesday, October 13, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of Memorial Town Hall. Those present and voting were Jane Marsh, Secretary, Tom Risom, Acting Chairman, Pat Looney and Joan Bozek (Alternate, seated). Also present was Ann Brown, Zoning Enforcement Officer.
Chairman Cable called the Public Hearing to order at 7:32 p.m.
1. Special Permit Application to permit demolition and reconstruction of dwelling on property located at 42 Breen Avenue, Nicholas DiCorleto, Jr., applicant.
A letter dated October 13, 2010 from Attorney Paul Geraghty requesting that the Zoning Commission continue the public hearing for 42 Breen Avenue.
A motion was made by Jane Marsh, seconded by Joan Bozek and voted unanimously to continue the Public Hearing on the Special Permit Application to permit demolition and reconstruction of for 42 Breen Avenue, Nicholas DiCorleto to the November 8, 2010 Regular Meeting.
2. Special Permit Application and Coastal Site Plan Review Application to permit an alternative energy system (Wind Turbine) on property located at 52 Brighton Road Jane Marsh, applicant.
Ms. Marsh recused herself. Chairman Risom noted that there is a quorum of three should they vote on this issue. He noted the only new exhibit, Exhibit J, an email from Ira Glasser and read it for the record.
Ms. Marsh stated that she went to Cherry Valley, New York and met two people who installed the exact same thing as she is proposing. She indicated that they only noise was a slight mechanical noise when it turned to find the wind. Ms. Marsh stated that they took ambient noise levels at her house and it was louder because of the ocean. She explained that they had difficulty getting data and agreed to install something on both hers and the Glasser's computers that will allow them to turn it off. Ms. Marsh explained that although she does not want to do that, she feels it is the only responsible thing to do because she does not want it to disturb her neighbors. Ms. Marsh stated that she agreed to have this be a stipulation of her approval. She noted that the Glassers are the closest house
to this installation, approximately 200 feet away. Ms. Bozek questioned what Ms. Marsh would do if there were a hurricane or a large storm. Ms. Marsh stated that she could lower the tower. She noted that it also has built-in safety features such as automatically turning off and away from the wind under certain conditions. Ms. Marsh stated that these controls keep it from burning itself out. She indicated that it is also monitored by the company.
The Future of Wind Now, a four-page brochure, was entered as Exhibit K.
Ms. Bozek questioned the age of the system in Cherry Valley. Ms. Marsh indicated that that system is two months old. Mr. Looney stated that he is concerned about giving the neighbor authority to turn off the system as part of any approval. Ms. Bozek agreed, noting that there could be future enforcement issues regarding it as well. Acting Chairman Risom noted that it could be a separate agreement between the two of them. Ms. Marsh stated that she is willing to let this neighbor have control because she knows him and trusts him. She noted that she does not want to have bad neighbors and it is her hope that people will be enthusiastic that the turbine is generating power. She noted that there are noises in every environment.
Ms. Bozek questioned whether the Regulations speak to removal or decommissioning. Ms. Brown read the Regulation, which requires lowering to remove and proper disposal after 120 days of abandonment, defined as not producing power for six months.
No one present spoke in favor of or against the application. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Risom asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.
A motion was made by Jane Bozek, seconded by Pat Looney and voted unanimously to close the Public Hearing on the Special Permit Application and Coastal Site Plan Review Application to permit an alternative energy system (Wind Turbine) on property located at 52 Brighton Road , Jane Marsh, applicant.
Acting Chairman Risom adjourned the Public Hearing at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan J. Bartlett
Recording Secretary
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