Planning Commission Minutes 03/24/2015
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 24, 2015
REGULAR MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Ferg Jansen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Simsbury Public Library Program Room, at 725 Hopmeadow Street. The following members were also present: Gary Lungarini, Richard Cortes, Alan Needham, William Rice, Robert Kulakowski, Mark Drake, and Kevin Prell. Also in attendance were Hiram Peck, Director of Planning, Janis Prifti, Commission Clerk, and other interested parties. Chairman Jansen thanked SCTV for taping the meeting.
II. SEATING OF ALTERNATES AS NECESSARY
No alternates were seated.
III. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ANY AGENDA ITEM, INCLUDING:
a. Application #15-01 of Robin Messier Pearson, Esq., for K & K Developers, Inc., Agent; Infinity IV, LLC, Owners; requesting subdivision of the property located at 34 Hopmeadow Street (Map E18, Block 117, Lot 001) to create 3 lots. Zone PAD. (received 03/10/2015; decision must be rendered by 05/14/2015) (continued from 03/10/2015)
The Applicant's representative indicated they were pleased with the process and summarized that a full discussion was held at the 03/10/2015 Planning Commission meeting, the proposal has since been approved by the Conservation Commission, and offered to answer any additional questions. Hiram Peck read the Conservation Commission decision into the record as follows:
"This matter was reviewed and discussed by the Conservation Inland Wetlands Agency at its meeting on 03/17/2015; following is the result of that review:
Discussion with the Applicant preceded these comments and findings.
Regarding bike path access, Town Staff noted the crossing showing 15-foot wide pavement could accommodate it, if the path ends up there.
Town Staff noted a request to be copied on the final plans.
Commissioner Rieger made a motion that this is a regulated activity as it involves construction in a wetland.
Commissioner Cunningham seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
Commissioner Rieger made a motion that it is not significant activity in that it involves a minimal disturbance to wetland areas, but on the whole no significant impact on wetlands and watercourses.
Commissioner Cunningham seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
Commissioner Rieger made a motion to grant the permit noting that this is for the Parcel 1B; it does not relate to the other aspects of the entire parcel, although we note a subdivision is occurring here and find that the subdivision is not inconsistent with our permit. The permit is granted conditioned on the revisions to the silt fence mentioned by the soil scientist.
Commissioner Cunningham seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
Commissioner Rieger made a motion finding that the Sedimentation and Erosion Plan is satisfactory subject to Town Staff being satisfied with the construction narrative addition, as required, following submittal to DEEP.
Commissioner Cunningham seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously."
Town Staff clarified that the Conservation Commission would determine each time a parcel is developed, whether they need to review the proposal, e.g. if drainage affects the wetlands. Town Staff indicated the Applicant is preparing documents for the Zoning Commission hearing on 04/06/2015 regarding maintenance of green space, which will also be reviewed by the Town Attorney. Town Staff indicated the Applicant has proposed connecting to the bike path and is in the process of preparing that plan; questions include: 1) whether the Town can require public access through private property, and 2) the issue of potential liability. Town Staff reviewed that the Wetlands Agency was comfortable with the potential bike path connection along the proposed roadway, which was measured and determined by the Applicant's engineer to be wide enough to accommodate the potential bike path without further encroaching on wetlands; Town Staff is keeping a record of related bike path concerns as a final determination develops; and accessibility of bike path users to future commercial businesses on the property may also be a beneficial. The Commissioners noted the need to correct "right to grade in favor of Lot 2B" to "... Lot 1B". Regarding inclusion of all of the items discussed at the 03/17/2015, Conservation Commission meeting, Town Staff noted those items would also be part of the Applicant's DEEP application and Staff will continue monitoring that process. Town Staff confirmed that the 03/09/2015 Heath District memo provides for their future involvement in plans, as required.
Commissioner Rice made a motion to approve Application #15-01 of Robin Messier Pearson, Esq., for K&K Developers, Inc., Agent; Infinity IV, LLC, Owners; requesting subdivision of the property located at 34 Hopmeadow Street (Map E18, Block 117, Lot 001) to create 3 lots, Zone PAD, subject to the recommendations of the summary that Hiram Peck presented tonight from the Conservation Commission/Inland/Wetlands & Watercourses Agency, and determining who would maintain the green space with consideration given to a conservation easement for green space along Rte. 10, and a map revision of 2B to 1B.
Commissioner Kulakowski seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Updates and status of ongoing projects
Town Staff provided the Commissioners with copies of documents from the recent informative Connecticut Bar Association seminar reviewing changes/updates to legislation. The Chairman offered to loan a large book of case studies from the seminar to other Commissioners for review, noting that greater familiarity with the rules improves decision-making capabilities; Town Staff offered to purchase 1-2 additional books, as requested.
Town Staff indicated: 1) work has begun on the 690 Hopmeadow Street project; 2) Big Y has not yet broken ground on the northern 6 acres and is in the process of obtaining a DOT approved light at their driveway entrance, south of the Skating Center entrance; 3) other properties throughout Town are being looked at; 4) Powder Forest plans were received this date and they are moving forward in the DOT process, which will be for less traffic than previously approved by DOT; a meeting to discuss the Master Plan for Simsbury Meadows is scheduled for 5 p.m. on 03/25/2015 in the Simsbury Town Offices Main Meeting Room, where they will also look at including the Bridge of Flowers and Betty Hudson House and their entrances/exits/parking.
The Commissioners noted ongoing work regarding the Economic Development Task Force working toward streamlining the process, including a possible handbook for Boards/Commissions and pros/cons of potentially combining commissions; combined commissions in other towns have one monthly meeting focused on zoning and the second meeting focused on planning; the Commission representative requested comments/suggestions on this idea be sent to him; one concern is the cost to applicants of having consultants attend a number of meetings and to have a more efficient streamlined process for applicants; it was noted about 50% of towns have split boards. Town Staff added a Project Evaluation Checklist Form pertaining to economic development is being developed to go to the economic development commissions; a business incentive policy is being drafted to go to EDC and ultimately the BOS for adoption, including tax abatement, infrastructure rebate, and/or permit fee rebates. The Commissioners noted a lot of good work has been done behind the scenes by the Town Planner with the subcommittees with completion planned for the Fall.
Regarding the Town website, $10K was allocated from the Task Force budget to refresh the website; bids have been received and a more functional site for the general public will be provided by the Fall; GIS is up and running.
Regarding the Ellsworth property, Town Staff indicated the Land Trust closing and map filing are planned for 03/26/2015.
The Commission representative to the Regional Planning Commission noted it is comprised of 32 towns/cities; a recent meeting was held in Mansfield which wants to maintain the Town's bucolic/agricultural element, but that strains some economic development; UCONN in Storrs is a community within Mansfield and in the past acted unilaterally; however, Mansfield and UCONN are now working together with two plans that mesh; it was noted the Storrs Center process took about 10 years to move forward positively, but their lack of water regarding any area development could potentially affect Simsbury; the representative noted that many residents of Mansfield actually get water from the University, and with the limited water supply, it strains relations. The representative noted that Newington was particularly concerned about a recently proposed house bill creating a transit path authority giving the State latitude for development along the bus way and subsequent State-developed transportation modes; since the bus way goes through Newington, they were disappointed not to be included in discussions.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of March 10, 2015
Commissioner Kulakowski made a motion to approve the March 10, 2015 minutes, as written.
Commissioner Rice seconded the motion, and it was passed with Commissioner Prell abstaining
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Prell made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Commissioner Rice seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.