MEMBERS PRESENT: Bart Pacekonis, Viney Wilson, Mario Marrero, Billy Carroll, Elizabeth Kuehnel, Kevin Foley, Frank Bonzani
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Stephanie Dexter
STAFF PRESENT: Michele Lipe, Director of Planning; Lauren Zarambo, Recording Secretary
APPLICATIONS OFFICIALLY RECEIVED:
- Appl. 14-45P, Town of South Windsor – request for a 3 lot subdivision of approximately 11.2 acres of land, for property located at 765 Sullivan Ave (southerly side of Sullivan Ave, easterly side of West Road), GC zone
- Appl. 14-46P, Saczawa Horse Farm Special Exception - request for special exception to 7.12.2 and site plan approval for the use of existing barns and farm for boarding and training of horses, under the Commercial Animal Agriculture regulation, on property located at 253 and 291 Main Street, A-40 zone
- Appl. 14-47P, Yoga Classes at Unity Church – request for a two year temporary and conditional permit to allow yoga classes on a limited basis, on property located at 919 Ellington Road (Unity Church), RR zone
PUBLIC HEARING / COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Bart Pacekonis called the public hearing to order at 7:30 p.m.
Secretary Commissioner Marrero read the legal notice as it was published in the Journal Inquirer on Thursday, August 28, 2014 and Thursday, September 4, 2014.
- Appl.14-43P, SRL Irish Dance Academy – request for a two-year temporary and conditional permit to conduct dance lessons on a limited basis, on property located at 993 Main Street (First Congregational Church), A-40 zone
Applicant Courtney Jay, owner of SRL Dance Academy, introduced herself as a teacher of Irish dance in Connecticut giving classes in South Windsor at the 1st Congregational Church. The classes which have up to 10 students are primarily for children and teens between the ages of 5 to 16 on Mondays and potentially Fridays.
Director of Planning, Michele Lipe, gave staff comments:
- Request for a two year temporary & conditional permit to allow for Irish dance lessons at the First Congregational Church located at 993 Main Street, A-40 zone.
- The applicant’s proposal is to hold classes on Monday evenings, and possibly Friday evenings. Classes are open to children and adults.
- The classes begin at 5:00 p.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. for children under 12 years old. For teens and older, classes end at 9:00 p.m.
- Classes will be held in the basement of the Wolcott Building, with the space open to students only. Parents are required to walk their children into the building before class and pick them up in the building after class. No children should be entering or exiting the building alone.
- Parents may utilize the lounge on the main floor during class time.
- Parking will be in areas designated by the church along the perimeter of the driveway or at the back of the church.
- There are no Police, Health or Public Works comments on this application.
- The wording of the T & C permit regulation is that, “Temporary and conditional permits may be granted by the Commission 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.”
- If this application is approved, there are no Planning Department modifications to request.
No one from the public spoke in favor or opposition to the application.
Commissioners Marrero and Carroll asked questions.
Chairman Pacekonis closed the public hearing at 7:38 p.m.
- Proposed Amendments to Section 9. South Windsor Center and Section 10. Route 5 of the Plan of Conservation and Development - These documents are available for review in the office of the Town Clerk and the Planning Department and the South Windsor Public Library, and also on the Town’s website (www.southwindsor.org/pocd_draft). (Continued from 8/19/2014)
Chairman Pacekonis continued the public hearing which began on August 19th, 2014.
Director of Planning, Michele Lipe, gave an additional staff comment for Section 9. South Windsor Center suggesting the overlay zone boundary follows the natural water course.
Town Council Liaison Steve Wagner spoke appreciatively of the Director of Planning and Planimetrics’ work on the plan and stated the Town Council has enthusiastically received and supports the Plan and amendments. Councilor Wagner introduced the newly seated Councilor Andy Paterna who read a proclamation from the Town Council supporting the changes for South Windsor Center. (Exhibit A)
Mr. Robert Dickinson, resident of Birch Road, asked for the word ‘bicycle’ to be added to the plan where the term ‘pedestrian friendly’ is used and distributed his comments to the Commission. (Exhibit B)
Commissioner Marrero inquired about the Priest property and what is envisioned by the Town for trail access to the center area. Commissioner Carroll clarified the description of boundaries of the overlay zone. Mr. Peter DeMallie described the natural stopping points for the boundary. Commissioner Carroll noted Mr. Dickinson’s suggestion for the use of the word ‘bicycle’ in the amendment and encouraged pedestrian and bicycle access getting to the center area as well.
Chairman Pacekonis closed the public hearing for Section 9 at 7:51p.m. and then continued the public hearing for Section 10: Route 5.
Mr. Peter DeMallie briefly spoke. No one else from the public spoke in favor or opposition to the amendment.
The Commissioners has no questions.
The Chairman closed the public hearing at 7:54 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING / MADDEN ROOM
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Bart Pacekonis called the Regular Meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Mr. Peter DeMallie of Design Professionals Inc. spoke with a concern of his client from Dzen Tree Farm about access via Blue Spruce Road to their farm property for their Christmas tree farming operation which sells trees directly to the public during the Christmas season. Attorney John Bond representing the Dzen’s also stated though neither the Town nor the Dzen’s own Blue Spruce Road they are looking for a solution to work with the developer, property buyers, and the Town and asked for an informal hearing to expand the discussion to find a solution that will work for all. Chairman Pacekonis stated the purpose of Public Participation is to hear the concerns of the citizens.
Town Councilor Steve Wagner spoke about solar installations in South Windsor which could impact OSTF, SWALPAC, IWA/CC, and PZC. The Energy Committee has been urged to work with all groups to coordinate working together to create a solar farm close to a substation owned by CLP and looks for a PZC commissioner to be appointed to be a part of the group.
NEW BUSINESS: Discussion/Decision/Action regarding the following:
THE FOLLOWING ARE MOTIONS MADE DURING THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION HELD IN THE MADDEN ROOM
- Appl.14-43P, SRL Irish Dance Academy – request for a two-year temporary and conditional permit to conduct dance lessons on a limited basis, on property located at 993 Main Street (First Congregational Church), A-40 zone
Vice Chairman Wilson made a motion to approve with the following modifications:
- The Temporary and Condition permit will expire on 9/9/2016.
Commissioner Kuehnel seconded the motion.
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
- Proposed Amendments to Section 9. South Windsor Center and Section 10. Route 5 of the Plan of Conservation and Development - These documents are available for review in the office of the Town Clerk and the Planning Department and the South Windsor Public Library, and also on the Town’s website (www.southwindsor.org/pocd_draft). (Continued from 8/19/2014)
Director of Planning, Michele Lipe, referenced the comments made by Mr. Dickinson to input the word ‘bicycle’ into the amendment and discussed changes to the boundaries. Commissioners agreed.
Vice Chairman Wilson made a motion to approve the amendments to Section 9. South Windsor Center with the following modifications:
- Motion to adopt the changes to the South Windsor Plan of Conservation and Development Chapter 9: South Windsor Center, with revisions as outlined in the draft dated 5-26-14 (except for revision of map of the Northern Core Overlay Zone to follow the boundary of the Podunk River on the property at the intersection of Route 74 and Sullivan Avenue and to the east along Oakland Road).
- Incorporate the word ‘bicycle’ into Section 9 as follows:
- Page 56, first sentence: ‘Residents envision their Town Center as a destination with a mixture of uses in a walkable and bikeable setting.’
- Page 56, bullet at top of right column: ‘Pedestrian and bicycle connectivity is provided between buildings and to adjacent properties.’
- Page 58, above map: ‘…create a mixed-use, pedestrian and bicycle friendly environment.’
- Page 59, first paragraph: ‘… part of South Windsor Center a mixed-use, pedestrian and bicycle friendly area…’
- Page 60, 6th line from bottom: ‘...system that results in an integrated pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular environment.’
- Page 62, first sentence: ‘Provide for sidewalks and pedestrian and bicycle connections…’
- Page 63, first sentence: ‘Mixed use areas with a pedestrian and bicycle friendly setting…’
- Effective date of September 21, 2014
Commissioner Kuehnel seconded the motion.
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Vice Chairman Wilson made a motion to approve the amendments to Section 10. Route 5 with the following modifications:
- To include revisions as outlined in the draft dated 5-16-14.
- Effective date of September 21, 2014.
Commissioner Kuehnel seconded the motion
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
BONDS: Callings/Reductions/Settings
Landscaping Bond Reduction:
- Appl. 13-06P, GDS Estimating Landscaping Bond in the amount of $5,000 to be reduced by $5,000 to leave a balance of -0-
Vice Chairman Wilson made a motion to reduce the above mentioned bond. Commissioner Carroll seconded the motion. The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
MINUTES: 7/22/14 Special Meeting and 8/19/14 adopted by consensus.
OLD BUSINESS:
OTHER BUSINESS:
Vice Chairman Wilson voiced her concern about town owned open space properties being used for its intended purpose citing a proposed nature and arts building going on the Priest property and solar farms proposed on land which was purchased by the Town with referendum money for open space to be used solely for passive and active recreation and farming. Commissioner Dexter stated she will bring the Vice Chairman’s concerns to the next OSTF meeting. Attorney Keith Yagaloff commented.
Vice Chairman Wilson volunteered to fill the appointment to the Demolition Delay Committee.
Director Lipe projected moving forward with the adoption of zoning text amendments for South Windsor Center at the September 30, 2014 Special Meeting/Public Hearing at which consultant, Glenn Chalder from Planimetrics, will be attending.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:47 p.m. was made by Vice Chairman Wilson
Seconded by Commissioner Kuehnel
The motion carried and the vote was unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lauren L Zarambo, Recording Secretary
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