MEMBERS PRESENT: Patrick Kennedy, Bart Pacekonis, Viney Wilson, Bill Carroll, Elizabeth Kuehnel, Kevin Foley
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Stephanie Dexter, Will Butter
STAFF PRESENT: Michele Lipe, Town Planner; Lauren Zarambo, Recording Secretary
SPECIAL MEETING / COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Kennedy called the Special Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None
Public Information Meeting on the Plan of Conservation and Development Draft
Chairman Kennedy opened the meeting stating ‘By state statute the Planning and Zoning Commission is charged with updating the Town Plan of Conservation and Development every 10 years. This Commission has been working on this update for over a year with community input at various points in the process. The Commission is now looking now for feed back from the public about the current draft. In early April the Commission will reconvene to discuss these comments, determine edits to the draft plan and start the formal adoption process.’ Commissioner Wilson then read the names of those who submitted written comments on the Draft to the Commission prior to the meeting (written commentary to be known as Exhibit ‘A’). The Chairman introduced Heidi Samokar from the consulting firm Planimetrics to give a
brief overview of the plan.
Ms Samokar began her power point presentation defining a Plan of Conservation and Development as a plan which addresses growth and change in the community. South Windsor has a history of planning and has regularly updated its plan every 10 years as required by the state. The Commission and Ms Samokar have worked on the draft together over the last year; beginning with a public kick off workshop where about fifty residents provided their initial thoughts on what should be the focus of the plan. A post workshop survey collected input from more than 100 residents. Ms Samokar has met with some local officials for their input. Boards and commissions have given their input to the PZC and a household survey was taken by about 500 residents.
From all the data collected thus far it has been concluded that generally residents rate the quality of life in South Windsor very high. The town services and facilities contribute greatly to the high quality of life. There is strong support for preserving farmland and open space. Support remains strong even when asked if the town should spend money to preserve open space and farmland. Residents want a true town center and continued business development in the community. The word ‘balance’ came up frequently in terms of balancing land protection and business development and retaining a balance of the town’s rural character while having businesses within the community to take care of every day needs.
South Windsor ‘grew up’ in the last 30 years. Population and housing growth is not growing as it has in the past. It has presently stabilized with an aging population. This trend mirrors current state and national trends. It is mostly empty nesters and young adults who are leaving the community. Most new housing built in the last ten years has been multifamily and planned residential developments for seniors. The manufacturing sector is strong in South Windsor and is a strength not usually found in Connecticut. This confirms the importance of retaining industrial zoned land.
The goals and strategies contained in the plan being reviewed will probably remain consistent over the next ten years but the exact tactic of how the plan is accomplished may change year to year as new tools and priorities become available. As a result there will be two separate plans: a strategic plan and the action plan.
Two locational guide maps have been created for the Plan. The first, on page 91, is an accumulation of all things to preserve in the community. The darker green areas on the map show the highest concentration of types of resources to be preserved. This is not meant to prevent development in those areas but to refer someone to the natural resource, open space, character and farmland sections of the plan to know what is important to protect when doing something in those areas. The second locational guide map on page 93 is for development. This map adds up the factors which make an area prime for development and colors those areas on the map the darkest red. Factors considered such as water, sewer, whether it is zoned for commercial development, on an arterial road or a bus route contribute. These maps are envisioned
to be used to analyze how much ‘red’ or ‘green’ an area has and to then refer to the other maps in the plan to see what applies to the area.
Ms Samokar stated a number of public comments reflected the idea that people do not really understand what South Windsor is and what it is known for outside of town sitting the example of people thinking Evergreen Walk was part of Manchester. The plan gets into the details of ‘branding’ the town and using signage to do so.
Main Street’s character is not protected today. Only a small section of Main Street around the post office is a local historic district which has the strongest protection. The rest of Main Street is in a national historic district which basically acts as a recognition program offering very little to protect the character. A build out analysis map of Main Street under current zoning demonstrates how an estimated 270 new units could be built. A second map changed the minimum lot size from one acre to an acre and ½ and the third map showed two acre minimum lots. The character will change substantially with development even when zoning is changed to double the minimum lot size. There was not a clear consensus from the community on how to protect Main Street’s character. The land owners must be brought in to
create a plan. If development occurs, it is recommended that open space subdivision zoning is required which clusters the houses together and more land is protected. A suggestion in the plan to help land owners design potential subdivision development is to do so with the assistance of very qualified landscape architects so that the impacts are minimal to the character. It is also recommended to extend the local historic district to include all of Main Street or adopt a zoning tool called a Village District which gives the Commission the ability to address design aspects.
Preservation of natural resources comes through designation of open space when development occurs. The Open Space Task Force has already accomplished a great deal and should continue their work. For every town owned parcel of vacant land it is important that the intention is clear from the beginning when starting new projects.
Ms Samokar met with the SWALPAC Committee to discuss farmland in South Windsor. There needs to be a good inventory to have an accurate assessment of how many acres of farmland there are and what is being grown. The progress or the loss of farmland can be measured from here to have a benchmark.
South Windsor has a good amount of commercial industrial zones. Ms. Samokar stressed the importance of retaining industrial zoned land as once it is changed it will never be reconverted.
Along Route 5, it is suggested to create ‘cross road nodes’ for identifiable nodes planned for access with a higher design standard. The plan includes steps to improve the appearance of Route 5, one of the town’s strongest economic corridors. The roadway with front yards that have no landscaping, left over signs and wires contribute to the negative appearance. The plan goes over a façade improvement program to update appearance and landscaping.
The northern section of Route 5, as it transitions into East Windsor, is mainly residential but could see expanded use of properties so long as the rural residential character is preserved.
The importance of having a center in the area of the town hall and library was verified by the community survey. Ms Samokar suggested referring to this area as the center in order to build and reinforce ‘the brand’. Physical improvements like banners, kiosks and signage will help to establish the idea. Secondly draw more people to the center. Physical improvements such as sidewalks and crosswalks will contribute to a village town center setting. Setting the framework for longer term development with conceptual ideas for the future is addressed in the plan.
The last part of the plan focuses on infrastructure: transportation, community facilities and utilities. The subject of transportation covers congestion to ‘complete streets’ so streets can serve all creating more opportunities to walk and bike in South Windsor. Maps have been included in the plan using the work previously done by the South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways Committee. The maps can be used by the town when planning road reconstruction and can be given to the state for their use in road upgrades.
- Public comments on the draft
Marc Okun representing the New England Regional Council of Carpenters spoke introducing six members of the carpenter’s union who are South Windsor residents and tax payers with close ties to the community. Mr. Okun described the construction industry in states of depression and recession over the last years and stressed the importance of using local hires on projects in town. Many projects have state subsidies with little incentive or requirement to hire local workers. Mr. Okun asked that the Plan incorporate a ‘Responsible Contractor Ordinance’ to hire local construction workers which in turn directly supports the community (Exhibit ‘B’).
Tim Shepard, resident of Newberry Road, spoke to emphasis the importance of open space and farmland preservation. He encouraged having the Town Council embrace development rights programs and not spend town money to own everything. Land could be preserved on Main Street for the future if the town embraced the concept of Purchase of Development Rights (PDR’s). Mr. Shepard stated when his generation is no longer here the next generation will be looking for the dollars involved with development, not land preservation. Mr. Shepard also spoke about historic homes being very expensive to own and maintain. He noted those homes are what is promoted when talking about the historical nature of the town and are a living example of South Windsor’s culture and heritage. Mr. Shepard suggested some sort of tax reduction for
historic home owners. He then suggested a moratorium on new large distribution centers near East Windsor Hill and Sullivan Avenue until the impact of truck traffic from the new FedEx and Aldi’s is known.
Anthony Vierra (sp), a seven year resident of South Windsor, suggested a transfer station to supplement the large residential recycling and trash bins and stated bulk pick up items can take weeks to be picked up. Mr. Vierra suggested a transfer station for bulky items on Route 5 or working with the town of Vernon to use their facilities and charge a fee for each truck load.
Richard Dickinson, 50 year resident of the town, thanked the Town Planner, staff and Commission for their work on the POCD and supports what is being considered. He asked for further emphasis to be made to walkers and joggers on the roads. Mr. Dickinson asked that all connecting roads be designated for pedestrian accommodation such as sidewalks or bike paths. He is not suggesting the town spend revenue on these improvements but when there is commercial or residential development that sidewalks be required to be installed on roadsides. Mr. Dickinson stated bus stops need sidewalks for safety. If the plan of development designates pedestrian accommodation for roads developers will design sidewalks into their initial proposals. These designations would also guide the state and town when major road reconstruction is made. It
will take years for South Windsor to become truly pedestrian and bicycle friendly, but progress can be made if advantage is taken when new commercial or residential developments are planned which will make South Windsor safer at a lower cost to the Town.
Dick Kelley, resident of Rosemary Lane and business owner, recalled a time more than ten years ago when a firm was hired to analyze how development had occurred as it did at ‘Town Center’, ‘4 Corners’ and ‘5 Corners’. It neglected pedestrian needs and was designed to speed traffic to the mall. Mr. Kelley described the town center area and the need for change to make the area better for pedestrians. We have to work with town staff, the Town Council and Board of Ed to have a vision of a future town center. Mr. Kelley stated the ball fields near the high school are a destination for recreation more than the ‘Center’ is a destination. The buildings at Colonial Corner need to be re-designed with the Commission’s help and suggestions. Mr. Kelley concluded South
Windsor Center needs to include more housing for both older and young people.
Rob O’Connor, resident of Krawski Drive and member of the Park and Recreation Commission, the South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways Committee and the Town Council Bike and Sidewalk Committee, commended the Commission for promoting the sidewalk and biking plan. Mr. O’Connor stated concentrating the sidewalk plan in the town center is good for pedestrian and bicycle friendliness, safety and for the economic health of the area. He encouraged the continued concentration on town center. Mr. O’Connor also pointed out one of the ‘top sorrys’ from the survey was the condition of and the lack of recreational facilities and noted the upcoming consideration of a new recreation center. He then asked for leadership to develop a new vision for the new four corners.
Peter DeMallie, resident of Petersen Way and Principle of Design Professionals Inc, stated the greatest threat to Main Street and South Windsor’s farmland is when parcels change hands when inherited and are divided or sold. Outright purchase of land or purchasing of development rights are options the town can take, but encouraged allowing land owner farmers to retain ownership of their land for collateral to buy supplies and equipment to survive. He encouraged open space subdivision development to be required to preserve large portions of parcels with development concentrated in clusters.
Mr. DeMallie recommended being careful how natural resources are addressed in the plan and the language used. He suggested using the name ‘Natural Resource Inventory Map’ rather than the ‘Natural Resource Protection Plan Map’ (page 30). The information going into that map is very general in character and if an area is designated on a protection plan map it may be prevented from getting state or federal funding or approvals. Mr. DeMallie stated it may be a concern when the regulations refer back to the Plan of Conservation and Development when making zone changes to accommodate economic development and the two are incompatible. He suggested changing the language in the sentence on page 30, “Development can be compatible with the conservation of natural resources provided the site is laid out
in ways that avoid direct impacts…” by adding “to the extent it is feasible”. Unavoidable impacts on natural resources in current developments occurred at the Fed Ex site, Buckland Commons and Evergreen Walk. Language needs to be added or changed not to restrict economic development interests.
Mr. DeMallie pointed out the interchange of Route 5 and I-291 as one of the most viable economic development areas and suggested expanding the area for commercial on the business development plan. The rural character of the northern most part of Route 5 with the Scantic River flood plain and lack of sewers needs to be looked at for its development potential on a busy highway. Mr. DeMallie stated single family residential should not necessarily be encouraged on a commuter corridor with high speed traffic.
He also suggested the town center plan could be improved by moving the parking to the rear and buildings forward with their front yard setbacks moved far forward to create intimate pedestrian type character.
As for ‘Residential Development’ under ‘Strategies’ on page 65, Mr. DeMallie encouraged adding an item to encourage mixed use development per the CT General Statutes for POCD. The trend of losing the young adult and empty nester categories can be reversed through mixed use and other measures. He noted there are no areas identified where multi family development could occur and suggested as part of the plan to identify the areas which may accommodate multifamily development.
Mr. DeMallie stated mass transit is being heavily invested in with a commuter rail line from New Haven to Springfield to open in 2016 and in 2014 a bus rapid transport line from New Britain to Hartford. There is nothing east of the river. There is no intra-town transportation to serve the residents and very little inter-town service between communities. Future transportation options need to be considered.
Concerning the Community Facilities Plan, Mr. DeMallie suggested addressing where major community facilities are located. He stated all five elementary schools are 50 years or older and will require renovation or replacement. No where in this long range plan are new locations identified for a new school or an indoor recreation center. He also noted Fire House #1 and 2 and if #2 will be large enough to meet future needs.
Mr. DeMallie suggested changing the Locational Guide Map for Development on page 93 to increase the degree for development potential sitting the areas on the south east corner of Route 5 and the areas around the interchange at Route 5 and I-291. Mr. DeMallie concluded thanking all for a job well done.
Ginny Hole, resident of LeFoll Boulevard and residing in South Windsor for 30 years, thanked the Planner, Commission and Ms Samokar for including plans to connect the community with a sidewalk plan, bike routes, trails and the ‘Complete Streets’ concept. By connecting residential condos, apartments, neighborhoods, businesses and parks people can get around these areas by foot to use cars less and know the community more.
Bill Tellier, resident of John Fitch Boulevard in the East Windsor Hill neighborhood, described his neighborhood stating many of the residents are aging elderly and he would like to see additional commercial opportunities in the area giving the suggestion of converting the area from residential to commercial to create businesses to bring in more young adults into South Windsor.
Ginny Macro, resident of Main Street and Chair of the Historic District Commission, applauded the effort and amount of public participation received and the input the Commission has taken. The plan shows recognition of the importance of preservation of historic structures on Main Street and throughout the town. The Historic District Commission is completing a historic resources survey which has documented the historic structures in South Windsor. They will be shown on the GIS survey maps with an objective to help in the planning process to take the structures into consideration when projects occur. Ms Macro endorsed what Mr. Tim Shepard said concerning preservation of open space and using the purchase of development rights as a more effective way of using the money for open space. She also endorsed the
Village District overlay for the southern part of Main Street. Ms Macro noted there is public transportation into Hartford from Main Street and suggested an unobtrusive parking area somewhere to allow people from South Windsor to take advantage of mass transit into Hartford. She also suggested the inclusion of historic structures as another bullet point for the Locational Guide Plan for Conservation on page 90.
Jared Lewis, resident of Chapel Road residing in South Windsor for 7 years, suggested marketing sustainability to attract young people to town. He noted a brief mention of renewable energy in the plan. Mr. Lewis stated there are many programs to introduce renewable energy, like solar and wind, on town properties incorporating relationships between private and public sources to fund them at very low or no cost to the community. He stated the major focus for a Town center is good and will draw to bring people to town the way West Hartford or Glastonbury are destinations. Mr. Lewis also suggested incorporating community supported agriculture given the nature of South Windsor. He also noted the potential along Route 5 for putting in renewable energy sources along some of the areas which have open spaces and suggested to
improve the appearance of Route 5 by reintroducing sustainable native species and plants in the landscaping. This improvement will also address the decline of native species in that area. He concluded the way to attract families to South Windsor is to offer a way for kids to walk and bike to schools and sidewalks on Long Hill Road need to have a high level of importance for kids walking to school.
Janet Utay, 15 year resident of Main Street, thanked the Commission for their work with the survey and draft and for including the importance of historic preservation in South Windsor. She encouraged the Commission to look further for what can done to help Main Street remain in a positive way. Ms Utay stated there is the historic district, but asked for something more to encourage home owners to preserve what is there noting the decaying homes that need preservation.
South Windsor resident, Patty Lauzeushood (sp) complemented the plan and stated the walk-ability of the community is important to improve not to simply put in more sidewalks but installing sidewalks that you want to walk on. Bus stops are unappealing and appear to be an afterthought for those without cars but the use of public transportation as an alternative to driving a car needs to be encouraged. She also asked if the existing freight rail line might be expanded for light rail commuting. Ms Lauzeushood asked about the Town Green and inquired if a portion of the parking lot could be turned into a town green park for a place people could gather. She noted the successful use of schools as recreation centers during after school hours and vacations in other communities.
Pat Botteron, resident of Victor Lane and representing the Open Space Task Force, thanked the Commission and Planner for including the OSTF in the comprehensive plan and adding agriculture development rights and the potential for the donation of land towards open space. OSTF meets again on April 1st and will submit any additional comments from that meeting to the Commission.
Dick Kelley spoke once more stating plans can gather dust and encouraged action to be taken now.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Kuehnel made a motion to adjourn, Vice Chairman Pacekonis seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lauren L Zarambo
Recording Secretary
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