Town of Willington
Zoning Board of Appeals
40 Old Farms Road Lower Level
Willington, CT. 06279
July 10, 2014 at 7:30
Minutes
Present:
Mark Masinda Chairman
Richard Maloney Vice Chairman tele conference
John Rup
Jerry Lopes seated for Brian Semprebon
Annemarie Poole
William Bland, alternate
Excused:
Brian Semprebon
ZBA2014-6 Application for site suitability hearing per Section 21.01.04 for 3 Polster Road (Map 46 Lots 16, 17 Zone DC) Owner Frank & Joseph Malack et al Applicant: Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores (Received May 8, 2014 Public Hearing June 12, 2014 Decision within 65 days after P.H.
Regular Meeting
Review and discussion on Public Hearing closed on June 12, 2014
Mark Masinda called the regular meeting to order.
Richard Maloney motion to approve the application as detailed and specifically represented in the application with no exception.
Motion seconded by Jack Rup
Mark Masinda asked for discussion on the motion.
Richard Maloney said that in reviewing the application and the Connecticut State Statue with the help of Council, that the ZBA had the authority to have a suitability hearing. He said that were no issue of paramount Public Safety that would prevent the ZBA from approving the application. He said that we have to look to Zoning Board and the Inland Wetlands Commission and although the citizens who spoke were eloquent in reviewing the application and the Statute he doesn’t see that the ZBA can do anything but approve it.
Jerry Lopes said in reviewing the Statue we would be approving nothing at all. That nothing is in the way of approval except some of the citizens of the Town do not want to approve the truck stop. He also discussed the number of truck using the exit the amount of commercial trucking traffic in that area, and the amount of litter.
Annemarie Poole said that she had listen to the tape of the last meeting, and review the material that was provided, looked over the site plan and map that were submitted.
Annemarie Poole spoke about the Plan of Conservation and Development and because of the highway it is a good location for commercial development. A. Poole said that she has concerns about the exit, signage and traffic.
Jack Rup said he wanted to thank the Chairman for his work and to Susan Yorgensen for providing all the background information for them. He also said that he wanted to thank Planning and Zoning for their work and their position paper. He said that Planning and Zoning Commission held many Public Hearing and put a lot of effort in reviewing the application and the site plans for the truck stop and they approved it. The issue of the exit, signage, traffic and the environment were discussed at these Hearings.
Jack Rup said the Economic Development was in support truck stop.
W. Bland said that the Wetland Commission had addressed the issue of the environment and the concern is what will be the impact over time.
M. Masindia said we are looking at site suitability for traffic flow, pedestrians and public safety. The site will be very visible from the exit. A gas station has been at this location for many years.
In review the plans Love’s Travel will be widening the road, and DOT is responsible for the exit ramp. M. Masinda stated that we are representing the State of Connecticut for a site suitability hearing.
Richard Maloney said that we needed to look at the Statute, it only goes to suitability. We should be looking at highway and traffic safety issues.
A. Poole read from the email that Council sent stating “that such use or the proposed location will not imperil the safety of the public”
A. Poole read the motion. Motion to approve the application as detailed and specifically represented in the application with no exception
Mark Masinda, Jack Rup and Richard Maloney voted in favor. Opposed were A. Poole and Jerry Lopes. Motion approved.
W. Bland motion to approve the minute of the June 12, 2014 meeting. J. Rup seconded the motion. M. Masinda, J. Rup, J. Lopes, and W. Bland approved. Annemarie Poole abstained.
J. Rup motion to adjourn the meeting. W. Bland seconded the motion. All voted in favor.
Respectfully Submitted
M. DuPilka Recording Clerk
| 
