Members present: Chairperson Murtha, Susan Burnham, Joseph Carino, Dwight Johnson, Mark Lillis and Roseann Williams
Members absent: Edwina Futtner, Krista Marchesseault, Donald Mercure, Marilyn Morrison and James Murray
Alternates present: John Mitchell sitting for Edwina Futtner
Alternates absent: Michael Patitucci
Others Present: Craig Stevenson, Economic Development Consultant
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairperson Murtha called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Complete
3. NEW BUSINESS
Peter DeMallie to discuss a request for a zone amendment in the Gateway zone
Mr. Peter DeMallie from Design Professionals, Inc. came before the Commission to discuss an application that has been submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission requesting a zoning amendment in the Gateway zone. Mr. DeMallie would like to amend the regulation requesting to allow grocery stores less than 22,000 square feet at least 1,000 feet from any other existing grocery store in the Buckland Road Gateway Development zone or to eliminate the restriction completely. To have a distance requirement is protecting an existing enterprise, but is not the purpose of zoning. The purpose of zoning is to disallow certain uses which are deemed inappropriate. Mr. DeMallie stated that variety is good for the consumer. A store that is 22,000 square feet is not a threat to the larger stores. The present
stipulation in the zoning regulations should be eliminated because it restrains the trade.
Attorney Hal Cummings from Cummings, Lanza & Purnhagen, LLC stated that the existing regulation limits grocery store development in South Windsor and unfairly restricts competition. A store that is 22,000-25,000 square feet should be allowed in the area because it will not have any effect on traffic, health safety or public welfare. The present regulation unfairly and unreasonable restricts legitimate growth and development.
Answering questions from the Board, Attorney Cummings explained that it is his feeling that the regulations are deficient because they do not adequately define grocery stores. There doesn’t seem to be anything articulated or spelled out in the regulations, which causes inappropriate restraint on the trade. Both applications will be heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission on November 28, 2006.
Mr. DeMallie stated that town staff encouraged this applicant to go for a zoning amendment rather than a zoning variance.
Ms. Lianna Wheeler a resident in South Windsor stated she likes to have different stores for variety and feels the competition will be beneficial.
4. Approval of Minutes
Motion to: approve the minutes of the September 27, 2006 Regular Meeting.
Was made by Commissioner Mitchell
Seconded by Commissioner Lillis
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: 5 to 2 with Commissioners Murtha, Burnham, Carino, Johnson and Lillis voting in favor of approval and Commissioners Mitchell and Williams abstaining.
5. Old Business
EDC By-Laws
Commissioner Carino reviewed proposed changes to the EDC By-Laws. This item should be reviewed further by each Commission member and can be voted on at the next scheduled meeting.
6. Committee Report
Report from Joseph Carino, Liaison – Water Pollution Control Authority
Mr. Joseph Carino told the Economic Development Commission members that the Water Pollution Control Authority approved a sewer connection for Nutmeg Recycling at 300 Rye Street and A & S Boats at 728-735 John Fitch Boulevard.
7. Communications and Remarks
Report from Craig Stevenson, Economic Development Consultant
I-291 Project – This project continues to move forward.
Keystone Paper Box Co., 31 Edwin Road – Purchased property to expand their existing business.
Kennedy Road/Sullivan Avenue – There was a prospective company interested in this property.
85 Nutmeg Road – There was a prospective individual interested in this property.
55 Corneau Way – Have had individuals interested in property, but mainly for outdoor storage. Outdoor storage is not allowed in this area.
Rye Street – Entity is interested in property. Town has made proposal for tax incentive. Rye Street will need improvements.
DST Realty – Tax abatement approved by Town Council.
The South Windsor Chamber of Commerce will be holding their Annual Holiday Social and New Business Welcome on Monday, December 11, 2006 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Mill on the River.
8. New Business
Discussion regarding zone amendment
Commissioner Lillis stated that he would need more information provided on this item to make an informed decision.
Commissioner Mitchell stated he would not have a problem supporting a request to amend the regulation to allow grocery stores less than 22,000 square feet at least 1,000 feet from any other existing grocery stores.
Commissioner Johnson stated that he would support the amendment.
Mr. Craig Stevenson stated he is in favor of the zone amendment.
Commissioner Burnham stated she would support this zoning amendment.
Commissioner Carino stated he would support this zoning amendment. Traffic issues could arise even if the property were developed as a different use.
Commissioner Williams stated she could see no reason not to support this zone amendment, but would need to hear the Planning & Zoning Commissions comments on this matter.
Motion to: support appl. #06-49P – Cumming’s amendment option A – for zoning amendment to section 3.8.4 to allow grocery stores less than 22,000 square feet at least 1,000 feet from any other existing grocery store in the Buckland Road Gateway Development zone.
Was made by Commissioner Mitchell
Seconded by Commissioner Johnson
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
9. General Discussion
None
10. Adjournment
Motion to: adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
Was made by Commissioner Mitchell
Seconded by Commissioner Williams
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Respectfully Submitted,
____________________________
Deborah W. Reid, Recording Secretary
| 