The Chair decided to forego her remarks in order to start the evening
OLD BUSINESS
Liaison Reports:
Report from Clifford Slicer, Liaison, Planning and Zoning Commission:
Mr. Slicer was not present at this time.
Report from Mr. DeMaio, Liaison, Inland/Wetlands: Mr. DeMaio stated that the South Windsor Technology Center was discussed and that they will be holding a public meeting within the next two weeks.
Report from Mr. Carino, Liaison, Water Pollution and Control Authority:
Mr. Carino reported that the WPCA approved sewer connections for a office lavatory at 280 Sullivan Ave., a nail salon at 1430 Ellington Rd., and Berry Farms Rental Elderly Housing Project.
Sub Committee Reports:
Report from the Research Analysis & Marketing/Communications Sub Committee:
The Chair said there is nothing to report at this time due to the summer break
Report from Commissioner David Fields of the Business Retention Committee: Mr. Fields distributed a summary report (Attachment A), of the 13 responses they received to the Business Survey they sent out. After discussion and comments on the results of the survey, it was decided that they would prepare the next survey with more specific questions on areas that were of concern to local businesses.
Action Item: Work will begin on a new survey and the Chamber of Commerce will be contacted for there impute.
Report from Research Analysis/Recommendations Sub-Committee:
The Chair said there is nothing to report at this time due to the summer break.
NEW BUSINESS
The Chair introduced Mr. Peter DeMaille and guests to give the Commission an overview on some of the projects he has been working on.
Kevin Crotty, General Manager of Parkside Plunkett/Webster, of 299 Strong Road, is seeking approval for their proposal for construction of a new building on 455 Sullivan Avenue, on the southerly side of Sullivan Avenue near Kennedy Road. They wish to gain the support of the Economic Development Commission when they appear before the Planning and Zoning Commission on October 8, 2002.
Mr. Crotty stated that he is projecting that they will be paying approximately $80,000-$100,000 in taxes after three years, if abatement is granted, compared to the $16,000 they are now paying. In addition, they will be adding personal property and vehicles to their expanding business. The new building will be 105,000 sq. ft. on 18.5 acres with 500 ft. of frontage.
Mr. Robert Mocarski, Architect for the project, explained that this is a pre-engineered, metal building, with an office in the front which will serve as a distribution center. He discussed the extensive landscaping that is to be done to enhance, screen and minimize the front and side views of the property. The office, which is not pre-engineered, will cover approximately one half of the front. It was stated that they would be planting a large variety of trees and shrubbery as a buffer, which eventually will block the view of stored building materials.
Mr. DeMaille discussed the access driveway issue, a potential problem due to access management standards, that they hope can be resolved. He explained the reasons why some of the proposals from the Architectural Review Committee and others were not feasible for the owners to incorporate for financial reasons.
They also stated that they are requesting a 50% tax abatement for a three year period.
The Chair made some suggestions for some aesthetic improvements, which were favorably received.
A motion was made by Commissioner Murtha to support the construction of Parkside Plunkett-Webster, which has been an existing business in South Windsor for 29 years, for the construction of a new facility on 455 Sullivan Avenue. It is agreed that this is consistent with Strategic Planning initiatives and consistent with the new Conservation and Development Plan
Chairman Anthony took a roll call. All were in favor, with one abstention by Commissioner Murray The motion was passed.
The chair solicited members to appear in support at the October 8, 2002 hearing.
Mr. DeMaille went on to discuss a number of upcoming projects which may be of interest to the Commission.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn was made at 10:00 PM by Commissioner Murtha, seconded by Commissioner Lillis and unanimously carried.
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Joan Beaudry
Recording Secretary
