MEMBERS PRESENT: Patrick Kennedy, Bart Pacekonis, David Sorenson, Viney Wilson, and Elizabeth Kuehnel - (came in a few minutes into the public hearing)
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Mario Marrero, Frank Bonzani and William Carroll
STAFF PRESENT: Michele Lipe, Town Planner
PUBLIC HEARING/COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Kennedy called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
APPLICATIONS TO BE OFFICIALLYRECEIVED:
PUBLIC HEARING-COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The secretary read the legal notice as it was published in the Journal Inquirer on Friday November12, and Thursday November 18, 2010.
Kennedy appointed Marrero to sit for the vacant seat and to Carroll sit for Kuehnel
- Appl. 10-50P, Avery Street Christian Reformed Church, request for a special exception to Table 3.1.1A for an office for Bethany Christian Services (a non-profit adoption and orphan care agency) on property located at 399 Beelzebub Road, RR zones
David Hiskes, member of the church and facilities manager presented the application.
Lipe had the following planning report.
- Request for a special exception to Table 3.1.1A for an office for Bethany Christian Services (a non-profit adoption and orphan care agency) on property located at 399 Beelzebub Road, RR zone
- There are no site changes proposed with this proposal.
The applicant is proposing to establish a small office in the parish house and ultimately move into the church once the space is completed.
Office hours would be generally Monday – Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 with an occasional night meeting.
There is adequate parking on site to accommodate anticipated needs; the existing parish driveway can accommodate several cars, but we would anticipate overflow parking to occur in the church parking lot. The house is currently connected to the church via sidewalk that was put in when the church was rebuilt however there is no direct connection to the parking areas.
- There should be no on-street parking as both Avery and Beelzebub Streets are collector roads. Also, parking should be arranged so that there is an adequate turn around area so cars do not have to back onto Beelzebub Road.
- The applicant would like to install a sign on the property. The zoning regulations allow for signage for permitted non-residential uses and based on existing signage, they would be allowed a 16 sf free standing sign at the Beelzebub Road entrance as well as building signage.
- There is currently a dumpster on the property which currently serves the church.
- Public water and sewers are available. Water Pollution Control Authority approval is not required.
If this application is approved, the planning department has no additional modifications to request.
There was no public participation. Commissioners had no question.
The hearing closed at 7:40 PM.
REGULAR MEETING – MADDEN ROOM
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None
- Appl. 10-50P, Avery Street Christian Reformed Church, request for a special exception to Table 3.1.1A for an office for Bethany Christian Services (a non-profit adoption and orphan care agency) on property located at 399 Beelzebub Road, RR zones
Wilson made a motion to approve the above mentioned application with the following conditions.
Special Exception form to must be filed in the office of the town clerk.
All parking needs must be met on site. 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.
Kuehnel seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
- Discussion with the Economic Development Commission regarding future development in Evergreen Walk
Craig Stevenson, Economic Development Consultant for the Town along with Louise Neary and Edwina Futner form the Economic Development Commission (EDC), came before the commission to discuss a proposal for a study committee of the Planning & Zoning (PZC) and E DC. The committee would discuss current zoning and how it relates to a mixed used development in the Buckland Gateway Zone. The EDC is hoping to open a dialogue with the PZC in order to come up with a viable plan for apartments at Evergreen Walk. Stevenson mentioned that due to the current 85,000 sq ft vacancy of commercial the developer is having trouble marketing to any more commercial users without the residential component. If the residential is developed it would be beneficial for the overall development and bring in more commercial. A hotel is interested in the site although not without the residential component. This has become a pressing issue with the Town Manager, the EDC and the Town Council. Stevenson would
like to work with PZC and do more research in order to brainstorm a better way to accomplish the goal of mixed use.
Commissioners mentioned that The Plan of Conservation and Development is due for a review. Once the research and studies are completed if changes need be made, it can be made to the overall plan. Commissioners mentioned that they didn’t feel comfortable with a mixed use plan that included stand alone apartments or residential on the first floor. Some commissioners agreed that according to the Plan of Conservation and Development the gateway zone was not designed for stand alone apartments.
Lipe read a portion of the Plan explaining that the Plan mentions mixed use although it does not specify how to incorporate the residential and the commercial.
Kennedy appointed Pacekonis, Moriarty and Sorenson as to serve in the committee.
BONDS:
Pacekonis made a motion to set the subdivision bond in the amount of $ 878,000 for Appl. 07-69P, Dzen Subdivision Phase II. Kuehnel seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Pacekonis made a motion to reduce the $878,000 subdivision bond by $743,500 for Appl. 07-69P Dzen Tree subdivision Phase II and leaving a balance of $134.500. Kuehnel seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Wilson made a motion to release the $1,000 landscaping bond for Appl. 07-34P, M & S Paving. Kuehnel seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Wilson made a motion to release the $5,000 E & S Bond for Appl. 09-24P, SW Stone and Landscaping. Sorenson seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
MINUTES:
The minutes dated 11/9/2010 were approved by consensus.
OTHER BUSINESS:
ADJOURNMENT:
Pacekonis made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Wilson seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
The meeting ended at 8:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted
Approved by PZC 1/25/11
D. Maria Acevedo
Recording Secretary
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