Open Space Committee Special Meeting March 19,2015

OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE- SPECIAL MEETING – 6:00 PM
MINUTES – SUBJECT TO VOTE OF APPROVAL
MARCH 19, 2015

I. CALL TO ORDER

First Selectman Lisa Heavner called the Special Meeting for the Open Space Committee to order at 6:03 p.m. on Monday, March 19, 2015 in the Program Room of the Simsbury Public Library. The following members were present: Donald Rieger and Ferg Jansen. Others in attendance included Hiram Peck, Director of Planning, Jeff Shea, Town Engineer and other interested parties.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance

III. PUBLIC AUDIENCE

No comments were made by the public.

IV. PRESNETATION BY TOWN STAFF

Mr. Shea presented background information of the house on 1 Old Bridge Road. Topics included the size of the property, additions to the house, flooding of basement, zoning, FEMA regulations and site restraints. Also mentioned were future opportunities of the site submitted by town residents.

V. INPUTS, IDEAS AND COMMMENTS FROM PUBLIC

Mr. John Carroll of 31 Terry’s Plain Road said that he is a former contractor that worked on the house. He stated that there is no structural damage on the west side of the house and suggested to eliminate the east portion. Mr. Carroll added that the west side of the building can become an open pavilion in a park setting.

Mr. Dave Ryan of 20 Westledge Road recommended building boat houses where clubs can congregate and hold events.

Mr. Bob Beinstein of 26 Fairview stated that the town has to evaluate the changes and costs carefully. He added that the basement is designed to have water recede when flooded. He suggested that the town find ways to connect the property to the center.

Ms. Jan Lintner of 22 Massaco stated that she is a member of the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge. She recommended that the property is kept as natural as possible. She added that there are a lot of weddings on the bridge. Her biggest concern is that people will park big trailers on the side of the road when transporting canoes or kayaks.

Alan Needham of 2 Basswood Lane stated that a boat launch is very important because others will see the beauty of the river and wildlife when paddling down the river. He suggested that the property can include an ice cream vendor, outdoor patios, a place for kids and an enclosed area for events.

Ms. Sharene Wassell of 2 Ryan’s Circle said that she is the Co-Chair of the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge. She suggested that the property should connect to the Flower Bridge. Her suggestions included, picnic tables, benches and bike racks.

Mr. Alexander Brash of 34 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, said that he is the President of the Connecticut Audubon Society and is open to ideas facilitating access to the river.

Ms. Linda Schofield of 3 Ryan’s Circle suggested to create an educational center where people can learn about river ecology, wildlife and rent a canoe or kayak.

Mr. Jerry Lintner of 22 Massaco said he is concerned about the liability cost to the town if young people jump off the flower bridge into the river. He added that some ideas previously mentioned suggested turning the property into a recreational center that attracts kids.

Mr. Hiram Peck, Director of Planning for the Town of Simsbury said the town is interested in the recreational potential of the property and it will become part of the Master Plan of Simsbury. He added that preliminary meetings with FEMA and DEEP were positive and they were receptive the to the town’s comments.

Ms. Sally Rieger of 9 Stodmor Road asked what will the flood insurance cost if the building remains on the property.

Mr. Peck answered Ms. Rieger’s question. He stated that FEMA is increasing flood insurance by 20% within the next five years.

Ms. Zellene Sander of 22 Ronde Lane, Bloomfield, said that she conducts field trips to Simsbury for the Audubon Society. She is looking forward to visiting this area on future field trips.

Mr. John Carroll of 31 Terry’s Plain Road spoke again stating that the concrete and brick structure will remain for a very long time. It is designed so that the flood water drains out of the walls. He added there is a lot of flexibility with the building. The floor above the garage could become a classroom. In response to an earlier comment about trailers, he doesn’t see that happening since canoes and kayaks are transported on top of cars.

Ms. Elizabeth Burt of 12 Woods Lane said she is the Chair of the Beautification Committee. Her suggestions were to add a concession stand, have a place to rent boats and a place for kids to play. She also added to have the property remain restful and nature focused.

Ms. Heavner asked if the members have any comments. Ferg Jansen stated that the town is looking to the cost to maintain public restrooms. He suggested having the restrooms in the center of town in an effort to have the public go into town.

VI. OTHER BUSINESS

None discussed.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Rieger made a motion to adjourn at 7:09 p.m. and Mr. Jansen seconded. The committee voted to adjourn.

Respectfully Submitted,

Irene Muench, Commissions Clerk