The regular meeting of September 27, 2005 of the Stonington Conservation Commission was called to order at 6:17 by Vice-chair, Stuart G. Cole. Also present were commission members, Tim Bell, Jennifer Herbst, and Sheila Lyons. Chair Stan Simms arrived at 6:25 and Ben Baldwin at 7:15. Lyons absented herself from 7:30 until 9:00. Herbst left at 9pm after agenda measures were voted upon. Also present until 9 pm was Keith Byrnes, Town Planner.
Review of Town Developments and proposals:
PZ0560RA — Town of Stonington, the presenter -a Zoning Regulation Amendment to create Maximum Height Exceptions for architectural and structural features. This had been discussed at the last meeting but Keith Byrnes from the Planning Office explained the terminology of roof lines, peaks and ridges. Cole motioned to approve the proposal; Bell seconded. The measure passed — four ayes and one abstention.
PZ0566RA - Sander Hendel, the presenter — Zoning Regulation Amendment to modify Section 5.2.1 Commercial/Industrial Zone Bulk Requirements with the provision of an additional note with respect to FAR in the GC-60 district relative to Section 6.6.10 Motels-Hotels. The proposal specifically calls for an increase in the FAR regulations from 2.5 to 3.5 if the hotel is 2 stories, and to 4.5 if the hotel is 3 stories. Items noted in the discussion:
· Within 20 feet of the street, a building can be only 20 feet high.
· Three hotels exist in the GC-60 zone now: Mystic Hilton, Best Western, Sea Breeze.
· The GC-60 zone is scattered throughout town
· Number of rooms in a hotel are limited to 100.
· Section 6.6.60.1 specifies 1 unit for every 2,000 sq. feet
· Hotels are allowed by special use permit in DB-5, LS-5, HI-60, TC-80.
· GC-60 is the most restrictive as far as FAR is concerned.
· Also — our regulations do not allow use regulation variances.
Cole motioned to approve the proposed amendment. Herbst seconded. Vote was 4-1. Lyons voted NO, Her reasons were that it appears that the town is allowing development to control zoning regulations. We need a new analysis of the Stonington zoning regulations. The POCD did not specifically examine the regulations, just generally. Disapproved of zoning regulations conforming to a single property.
Discussion of application for zoning changes on Taugwonk Road, application to be submitted by Conservation Commission. Keith will check copies of the deeds for properties affected by change. Abutters will be notified.
OPEN SPACE: a) Update on Walsh property, 34 Anguilla Brook Road.. Herbst and Simm have been involved in discussions with property owner’s representative about preservation of lands around the house. Herbst scheduling a walk with Baldwin and/or Bell.
b) Feasibility study in the process for meeting with the Board of Selectmen on preservations of parcels in Pawcatuck.
c) Open Space plan draft submitted to the POCD Implementation Committee. A hearing will be scheduled by the P&Z, or the Planning Office.
d)
OLD BUSINESS
a) Jason Vincent has written up cluster subdivision regulations. Cole will contact him.
b) Duck tours — Season mostly over.
c) Finance Office has transferred $500 to the Trust for Public Land Survey account.
NEW BUSINESS: Mystic River Dam Committee: Keith reported that the dam IS in Stonington, or appears to be. Dam Committee should review the options, be in contact with DEP and with the new owner of Dam Pond. Cole did talk to the new owner of the garage, Mike Lamparelli. Is there a possibility that the town would acquire the dam and the pond and the land along the stream?
MINUTES: Bell motioned that they [minutes of 8/30/2005] be approved as sent by E-mail. Baldwin seconded. All concurred.
Lyons motioned to adjourn at 10:25. Respectfully submitted by Lyons, acting secretary
[Approved at a regular meeting on 10/25/2005.]
| 