OLD LYME ZONING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, August 12, 2013
The Old Lyme Zoning Commission held a Regular Meeting on Monday, August 12, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of Memorial Town Hall. Those present were: Jane Cable, Chairman, Jane Marsh, Secretary (arrived at 7:40 p.m.), John Johnson, Vice Chairman, Tom Risom (Regular Member) and Pat Looney (Regular Member).
Also present: Harland Frazier (Alternate), Ted Kiritsis (Alternate, seated until Jane Marsh arrived at 7:40 p.m.) and Ann Brown, Zoning Enforcement Officer.
Chairman Cable called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. She noted that alternate Ted Kiritsis would be seated until Jane Marsh’s arrival. She immediately recessed the Regular Meeting to conduct the Public Hearing. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
1. Modification to a Site Development Plan, 458 Shore Road, to add a two bedroom apartment to the warehouse building, Mark J. Brett, applicant.
No action taken. The Public Hearing for this application has been continued to the September Regular Meeting.
2. Special Permit Application to permit two greenhouses measuring approximately 39’ x 61’ on property located at 15-1 Tantummaheag Road, which is in the Connecticut River Gateway Conservation Zone, Walker Potts, applicant/owner.
Chairman Cable stated that there is a request for an exception if the applicant demonstrates that the proposed structures are not visible from the Connecticut River. Ms. Brown stated that the exception is only for residential structures, not commercial or agricultural. Mr. Potts stated that the greenhouses are state-of-the-art solar. He explained the location of his house on Tantummaheag Road and the placement of the greenhouses on his property.
A motion was made by Jane Cable, seconded by Jane Marsh and voted unanimously to receive the Special Permit Application for 15-1 Tantummaheag Road, Walker Potts, applicant/owner and set a Public Hearing for Monday, September 9, 2013.
3. Release of Bond Request from the Old Lyme Country Club, 35 McCurdy Road
Ms. Brown stated that the country club has asked for their bond release. She noted that there were minor discrepancies in their plans, one of which was the surface of their parking lot. She indicated that it is unclear whether they followed the plan for four inches of processed gravel. She noted that the Wetland’s Commission is also holding a bond and they are looking into what has been done. The Commission agreed to wait to release the bond and to consider it again at the September meeting.
4. Approval of Minutes of the July 8, 2013 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting
No action taken.
5. Any New or Old Business
None.
6. Correspondence
Chairman Cable stated that she received a strong request from Ms. Lage that every piece of correspondence she sends be read out load at the Zoning Commission Meetings. She stated that to the extent that she has communicated with the Commission members, there is no reason to read them out loud, although every communication is made part of the record. Ms. Marsh stated that she stopped reading the emails Ms. Lage sends and additionally not ever piece of correspondence sent to the Commission needs to be read into the record.
Chairman Cable noted that there is an appeal of the Zoning Enforcement’s Officer decision, but that appeal is of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
A motion was made by John Johnson, seconded by Tom Risom and voted unanimously to write a polite response to Ms. Lage about reading e-mails into the record at the Zoning Commission Meeting.
Ms. Brown stated that Ms. Lage has requested any correspondence that they have either from her, to her, or amongst each other. She asked for confirmation that she has all copies. Everyone present indicated that they have turned everything over.
7. Zoning Enforcement
a. Zoning Enforcement Report
Ms. Brown stated that Mr. Looney has received the information for the Hatchetts Hill property that was discussed last month. Mr. Looney stated that the information only goes to 1996 for applications and site plan reviews. He noted that there have been other uses since Finkledey. Mr. Looney asked Ms. Brown to be sure that he has the entire file. He indicated that the property is currently being used for processing of material and in 1996 it was a waste recycling center and nothing was to occur outside of the structure. He indicated that back in March of 2013 it was noted that it was possibly being used for residential occupancy.
b. Site Inspection Report
None.
8. Miscellaneous/Adjourn
Mr. Kiritsis stated that there was an article in the newspaper about the Chocolate Shell. He questioned whether they are beyond their permit. Ms. Brown stated that she has conflicting information. She stated that she is investigating it now. Ms. Brown stated that some neighbors have complained that it is more like a restaurant and a take-out food place. She indicated that the owner has indicated that one could always eat there. Chairman Cable stated that the burden of proof is on them.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on a motion by John Johnson; seconded by Pat Looney and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan J. Bartlett
Recording Secretary
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