Planning and Zoning Commission
40 Old Farms Road Willington, CT 06279
July 17, 2012 – 7:00 PM
Meeting Minutes
Roll Call
Members Present:
Andrew Marco – Chairman
Matthew Ellis – Vice Chairman
Thomas Murphy – Secretary
Phil Nevers
Edward Standish
John Sullivan
Doug Roberts – Alternate
Members Absent:
Walter Parsell - excused
James Poole – Alternate – excused
Also Present
Susan Yorgensen
Old Business
Chairman Marco called the meeting to order at 7:00.
Attorney Samuel Schrager to discuss Ridgeview Subdivision on Meadow Lane and Tolland Turnpike
Attorney Schrager presented plans on the 180 plus acres on Tolland Turnpike. The parcel has a small portion in Ashford with 3 existing lots in Willington (20, 21, & 22). Lots 20 and 21 are currently non-conforming and the applicant would like to make them conforming. A discussion was held on the lots to be subdivided and the steps involved; the commission and staff agreed the process would involve 2 steps.
S. Yorgensen said, to be approved as a subdivision, the applicant would have to show that all 3 lots are conforming and that they were all approved lots . A discussion was held on the open space and re-subdivisions. A discussion was held on conforming lots, modification of a subdivision and history maps of the lots.
Kathy Demers of the Conservation Commission was present; the commission would like to comment on the open space offered to the town at the appropriate time.
Atty.Schrager asked if the application would call for a Public Hearing and S. Yorgensen said it would be the decision of the commission
NewBusiness:
PZC2012-34 To amend the Willington Zoning Regulations (Section 11.12.06.04). Applicant: Leonard Jacobs (Received July17, 2012 Public Hearing by 9/18/2012)
Public Hearing has been set for September 18, 2012 At 7:00.
Tolland Fitness and Zumba LLC (Jeanette Delaripa) discussion on signage at 11 Phelps Way
Kari Olson of Murtha and Cullina was present for the applicant. She said she discussed the situation with Ms. Delaripa and told the commission Ms. Delaripa was not aware she was in violation; it was a great misunderstanding.
The applicant said Zumba is a trademark and regulated by an international organization. The banner with the Zumba trademark logo was approved by Zumba. A discussion was held on the banner and the wall sign. Atty. Olson asked about adding additional signage to show the services offered. S. Yorgensen said, if the signs are less than 4 square feet, they do not fall under the regulations.
The Commission pointed out that there are many places where corporate franchises come up with signs that complement a community when they are required to do so.
A discussion was held on small identification signs and banner. S. Yorgensen said the commission could never approve a banner as a permanent sign. S. Yorgensen said a banner could be placed temporarily if it was taken down at night.
A discussion was held on placing decals vs. etching on the windows. The commission suggested placing them in the side entrance windows. Ms. Delaripa said she was concerned about vandalism and the decals being removed. She said the owners have said they will close off the side entrances and install storm doors but she does not know the timeline of when that will be completed.
Ms. Delaripa said the wooden sign should be completed by mid-august. J. Sullivan said the Commission is trying to work with the business owners and have given the applicant some ideas to work with.
Chairman Marco said this is a unified shopping plaza and the owner should be held accountable rather than the tenant.
Attorney Fatimo Lobo and the property manager were present. Atty. Lobo said the regulations are challenging to the small business owners and a discussion was held. S. Yorgensen gave the back ground of the sign situation for the plaza; the owner agreed to come in to request a new sign package approval before the commission quite some time ago but has yet to do so. Atty. Lobo said they would talk to the tenants and come back before the commission.
Minutes
The minutes of June 5. 2012 were approved by E. Standish. Seconded by P. Nevers. M. Ellis Abstained. All other commission members in favor.
Correspondence
- 3 Violation letters to tenants of Phelps Plaza.
- Capital Improvement Plan
Staff Report
S. Yorgensen brought up two regulation issues that will be brought before the commission; fast food restaurants cannot be within 500 feet of residential housing and a septic cannot be within 150 feet of a wetland and watercourse. The commission would like the attorney to draft up proposed regulation changes. A public hearing can be held September 18th.
A discussion was held on the change in the meeting time. The commission would like the discussion of the meeting time added to the next meeting.
A discussion was held on the fire department addition and the timeline of the work to be done.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele Manas
Recording Clerk
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