MEMBERS PRESENT: Timothy Wentzell, Sue Larsen, Bart Pacekonis, Patrick Kennedy, Suzanne Choate, Cliff Slicer, and Bart Pacekonis
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Michael Sullivan
Gary Bazzano
Marc Finer
STAFF PRESENT: Michele Lipe, Assistant Director of Planning
Jeffrey Doolittle, Town Engineer
PUBLIC HEARING – MADDEN ROOM
Chairman Wentzell called the public hearing to order.
Larsen read the legal notice as it was published in the Journal Inquirer on Friday, October 29,
2004 and Thursday November 4, 2004.
Appl. #04-67P, Parks Inlaw apartment, request for a 5-year inlaw apartment permit for property located at 78 Autumn Drive, AA-30 zone.
Karen Parks stated that her mother will reside in the in-law apartment. She is proposing to convert the oversized two car garage to a three car garage (by adding approximately 4.5 feet) and living space above the existing two car garage..
Lipe provided the following report:
Request for a permit for an in-law apartment over a new detached garage at 78 Autumn Road, AA-30 zone. The existing garage will be expanded by 5 feet and converted into a three bay garage and the in law addition will be above the garage.
The PZC in-law apartment regulation has specific criteria for the unit; and provides for a 5-year permit period. These criteria include:
The in-law apartment cannot be larger than 900 sq ft or 40% of the gross floor area, whichever is smaller;
the entire structure must maintain the appearance of a single family dwelling;
off street parking for three vehicles must be accommodated;
adequate water and sewage disposal must be provided; and
the owner of the dwelling units must occupy either the in-law apartment or the main dwelling unit
The Commission may waive one or more of the provisions above (except the requirement that an owner live in the apartment or house) after determining:
There will be minimum adverse impact on existing uses in the area;
Surrounding property values will be conserved and the character of the neighborhood will not be unduly disrupted;
Due consideration to preservation of historic factors has been demonstrated.
The apartment is about 870 square feet, which is less than 40% of the gross floor area (Existing square footage is 2,850 sf). The house is served by public water and sewer. The applicant has provided a copy of the proposed floor plan, the elevation for the apartment and a supplement indicating how the apartment will be modified once the in-law apartment is no longer needed.
If this application is approved, the Commission may grant approval for up to five years. The applicant will be asked via letter to reaffirm ownership of the property every two years. At the end of the permit period, if the family situation has not changed, the applicant may request renewal by staff.
No one from the public spoke in favor of or against this application.
Wentzell closed the public hearing
Appl 04-70P, Dzen Tree Farm, request for renewal of a two-year temporary and conditional permit for the operation of a seasonal farm stand on property located at 245 Neiderwerfer Road, RR zone
John Dzen Jr. stated he was present to request an additional two years to the T & C permit for a seasonal farm stand which has been held by the Dzen Farms for four years. The site contains 162 acres with approximately 140 acres planted with Christmas trees; majority of ‘cut your own’. There has been no change since previous approvals. Dzens work hand in hand with the Garden Barn from 228 West Street in Vernon. Garden Barn sells poinsettias, cemetery decorations, and wreaths inside the greenhouse. Mrs. Dzen sells bakery products and they are considering selling hotdogs. Dzen noted that his burden of proof was Section 3.17 of the Zoning Regulations, i.e. the public convenience and welfare will be substantially served and the appropriate use of neighboring properties will not be
substantially or permanently injured. Traffic and other hazards will not result from such use. There have been few complaints, if any and the Dzens have worked with the appropriate agencies and neighbors to succeed in their quest. Traffic is generated through the seasonal use but it is handled efficiently with an extensive driveway and appropriate parking.
When Section 4.1.8, Special Uses, (L) farm stands is being reviewed by PZC, Dzen requested that they be included under that section even though they are not located on a main road. They desire to request a farm stand under a Special Exception – this would eliminate returning to PZC every two years.
Lipe presented the following report:
Request for renewal of a temporary & conditional permit approval to operate a seasonal greenhouse roadside stand in conjunction with the cut-your-own Christmas tree nursery business, on Barber Hill Road, RR zone. The stand is operated by The Garden Barn and would be open between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The wording of the T & C permit regulation is that, “Temporary and conditional permits may be granted by the Commission for a use which is not specified elsewhere in these regulations for a period not to exceed two years. Such approval may be given after a Public Hearing if, in the judgment of the Commission, the public convenience and welfare will be substantially served, and the appropriate use of neighboring property will not be substantially or permanently injured, and traffic and other hazards will not result from such use.” Retail sales of this type are allowed in commercial zones.
There were no traffic problems reported over the last two years as a result of the seasonal stand, nor were there any complaints or problems regarding the reindeer.
The Town Sanitarian has indicated that he has no problem with the sale of refreshments as proposed.
If this application is approved, we suggest that the approval include the same conditions as the original approval: operation between Thanksgiving and Christmas only, and that the permit is valid for two years.
No one from the public spoke in favor of or against this application.
Wentzell closed the public hearing at 7:45 .m.
REGULAR MEETING – MADDEN ROOM
CALL TO ORDER:
Wentzell called the meeting to order.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
There was no public participation.
NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion/Decision/Action regarding the following:
Annual Meeting:
Election of Officers
Review of by-laws
Other Business
Larson made a motion to table the Annual Meeting due to members being absent. Choate seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Appl 04-67P, Parks Inlaw apartment, request for a 5-year inlaw apartment for property located at 78 Autumn Drive, AA-30 zone
Kennedy made a motion to approve application 04-67P with the following conditions:
This approval is for an in-law apartment for a family member/relative only. When the in-law apartment is no longer occupied by a relative of the family, the apartment cannot be treated as a second dwelling unit. Instead, the kitchen must be removed and the living area must be converted into other living space for the main dwelling.
This permit will expire in five years, on 11/9/09, and will have to be renewed at that time if the use is to be continued. Owner(s) of the property must reside in the apartment or the main dwelling unit. Reaffirmation of occupancy by owner will be required every two years. This will be done via a letter from the Planning Department requesting the reaffirmation of occupancy.
Any new building or alterations/additions to existing buildings, require a building permit prior to start of construction.
The building footprint must not exceed 15% of the lot area, in accordance with Section 10.2 of the zoning regulations.
Choate seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Appl 04-70P, Dzen Tree Farm, request for renewal of a two year temporary and conditional permit for the operation of a seasonal farm stand on property located at 245 Neiderwerfer Road, RR zone
Pacekonis made a motion to approve Appl 04-70P, Dzen Tree Farm with the following conditions:
The farm stand may only be operated between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
2. This permit is for 2 years and will expire on November 19, 2004.
Larsen seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
4. Appl 04-62P, Wentworth Park, request for site plan approval for the construction of 12 office condominiums, 3,000 sf each (4 buildings containing 3 units each) on property located at 225 Oakland Road, RC zone.
Jeff Sawyer, Generation2, Inc. founder and President of construction and development had the following comments to his presentation:
The site will contain 12 office condominiums, 3,000 sf each, 2-story buildings.
A condo association will be maintained similar to residential condominiums. This will take care of the grounds, landscaping, maintenance of the buildings, etc.
Sold as condos with custom designed interiors.
Peter DeMallie, Design Professionals, Inc. and representing the applicant had the following comments to his presentation.
Presented a brief history of the site.
Farm Brook goes around the circumference of the property indicating that limitations of the site lead to the design proposed.
Filling will be done on the site to bring the grade up because there are some issues associated with the soil bearing capacity of the soil.
Site is located in a 500-year floodplain.
Entrance to the site will come off Oakland Road into the middle of the site.
Site contains approximately 3.29 acres and is located within the RC zone.
Approvals have been received from IWA/CC, ADRC, and EDC.
Site will contain 4 buildings with 3 units each.
145 parking spaces have been provided. The applicant is seeking a 7-space waiver.
Revised plans were submitted to the Town in response to Staff comments.
This is a good transitional use – least obtrusive to the neighborhood.
No traffic on weekends or evenings.
Effectiveness of the plantings that the Berry Patch has along with existing vegetation does meet the intent of screening. It is recognized that the standard buffer treatment on the site alone is not sufficient.
Galen Semprebon, Engineer, Design Professionals and representing the applicant had the following comments to his presentation:
Sidewalks will be of concrete.
The site has availability of sewer and public water.
A storm drainage system will be provided for the site incorporating 3 detention basins which will discharge into the recently created low area associated with the Berry Patch Crossing.
Much of the existing fill will be removed for the locations of the buildings so a stable cover will be provided.
Site has floodplain associated with it – 100-year floodplain along the watercourse itself and remainder of the site contains a 500-year floodplain that runs through the site.
The finished buildings will be elevated above the floodplain and the parking has been distributed around the buildings.
CB’s will be placed appropriately and E & S Measures will be in place appropriately.
Richard Boston, Landscape Architect, Design Professionals and representing the applicant had the following comments to his presentation:
First portion of the site is covered with grass – very little topsoil.
Site contains autumn olive, bittersweet, and alders and removal of one rotten tree will occur in the back half. There are mature trees, maples, poplars near the brook.
There is an area near the brook that cannot be encroached upon per conditions from IWA/CC, i.e. 10-15’ from the property line adjacent to the Berry Patch and also to the northerly side of the wetlands.
It is proposed shade and street trees to meet the criteria of the parking landscape – exceeding the 5% for parking lot landscaping. Landscaping will consist of gingko, trimmed yews
Entrance sign will consist of brick with black tin accent trim. A small spotlight will provide lighting, on the sign. Sign will be surrounded with accent plantings and ornamental grasses.
Foundation plantings will consist evergreens, rhododendrons, junipers, ornamental grasses, black-eyed Susan, and cornflowers.
Shade trees will consist of lindens and flowering pears enriching the center of the site in the springtime. Sugar maples will be placed towards the rear.
Along the westerly property line will consist of red dogwood, hi-bush blueberry, and arrowwood.
Screening will consist of Austrian Pine and white spruce – this will supplement what is being proposed for the Berry Patch, Norway Pine along the entrance to the Berry Patch.
The northerly property line will consist of red oaks, white and Norway spruce. Supplementation will consist of dogwoods.
The basins will contain hydrophilic plants, i.e. bulrushes and cattails; slopes will be planted with tall fescue.
Lighting of the site will consist of lights similar to Evergreen Walk. Black lights, 15’ in height, average maintained foot-candle is approximately 2; minimal foot-candle will be .6. Shields will be placed on the backside of lights to maintain 2.5 candle at the property line.
Rich Bertoli, Fuss & O’Neill, Traffic Engineer and representing the applicant had the following comments to his presentation:
Route 30 is considered a minor arterial road.
2 intersections are considered in the traffic study. They are located at Route 30/194 and Felt Road/Route 30. Traffic counts were conducted at these intersections during the hours of 7-9 in the am and 4-6 in the evening.
There is no established accident pattern at the site. 11 accidents per year at Route 30/Route 194; there were no accidents at Felt Road/Route 30.
Impact for the 12 units will amount to 83-trip generation for the am, i.e. 73 entering and 10 exiting; pm amounts to 119, 20 entering and 99 exiting.
Comparison was made with the existing counts at the other 2 intersections.
Felt Road will operate at a Level B; Route 194/Route 30 will operate at a Level A in the am and Level F in the pm. Route 194/Route 30 is the most congested intersection in South Windsor and a major intersection in Town.
Sight distance to the left will be approximately 660’ and to the right 560’.
The applicant is seeking an encroachment impact because it is located on a state highway.
There will be no impact to the study area.
Alan Lamson, of FLB, Architect and representing the applicant had the following comments to his presentation:
Traditional styling will be maintained for the buildings yet providing individuality to each building.
Brick facades will be featured in the front along with gables; a brick water table will be created around the sides and the rear of the buildings.
Clapboard siding in several locations on the building along with hand split shingles in the gables.
Shingles will be of architectural heavy in a slate gray.
Double windows will be placed in the rear and all shuttered.
Porches will feature columns.
Main entrances will feature transoms across the top; middle entrance will be recessed – no porch.
Buildings will feature different textures and colorations to create interest.
Buildings located in the rear of the site will be wider, not as deep.
Impervious coverage will be 48%; separating distance will be 70’; 80’ from the street.
Distance from the rear property line will be 63’ at Unit 9.
Doors will have large glass areas.
Lipe provided the following Planning report:
Request for site plan approval to construct an office park consisting of 12 condominium units in four buildings at 225 Oakland Road, RC zone. Maximum impervious coverage allowed is 60%, 48% proposed. Lot size is just over 3 acres; minimum lot size allowed is 30,000 sq ft. Lot frontage is 410 feet; minimum required frontage is 150 ft. Front yard setback is 70 feet, 65 feet required. Proposed building height is 35 feet; 45 feet allowed.
The land to the north, south and west is zoned residential; the land to the east is zoned restricted commercial. The Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance in 1988 to reduce the buffer width along the residential property boundaries to 15 feet. The normal buffer width required is 50 feet.
The applicant submitted the site plan with two curb cuts in fairly close proximity and a one-way traffic pattern. Staff had concerns regarding potential conflicts with that arrangement, and the site plan was revised to reflect a single curb cut.
Required parking for office use is 4.5 spaces per thousand square feet, which results in a requirement for 152 spaces. The applicant is requesting a waiver of seven spaces to allow 145 spaces.
The Architectural and Design Review Committee reviewed this application on October 21 and had no comments.
Lighting consists of full cut-off decorative parking lot fixtures that appear to be on 14’ poles.
Parking lot landscaping requirement is for landscaping on 5% of the interior of the lot. The applicant has provided 11.3% parking lot landscaping.
The site as designed has three small detention basins, one of which directly abuts Oakland Road and is about 8 feet deep. The Town Engineer will have further comments regarding this situation.
The applicant is proposing an illuminated monument entrance sign with a brick background, height about 4.5 feet. The sign detail is shown on page L2.
The buffer requirements of Section 10.4 require that the field of view between abutting residential and non-residential uses shall be substantially obscured visually by maturity of planting. The 15’ buffer that ZBA created by variance is located on the far side of the ditch and is currently comprised of scrubby deciduous growth. According to the ZBA minutes, a condition of the ZBA approval was that the intent of the buffer regulations regarding the kind of plantings and purpose of the buffer zone will be complied with as close as possible within land available as shown. There is no proposal to supplement the actual buffer with any plantings. The applicant is proposing to plant shrubs such as rhododendrons and dogwoods on the near side of the ditch along the side property
boundaries, virtually none along the rear property boundaries. It appears highly unlikely that, as proposed, the buffer will meet or even come close to the requirements of Section 10.4.
There are regulated wetlands on the site. IWA/CC granted approval on November 3 with a $5,000 bond for erosion and sediment control and a $5,000 bond for establishment of stormwater structures, plus an approval condition that the applicant must bring in topsoil, as there is none on this filled site. Also, IWA/CC is requiring removal of a corrugated metal well on the site.
Public water and sewer are available. Water Pollution Control Authority approval is required.
There is a dumpster pad located at the southeast corner of the parking lot. We would note that, if the single location turns out to be inadequate, any additional dumpster locations would need change order approval; we would not expect to see additional dumpsters just appear on the site.
Fire Marshal has reviewed the plan and has no concerns.
If this application is approved, Planning Dept. requests that the buffer be designed in accordance with the regulations, and that the topographic plan be certified T-2 as required.
Doolittle provided the following Engineering report:
I have reviewed the site plan for Wentworth Park at 225 Oakland Road and have the following comments:
Revise the entrance drive so there is only one curb cut on Oakland Road. Two curb cuts present unnecessary conflict points.
Why is the concrete sidewalk extended out to Oakland Road? There is no cross walk there and no other sidewalk to connect to. If this is for a bus stop it should end at a larger concrete bus pad.
It seems that three detention basins are not needed for this size site. The smallest basin on the SE side of the site has very little water flowing in or out. Detention Basin 2 is the deepest basin (6-7 feet deep) and is close to Oakland Road on the north west corner of the site. All these basins could be combined into 1 or 2 basins and parking areas added closer to the road. This would also eliminate the need for one Baysaver unit. Suggest the drainage be revised to eliminate one or more basins and/or reduce the size of the basin closest to the road.
The detention basins are shown with steep side slopes (2.5H:1V) How will these be stabilized and maintained?
The detention basins need stone overflow spillways.
The inlet to the detention basin in the southeast side of the site (DB#1) is only a 4” PVC pipe. This will clog easily and will be difficult to maintain. An inlet structure and larger pipe needs to be included here.
The catchbasin at the southwest end of the parking lot island is located such that it will be very difficult to pick up all the surface runoff from the northeast without ponding in the parking lot with minimal slopes. Suggest 1 or 2 more catch basins be added in the southwest corners of the parking lot to better collect surface drainage.
Complete the drainage report. The Table of contents and first 4 pages are incomplete.
Revise the sewer laterals so there is one lateral for each of the 12 building units or provide a common outside lateral for each building with separate cleanouts for each unit.
Widen the sidewalks to at least 5 feet where there are parking spaces up against the walk. Where there is handicap access the sidewalk needs to have at least 5 feet clear of any obstructions so the walks might have to be 6 feet wide or more in these locations.
Provide calculations for the size of the Baysaver units proposed. Also specify the manhole size to be used with the Baysaver units.
WPCA review and approval is required for this site plan
No one from the public spoke in favor of or against this application.
Larsen read correspondence into the record. “As it’s October 27, 2004 meeting the Economic Development Commission directed me to contact you in the support of the above application. I have submitted this letter for your records. It is EDC’s strong belief that approval of this application is in the interest of the town of South Windsor and its citizens. Wentworth Park will provide a much-needed addition of professional owner/owned office space to our inventory of commercial properties. The location of this project enhances the town’s ongoing efforts to develop high quality commercial development in and around the Town Center. It satisfies the definite economic need while meeting standards for aesthetic quality and public safety. It is the EDC’s opinion
that the applicant has struck an excellent balance between preservation of our natural resources as well as a successful appropriate development project. We hope you will find as the Economic Development Commission has, that this project is worthy of your approval. Please feel free to contact me with your questions or if you would like additional information. Sincerely, Marjorie Anthony, Chairman.”
Discussion ensued among the Commission members with the following comments and concerns. Replies will be in Italics.
Clarification of storm water management and locations of the basins. One basin is located in the northwesterly portion of the site (6-8’ deep); one in the southwesterly portion of the site (elevation at 120 and the construction of a berm) also lose parking area; and one located in the easterly portion of the site. It is desired not to place the parking along the road – not visually aesthetic/appealing. Basin for the Berry Patch is 12-14’ deep. There will not be a safety factor to have the basin located close to the road.
Individual signage. Small signs will be placed on the doors on the face of the glass.
ZBA granted a waiver that provided at 15’ buffer; PZC require a visual buffer.
Clarification of the 7 space waiver. Bylaws of the Association will not allow medical offices.
Clarification of declarations. Declarations are required for multi-family; declarations are not required in RC zone.
Clarification of applicant meeting the buffering requirement. There are two solutions. One is to return to ZBA and the second is to approach IWA/CC to do some inter-planting in the wetland upland review area.
PZC has a functional requirement and that is not being met. ZBA granted a waiver of width to the requirement. Question is how the applicant meets the functional requirement.
Clarification of IWA/CC’s condition. The condition requires maintenance of the area 10-15’ strip outside wetlands and maintaining overstory on the watercourse so as not to allow sunlight.
Existing canopy obscures view of the Berry Patch. Evergreens could be planted along the rear near the buffer to create a screen.
Sidewalks from the site to the Shopping Plaza – tying in with the Berry Patch Access. No because a footbridge would have to be constructed and it is not desired to have people walk along the road.
DeMallie stated that the buffer would meet the functional requirement of the Zoning Regulations.
Kennedy made a motion to approve application #04-62P, Wentworth Park with the follow conditions:
1. Prior to commencement of any site work, a meeting must be held with Town Staff.
2. No building permit will be issued until the final mylars have been filed in the Town Clerk's office.
3. This application is subject to the conditions of approval of the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission, including a bond in the amount of $5,000 for erosion and sediment control and a bond in the amount of $5,000 for establishment of stormwater structures.
4. An as-built plan is required prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy per Section 8.1.11 of the Zoning Regulations.
5. Footing drains are required if the building has a basement.
6. A landscape bond in the amount of $5,000 is required and must be submitted prior to filing of mylars.
7. All plans used in the field by the developer must bear the stamp and authorized signature of the Town of South Windsor.
8. This approval does not constitute approval of the sanitary sewer, which can only be granted by the Water Pollution Control Authority.
9. The building street number must be included on the final plan.
10. Pavement markings must be maintained in good condition throughout the site drives and parking areas.
11. The buffer must meet the visibility requirements of Section 10.4 of the zoning regulations subject to Town Staff approval.
12. A parking waiver of 7 spaces has been granted.
13. Engineering comments dated 11/3/04 must be addressed to the Town Engineer’s satisfaction (with the exception of the relocation of the detention basins).
Choate seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Wentzell called for a five-minute break.
Appl #04-69P, DDB Management request for approval for a driveway from Route 5 to McGuire Road on property located at 95 John Fitch Boulevard, 36 and 59 McGuire Road, GC zone.
Peter DeMallie, Design Professionals, Inc. and representing the applicant had the following comments to his presentation:
Presented a brief history of the site, which contains commercial buildings.
Concern from residents – reduce volume commercial traffic on McGuire Road.
Easement from King was acquired to link up with McKee (Ten Pin Bowl), which results in a private access drive through the two properties. Not available to residents from King Street or McGuire Road.
Proposed is a full service driveway curb cut with full access to Route 5, north and south.
A meeting was held with neighbors and they were pleased with the results.
A zone change on the north side of McGuire Road will not be sought at this time.
Control of the private drive will be to close the driveway off at the conclusion of business hours – concern is liability.
The applicant agreed to restrain their employees from parking in the cul-de-sac. Areas will be opened up on the site for customer parking.
Brannons (Hartford Truck Equipment) have issued a letter to vendors making deliveries that no deliveries will be made during off-hours.
The dumpster is picked up during business hours at DDB Management.
Lipe provided the following Planning report:
Request for a driveway on the westerly side of Route 5 through the Ten Pin Bowling Site plan, through property owned by Ed King at 59 McGuire Road, which would ultimately connect to McGuire Road.
The driveway would be surrounded by GC-zoned and would service the properties on the southerly side of McGuire Road that are GC zoned. Currently there is a small amount of existing General Commercial land on McGuire Road is accessed by traveling through a residential neighborhood. This is a very undesirable situation. When the zoning along Route 5 was first established, McGuire Road was a through street, and the residential neighborhood did not have to experience commercial traffic. The construction of I-291 severed the connection of McGuire Rd to Route 5.
We note for your information that the existing business at 67 McGuire Rd, owned by the applicant, has a large amount of unscreened outdoor storage that is clearly visible from Route 5 and storage also appears to be on the property which is the subject of the driveway application. The end of McGuire Road itself is also being used by the truck body company. The applicant has been cited for zoning violations for the outdoor storage. This application is in response to the notice of violation as the owner is attempting to clean up the existing site. We would encourage the applicant to continue to pursue land use approval for the uses that appear to be going on his site as well as the use of the adjacent site. Site plan of development approval is required prior to any commercial use of this
site, including outdoor storage of equipment.
The wetlands map does not show any regulated wetlands on this site.
St Bond from Police Services has reviewed the application and offered the following: as proposed, this driveway would use an existing curb cut on Route 5 and would alleviate ongoing complaints regarding truck traffic on King Street. The Police Dept expresses no concerns with the project as described. However, care should be used to ensure that the “King” property route (on Maguire Road) does not become a cut through to avoid Burnham Street.
Doolittle, Town Engineer, had the following comments: “Public Works Department was concerned about the use of McGuire Road, the cul-de-sac on McGuire Road in particularly for parking for DDB Management and possibly other businesses in this area and for unloading of deliveries. This has been expressed to the owners and to the engineers. Doolittle was out there last week and there was no body parked in the cul-de-sac. So they’re aware of that and should be attempting to comply with that request.”
Pacekonis made a motion to extend the meeting past 10:00 pm. Choate seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Wentzell requested input from the public.
Mike Shepard, Burnham Street, East Hartford spoke in favor of this application.
Kathleen Chase, McGuire Road, had concerns centering traffic, dumpster pickups and tractor-trailers.
Galen Semprebon, Engineer, Design Professionals, stated the site is constrained and the tractor trailers will enter via the access drive then maneuver within McGuire Road to back into the site to unload.
Attorney Harold Cummings, representing DDB Management, stated the private driveway is being designed to service Hartford Equipment and the King property.
Larsen read into the record correspondence from EDC: “At its October 27, 2004 meeting the Economic Development Commission directed me to contact you in support of the above application. I am submitted this letter for your records. It is the EDC’s strong belief that approval of this application is in the best interests of the Town of South Windsor and its citizens. This driveway from Route 5 to McGuire Road will provide a much-needed entry and exit for DDB Management. Your approval will now permit our ongoing efforts to help existing businesses expand and continue to develop high quality commercial development. DDB Management is the largest distributor of its specialty equipment. They are a good quality business, neighbor, and a taxpayer in our Town. It is the EDC
opinion that the applicant has exhausted all its options in trying to expand its business. The driveway from Route 5 to McGuire Road will also help eliminate the truck traffic from our local streets, i.e. Main Street and surrounding side streets. This traffic has developed because of the closing of McGuire Road from Route 5 some years ago. We hope you will find as the Economic Development Commission has that this project is worthy of your approval. Please feel free to contact me with your questions or if you would like additional information. Sincerely, Marjorie Anthony, Chair, South Windsor Economic Development Commission.”
Discussion ensued among the Commission members with the following comments and concerns: Replies will be in Italics.
Tractor trailers blocking McGuire Road.
Width of road. McGuire Road can handle two-way traffic.
Close the beginning of McGuire Road. McGuire Road cannot be closed, but signs could be placed limiting commercial traffic.
Outdoor storage. Storage on the King property needs to be cleaned up. Outdoor storage on commercial property requires PZC approval. Site plan approval will be sought from PZC.
Placement of signs appropriately and a sign should state ‘private drive’; a sign placed at the cul-de-sac stressing trucks are not to use the street.
Assurance of tractor trailers maneuverability on the site.
Parking for bowling alley. Parking (9-12) along the northeast corner of the bowling alley will be eliminated.
Kennedy made a motion to approve Appl 04-69P, DDB Management with the following conditions:
Prior to commencement of any site work, a meeting must be held with Town Staff.
All plans used in the field by the developer must bear the stamp and authorized signature of the Town of South Windsor.
Pavement markings must be maintained in good condition throughout the site drives. Parking areas, pavement markings and signage should be placed to clearly delineate the traffic pattern and use of the drive.
Trucks requested not to use McGuire Road, sign is to be posted at the cul-de-sac.
Site plan of development is required for the any new uses of 57 Maguire Road property (including outdoor storage).
Driveway shall be posted as a private drive.
Larsen seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
BONDS: Callings/Reductions/Settings
Bond setting - Application #02-22P, Berry Patch I Housing for the Elderly
Kennedy made a motion to set the above referenced bond at $196,000. Pacekonis seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Landscaping Bond – Application #00-23P, Stop & Shop
Kennedy made a motion to reduce the landscaping bond for the above referenced application from $20,000 to $5,000. Pacekonis seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
IWA/CC Bonds Application #00-23P, Stop & Shop
Application #03-95P, Bellizzi House Lot
Application #03-08P, Podunk Ridge SRD
Kennedy made a motion to reduce the above referenced bonds to 0. Pacekonis seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Wentzell requested that the Commission members bring their calendars to the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Kennedy made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m. Choate seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________________ _____________________________
Phyllis M. Mann Date Approved
Recording Secretary
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