MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Patrick Kennedy, Bart Pacekonis, Michael Sullivan and Tim Moriarty
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Elizabeth Kuehnel Sitting for Mark Abrahamson
Viney Wilson sitting for Louise Evans
STAFF PRESENT: Marcia Banach, Director of Planning
PUBLIC HEARING/COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Chairman Kennedy called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Commissioner Sullivan read the legal notice as it was published in the Journal Inquirer on Thursday August 6 and Thursday July 28, 2009.
Kennedy appointed Wilson to sit for Evans and Kuehnel to sit for Abrahamson
09-32P, Styles United: Transformative Martial Arts—request for a special exception to Section 7.13 for a martial arts school at 55 Sandra Drive, I zone.
Alvaro Mendez presented the application as follows.
Alvaro Mendez is the owner of Styles United Transformative Martial Arts. Mr. Mendez proposes to combine education with martial arts. Teenagers can have a good interaction and better social skills.
Banach gave a Planning report as follows.
Request for Special Exception to Article 7.13 of the zoning regulations to allow an indoor martial arts studio in the existing building at 55 Sandra Drive, I zone. The martial arts studio will occupy about 4000 sq ft of the building; the remainder of the building is occupied by Andre Furniture Industries.
Pedestrian access, provisions
Special exception criteria for indoor recreational use include:
- The proposal is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Plan of Conservation and Development.
- The application has met the requirements of the zoning regulations.
- The land is physically suited to the proposed use.
- Minimal, if any, adverse environmental impacts are created.
- No traffic or other hazards will be created.
- The impacts on the capacity of the present and proposed utilities, street, drainage systems, sidewalks, and other elements of the infrastructure will be minimal.
- There will be minimal or no adverse effects on existing uses in the area.
- Surrounding property values will be conserved.
- The character of the neighborhood will be maintained or minimally disrupted.
- The general welfare of the community will be served.
- There is a balance between neighborhood acceptance and community needs.
- Historic factors are adequately protected; or due consideration to preservation of historic factors has been demonstrated.
- The overall physical appearance of the proposed development is compatible with surrounding development and the Commission’s goals for the neighborhood/corridor.
- The architectural design is aesthetically pleasing and blends well into the surrounding area.
The Commission may impose additional conditions in accordance with these regulations in order to ensure that all applicable criteria enumerated above and/or within a particular use category are satisfied.
The site is surrounded by industrially-zoned land on all sides. The land to the south is owned by the Land Trust; all other abutting property is currently in industrial uses.
The parking requirement for indoor recreational use is one space per 250 sq ft, or 16 spaces. The site has 15 existing spaces and an area of about 7500 sq ft of unlined paved area The building’s owner has provided correspondence indicating that his business is closed by 5:00 p.m. and is not open on weekends. The martial arts studio begins classes at 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and will be open on weekends. The parking regulations include a provision for sharing parking for daytime and evening uses with Commission approval and written agreement to such mutual use recorded in the Town Clerk’s office. The Commission also has the ability under the regulations to establish safeguards to ensure that parking issues will not arise.
The applicant needs to be aware that off-site signage is not allowed. Signage must be in conformance with the requirements of the zoning regulations.
The Fire Marshal has reviewed this application and provided his requirements to the applicant. Those requirements have been satisfied.
The site is served by public water and sewer.
If this application is approved, the Planning Dept requests no additional approval modifications.
There was no public participation.
- Commissioners asked if all activities would be inside.
The applicant confirmed that all activities would be inside the facility.
- Commissioners asked if the applicants hours of operation were going to stay the same as reflected on the flyer that was submitted with the application.
The applicant responded that the hours are as reflected on the flyer.
- Commissioners asked if the applicant would be providing any food or beverages for the students.
The applicant responded that the students would be responsible for bringing their own drinks.
- Commission members felt that it was a good idea for kids to have martial arts in combination with education.
REGULAR MEETING – MADDEN ROOM
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Daria Plummer, 235 Orchard Hill Drive had concern with the M & R Liquor’s site and access to that site from Buckland Road. Ms. Plummer mentioned that patrons have to do a U-turn at Evergreen Walk in order to enter the site or use the corn crib as a turn around spot.
09-32P, Styles United: Transformative Martial Arts—request for a special exception to Section 7.13 for a martial arts school at 55 Sandra Drive, I zone.
Sullivan made a motion to approve the above mentioned application with the following conditions.
All plans used in the field by the developer must bear the stamp and authorized signature of the Town of South Windsor.
The building street number must be included on the final plan.
Pavement markings must be maintained in good condition throughout the site drives and parking areas.
All free standing signs and/or building signs require the issuance of a sign permit before they are erected.
Wilson seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Preliminary discussion with Peter DeMallie regarding a potential development project.
The above mentioned item was cancelled.
Preliminary discussion with Ellen Marouski regarding a farm stand on property located at 1062 Pleasant Valley Road.
Ellen Maruoski presented the proposal for a permanent farm stand at 1062 Pleasant Valley Road. Ms. Marouski has operated a farm stand at that location since 1993 and would like to make it a full time farm stand. Ms. Marouski is proposing to sell fruits and vegetables as well as ice cream and would like some feed back from the commission.
Commissioners agreed that the corner of Pleasant Valley and Clark Street is a great location for a farm stand and asked Banach if there were any zoning issues with the proposed farm stand.
Banach responded that the zoning regulations allow for permanent farm stands by special exceptions. There are no zoning issues with the proposed farm stand.
Commissioners asked Ms. Marouski if the farm stand would have power, water and bathroom facilities.
Ms. Marouski responded that the farm stand would have electricity, running water and a restroom for employees only.
Commissioners mention members are in favor of the proposed permanent farm stand the only concern would be parking.
Ms. Marouski mentioned that the site has plenty of parking and it would be shown on the site plan.
Commissioners mentioned that one of the special exception criteria is to make sure that the neighbors support the application. Commissioners suggested that the applicant should invite some of the residents who are in favor of the farm stand to the hearing or bring a signed petition.
Pacekonis made a motion to extend the meeting. Sullivan seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
BONDS:
Pacekonis made a motion to reduce the site bond for Appl. 95-35P, Fairfield Homes Subdivision from 24,000 to $4,000 maintenance. Kuehnel seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
MINUTES:
The minutes dated July 14, 2009 were approved by consensus.
OTHER BUSINESS:
ADJOURNMENT:
Pacekonis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Sullivan seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted
Approved by PZC 9-8-09
D. Maria Acevedo
Recording Secretary
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