MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
MADDEN ROOM WEDNESDAY, March 26, 2014
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL TIME: 7:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Chairperson Louise Neary, William Jodice, Alternate Paul Burnham (sat for Commissioner Burnham), Dwight Johnson, Wayne Kilburn, Joseph Kennedy, Linda Jeski, Alternate John Mitchell (sat for Commissioner Lillis) and Mohammad Quraishi (sat for Commissioner Futtner)
ABSENT: Susan Burnham, Mark Lillis, Edwina Futtner and James Murray
ALSO PRESENT: ED Coordinator Shari Fiveash
1. Call Meeting to Order: Chairperson Neary called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.
- Roll Call: The above-mentioned members were introduced.
- Public Participation: Peter DeMallie, Design Professionals, came before the commission to garner support for a group of homeowners and other interested partners in their pursuit of a zone change to a portion of Route 5 (north of Sullivan Ave) between the Scantic River and the East Windsor town line. The requested change would be a change to the POCD and zoning regulations.
In East Windsor the area is currently zoned commercial and has been developed, but in South Windsor the area is zoned A-20 residential with the exception of two parcels. One parcel is an industrial parcel and the other is general commercial. This section of Route 5 currently handles 19,000 vehicles travelling along it per day. Businesses such as Aldi must access Route 5 by going around the block 5 due to provisions in their permit. The permit prohibits trucks from turning left and driving through a residential area.
The interested group of residents currently residing in this section of Route 5 and youth focused groups looking for recreation space have applied to P&Z to build an indoor recreational space. The project, to build a 26,400 sq. ft. building, is estimated at $2 million dollars. The Tellier family is willing to construct a multipurpose building on their property without any town bond money. Access to the newly constructed building would be gained by creating a signalized intersection at Scantic Road. The building would be leased by a competitive cheerleading team, the South Windsor Panthers, indoor soccer teams (for practice only) and other interested groups. The building would be owned by Tellier family. This project requires a change to zoning regulations to create a new overlay zone to include residences, office
space and recreation facilities. The newly adopted POCD calls for this area to remain a ‘rural transitional zone’. Large events held at the facility would support the local economy through the encouraged use of local hotels, restaurants, shopping & entertainment.
Mr. DeMallie is asking the EDC for support of allowing this change to the POCD.
Chairperson Neary asked if the application has been scheduled to be heard by P&Z. Mr. DeMallie stated that the application was submitted on Monday, March 24th and must first go before the Capitol Region Council of Government. P&Z could hear the application on May 13th at the earliest.
Kim Parlapiano, representing the South Windsor Panthers cheerleading squad expressed the need for a more reliable practice facility. Ms. Parlapiano stated that in town, there is a shortage of appropriate space (need high ceilings), scheduling conflicts with other groups (sometimes bumped last minute), and a need for safety (lack of sufficient mats at the schools).
Mr. DeMallie stated that the timeline for the application is as follows: an amendment of the POCD, an amendment of the zoning regulation, a zone change application and a site plan application.
Ms. Fiveash explained that this type of development doesn’t fit into the current POCD plan for Route 5, or the vision of P&Z Commission.
Commissioner Mitchell asked if there any know significant opposition to this proposal. Mr. DeMallie replied that property owner Bill Tellier has visited most homeowners in the area and all have given their support. Four homes in the area are currently occupied by rental tenants.
Commissioner Jeski suggested that the EDC discuss the proposal with P&Z to present a united view.
A motion was made by Commissioner Mitchell and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy stating that the EDC will draft a letter supporting a conceptual change to Route 5, north of the Scantic River, to enhance economic activities.
The floor was then opened for discussion:
Commissioner Burnham asked for more information regarding a gateway zone and expressed concern about unwanted changes to landscape if nearby property owners (such as the orchard) sell in the future. Mr. DeMallie read the proposed amendment to the commission. Per the wording of the amendment, only certain uses would be permitted if the orchard property is sold in the future.
The parcel where Mr. Tellier and his family reside would be divided to create lots for each residence and the indoor sports facility. The new building would be set back 100 feet from the road and could have a berm with landscaping to obscure it. The height of the building could be as high as 31 ft. at the eaves.
Commissioner Kilburn, a member of the P&Z Board of Appeals, would like to see actual plans with more information on the area in its current state and the proposed building. Mr. DeMallie replied that he is only submitting amendment application at this time but that more information will be submitted once process is further along. The project is still in the concept stage at this time.
A vote on the motion was called. Motion passed unanimously.
Minutes from Regular Meeting on 2/26/2014: A motion was made by Commissioner P. Burnham and seconded by Commissioner Jeski to approve the minutes of February 26, 2014 with the following corrections:
- Item 7 on page 2 should read ‘In spite of recent events…’
- Item 8 on page 2 should read ‘Mayor Anwar gave…’
The motion was approved by majority. Motion passed. Commissioners Mitchell and Lillis abstained.
5. Old Business: Chairperson Neary reported that the Town Council approved the abatement request made by Folsom Construction.
6. Committee Report
Report from Louise Neary and Sue Burnham - Discover South Windsor: The March meeting was cancelled. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 17th at 11 am at Design Professionals.
7. Communications and Remarks
Report from Louise Neary, Chairperson: Chairperson Neary reported that she spoke with a representative of PlastiTech who stated that they are looking for a location to house a warehouse/distribution center.
Report from Shari Fiveash, Economic Development Coordinator: Ms. Fiveash reported on the following:
- Thirty-four businesses have been contacted and surveyed.
- Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill opened on March 20th.
- Fred Astaire Dance Studio held a grand reopening with new owners on March 22nd.
- The Greater Hartford Women’s Conference was held Wednesday, March 25th.
- A proposed brewery to be built on land currently owned by the town is under negotiation. Commissioner Mitchell stated that according to the town charter, if the land is valued over $25,000, it must go to referendum. Ms. Fiveash stated that another provision may apply to this transaction.
Commissioner Kennedy asked if there is any news on the movie studio and Ms. Fiveash replied that there is not.
Commissioner P. Burnham asked about a project at All-Phase. Ms. Fiveash replied that certain requirements must be met before an approval for the proposed addition will be granted.
8. New Business: Commissioner Quraishi stated that tractor trailer trucks travelling on Route 5 and turning onto Sullivan Avenue have a tight turn. Due to the sharp turn, trucks sometimes go onto the sidewalk. Ms. Fiveash stated that it is a state highway and changes must be made at the State level.
Commissioner Mitchell informed the commission that he closed on 22 acres along Sullivan Ave and Ellington Road. He has been given approval to withdraw 22,000 yards of gravel. To permit safe entry and exit to the site he suggested trucks use Ellington Road to exit and Sullivan Avenue to enter. Commissioner Mitchell would like the site to become a Christmas tree farm located under the power lines
Chairperson Neary reminded commissioners that the EDC Advisory Committee will be hosting a conference on Thursday, May 1st 6-9pm in Town Council chambers. Email info@southwindsorchamber.org to register or call the Chamber at 860.644.9442.
9. General Discussion: Commissioner P. Burnham believes that a ‘gateway’ zone at the northern end of South Windsor would be beneficial but is still concerned about changing the character of the area. Commissioners felt pressured to decide on the spot without having time to consider the proposal.
10. Adjournment: A motion was made by Commissioner Jeski and seconded by Commissioner Kilburn to adjourn at 9:08pm and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine Potter
Clerk
Approved: April 23, 2014
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