OLD LYME ZONING COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Old Lyme Zoning Commission held a Public Hearing on Monday, April 11, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of Memorial Town Hall. Those present and voting were: Jane Cable, Chairman, John Johnson, Vice Chairman, Tom Risom (arrived at 8:00 p.m.), Jane Marsh, Secretary, Pat Looney, Ted Kiritis (Alternate) and Joan Bozek (Alternate).
Chairman Cable called the Public Hearing to order at 7:31 p.m.
1. South Lyme Property Owners Association Petition to Amend the Text of the Zoning Regulations, Section 11.19A.3 (List of South Lyme Property Owners Association). Approval granted at the March 14, 2011 Meeting, no effective date was set, public hearing called to ratify the March 14, 2011 vote to approve and set an effective date.
Chairman Cable explained that this Petition to Amend the Zoning Regulations was approved at the March Regular Meeting. She indicated that the sole purpose of the Public Hearing this evening is to ratify the March vote and set an effective date for the amendment.
Chairman Cable stated that the effective date must be at least 21 days from this evening.
A Motion made by John Johnson, seconded by Pat Looney and voted unanimously, to close the public hearing and move as follows:
Whereas, the Zoning Commission has received the Petition to Amend the Zoning Regulations filed by the South Lyme Property Owners Association seeking to amend Table 11.19A.3 of the Zoning Regulations.
Whereas, after a public hearing held on March 14, 2011, the Commission unanimously voted to approve the proposed text amendment. The proposed regulation change is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development and in harmony with the purposes of the adoption of the Table. Notice of that decision was published in the New London Day on Friday, March 25, 2011. The decision of
the Commission lacked an effective date, which is required. In order to remedy this earlier oversight, the Commission has taken the step of bringing this matter back before it for the limited and sole purpose of setting the effective date.
Now therefore, the Commission moves to ratify and affirm its decision of March 14, 2011, approving the application of the South Lyme Property Owners Association for the amendment to Table 11.19A.3 of the Zoning Regulations, and setting an effective date of May 9, 2011.
2. Special Permit/Municipal Coastal Site Plan Application to permit construction of a new 4 bedroom residence in the Gateway Zone in excess of 4,000 square feet; and a Special Permit Application for the existing house to be converted and used as a one bedroom accessory apartment on property located at 62 Buttonball Road, Alex and Patrice Romeo, applicants.
Chairman Cable noted that this application was continued from the March Regular Meeting. Ms. Cable read the list of exhibits submitted since the March meeting. Darcy Collins, representing the applicant, noted that the new plans show both the landscaping and the existing elevation. She stated that the existing vegetation as shown on the plan will not be displaced. Chairman Cable stated that the Public Hearing was continued because of the absence of house plans, which have been submitted. Mr. Looney stated that there was also the concern of the height. He questioned the height, noting that it shows 34.83 feet in height. Mr. Looney suggested that they check the height after the first floor is framed. Ms. Collins stated that the base elevation has been lowered .2 and she agreed
that the proposed height is 34.83 feet.
No one present spoke in favor of or against the application.
Ms. Marsh stated that Exhibit A shows a 50 foot buffer strip. She indicated that she is not sure that it could be easily identified on site. Ms. Marsh asked if the buffer could follow another line. Ms. Collins stated that they could field-locate and set flags during construction.
Ms. Bozek stated that there was also the question of the well easement. Chairman Cable noted that it has been received and is marked as an exhibit.
Chris Romeo, brother of the applicant, spoke in favor of the application. He indicated that he is a Zoning Board Member in Western Massachusetts and appreciates the work the Commission does.
Chairman Cable stated that this is a beautiful piece of property that the Town and State feels is important enough to take extra special care of.
A representative of Brahm Builders, apologized for the lack of an architectural drawing at the last meeting.
Ms. Collins reminded the Commission that they have also applied for a Special Permit to use the one-bedroom structure as an accessory apartment; she noted that they discussed this at the March Public Hearing.
Hearing no further comments Chairman Cable asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.
A motion was made by John Johnson, seconded by Pat Looney and voted unanimously to close the Public Hearing on the application for 62 Buttonball Road, Alex and Patrice Romeo, applicants.
Chairman Cable noted that Tom Risom has arrived and will be seated for the remainder of the meeting.
2. Town of Old Lyme Petition to Amend the Zoning Regulations: Definition Section 3.72 Floor Area; Section 8.1.1 Measurement of Total Floor Area; New Section 9.3.1a Nonconformity of number of Stories; plus other miscellaneous “housekeeping” changes as noted in the Petition on file in the Land Use Office.
Chairman Cable stated that the Planning Commission has not yet responded. She asked for a motion to continue the Public Hearing.
A motion was made by Tom Risom, seconded by Pat Looney and voted unanimously to continue the Public Hearing to the May 9, 2011 on the Petition to Amend the Zoning Regulations by the Zoning Commission in order to obtain a referral response from the Planning Commission.
The Meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m. on a motion by Pat Looney; seconded by John Johnson and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan J. Bartlett
Recording Secretary
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