MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Berstene, Stephen Wagner, Teri Dickey-Gaignat, Sandy Jeski
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Philip Koboski
James Kupchunos (sitting for N’Marie Crumbie)
STAFF PRESENT: Donna Thompson, Recording Secretary
Prior to the public meeting being called to order, Commissioner Kupchunos requested a moment of silence for the family of Walter Mealy out of respect for the tragic loss of his daughter Alice Morrin.
The following are motions made during the July 2, 2009 Public Hearing/Regular Meeting.
Public Hearing
Chairperson Berstene called the public hearing to order at 7:30 PM
The recording secretary read the legal notice into the record as it was published in the Journal Inquirer on Saturday, June 20, 2009 and Saturday, June 27, 2009.
Appl. 2734-09 – Laurie Lassonde, 126 Judy Lane, South Windsor, CT - request for a one (1) foot variance to Table 3.1.2.A. to allow an addition of a 12 foot garage, 9 feet from property line (10 feet required), on property known as 126 Judy Lane, A-20 zone.
Laurie Lassonde made the presentation of her application for the addition of a 12 foot garage. Ms. Lassonde showed the Commissioners digital pictures on her camera of the subject property. Chairperson Berstene requested that Ms. Lassonde have the photos printed and sent to the Commission. Ms. Lassonde stated that this addition is being done in conjunction with other needed repairs and improvements on her property and will entail expanding the existing driveway to the width of the new garage.
Chairperson Berstene read into the record a letter of opposition to this application from Gerard A. Caron, 116 Judy Lane. Mr. Caron felt that enlarging the garage and widening the driveway at 126 Judy Lane would create an eyesore, reduce his property value and be a safety concern. Mr. Caron requested that the variance not be granted.
Ms. Lassonde stated that Mr. Caron has not lived at 116 Judy Lane for 3 years, but visits once a day. Ms. Lassonde feels that Mr. Caron has an issue with the variance because of a complaint she made in the past regarding the condition of his property.
Vice-Chairperson Wagner questioned if there was an alternative to needing a variance for the garage addition, such as moving the shared wall. Ms. Lassonde stated it was not feasible to move this wall due to the cement slab it rests on and the 2 steps leading to the door of the room.
In response to Commissioner Kupchunos’ question regarding driveway regulations, Chairperson Berstene stated that a driveway can be up to 3 feet from the property line. Chairperson Berstene also stated that in regard to the safety issue, the 9 feet remaining to Mr. Caron’s property line, should the variance be granted, is acceptable.
Chairperson Berstene stated that other variances granted for the improvement of property in the area, including 2 car garages, did not seem to affect the overall value of other homes.
Chairperson Berstene closed the public hearing at 8:00 pm.
ITEM: Deliberative Session
Appl. 2734-09 – Laurie Lassonde, 126 Judy Lane, South Windsor, CT - request for a one (1) foot variance to Table 3.1.2.A. to allow an addition of a 12 foot garage, 9 feet from property line (10 feet required), on property known as 126 Judy Lane, A-20 zone.
Motion to: approve Appl. 2734-09 – Laurie Lassonde, 126 Judy Lane, South Windsor, CT - request for a one (1 ) foot variance to Table 3.1.2.A. to allow an addition of a 12 foot garage, 9 feet from property line (10 feet required), on property known as 126 Judy Lane, A-20 zone.
Hardship: The placement of the house on the property and the minimal impact to the neighborhood.
Was made by: Commissioner Wagner
Seconded by: Commissioner Jeski
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous.
Regular Meeting
ITEM: Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes of April 2, 2009 with corrections to the spelling of Commissioner Dickey-Gaignat’s name.
Was made by: Commissioner Wagner
Was seconded by: Commissioner Jeski
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
ITEM: Other Business
Chairperson Berstene expressed concern for the delay in approval of minutes when monthly meetings are cancelled. The recording secretary will discuss this issue with Planning and Zoning Department personnel and the Town Manager.
ITEM: Correspondence
Vice-Chairperson Wagner stated that the he did not receive the complete Connecticut Federal of Planning and Zoning Agencies Quarterly Newsletter, Spring 2009 Issue. The recording secretary will obtain a complete issue for Vice-Chairperson Wagner.
Chairperson Berstene informed the Commissioners that the Town of South Windsor’s Annual Report for Fiscal 2007-2008 is now available at the Town Hall.
ITEM: Adjournment
Motion to: adjourn the meeting at 8:09 p.m.
Was made by Commissioner Jeski
Seconded by Commissioner Dickey-Gaignat
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Respectfully submitted:
Donna Thompson
Recording Secretary
Approved: 09/03/2009
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