Planning Commission Minutes 07/22/2014 ADOPTED

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

JULY 22, 2014

REGULAR MEETING

I.          CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Ferg Jansen called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices.  The following members were present:  Alan Needham, Richard Cortes, Gary Lungarini, William Rice, Mark Drake, Ron Locandro, Jr., and Kevin Prell.  Also in attendance were Hiram Peck, Director of Planning, Janis Prifti, Commission Clerk, and other interested parties.

Chairman Jansen thanked SCTV and Karen for taping the meeting.

II.        SEATING OF ALTERNATES

Chairman Jansen appointed Commissioner Lungarini to serve for Robert Kulakowski.

III.       DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

A.        CGS 8-3a Referral for the offer of Open Space/Flood Plain to the Town of Simsbury from Simsbury Specialty Housing, LLC, Owner, for a portion of the property located at 100 Casterbridge Crossing (Map H04, Block 403, Lot 13A-C). Zone PAD.

Town Staff summarized that sometime ago this Commission approved the Dorset Crossing development, including a lot for Specialty Housing, LLC, to construct a  48-unit building primarily for people with MS with 8 units reserved for local people with special needs.  The development is currently under construction and they have learned that a portion of that property is in the flood plain.  A map of the area was provided to the Commissioners.

The Applicant's attorney indicated that 1/3 acre was in the flood plain and was not necessary for development of the property, and proposed donating the 1/3 acre to the Town.  It was believed to be mutually beneficial as the 1/3 acre is adjacent to existing Town Open Space and donating it to the Town would relieve the developer of the cost of having to obtain flood insurance.   Regarding property maintenance, the developer's attorney indicated there should be none and any liability would be the same as for all of Town Open Space.  Tax loss to the Town was thought to be modest for this excess land because taxes would be based on the developed area.  Town Staff confirmed this land donation would cause no changes to the approved plan which remains in compliance.   The developer's attorney indicated a good portion of the Town's Open Space in this area is already in the flood plain.

Town Staff clarified the procedure that:  1) the BOS referral to this Commission was for a recommendation back to them; 2) the Town Attorney has verified that it will then go back to the Zoning Commission to actually revise the PAD for the revised lot line; and 3) the BOS will then make a final decision.

Chairman Jansen made a motion to give a positive referral to the Board of Selectmen.

Commissioner Rice seconded the motion.

The Commissioners commented that this referral is compliant with the POCD goal that the Town acquire and preserve Open Space.

The motion was passed unanimously.

IV.       COMMUNICATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS

Town Staff summarized that the Zoning Commission approved the Form Based Code for the Hartford Property, including 2 revisions:  1) assuring the northern parcel would have 2 types of uses, not just residential; and 2) that the Commission retain the right to call a Public Hearing for any one of the 4 types of applications.  A Type 1 Application was the simplest for someone moving into the building and putting up a new sign; Types 2 and 3 would be somewhat different, e.g. development of a building; and Type 4 representing the most significant changes continues to automatically go to Public Hearing.  The regulation becomes effective 8/1/2014.

Town Staff indicated the gas station Public Hearing at the Zoning Commission was closed and new information was presented at the 7/21/2014 meeting; a decision may be made at their 9/15/2014 meeting.

Town Staff submitted the Vibrant Community Initiative Grant to the Connecticut Trust Historic Preservation to complete creation of the form based code for the Weatogue area which would provide focus for that area.  If the Grant were received, it would have to be completed within 9 months.

Town Staff reviewed that the Economic Development Task Force is divided into 3 groups:  applications for processing, marketing, and programs.  They are working to develop recommendations and suggestions back/through the Economic Development Commission and ultimately the BOS.  Discussions include improvements to the Town Website, better processing of applications to attract economic development, and the most effective way to provide information generated to developers.  Their next meeting is scheduled for 8/19/2014 with monthly meetings through year-end; in October/November, comments/suggestions will be provided to the BOS for their comment.  Participants in the Task Force have broad expertise and the Commissioners were invited to attend any of the meetings.

The Commissioners noted there are currently no meetings scheduled in August.

V.        APPROVAL OF MINUTES of July 8, 2014

Commissioner Rice made a motion to approve the July 8, 2014, minutes, as submitted.

Commissioner Lungarini seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

VI.       ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Prell made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m. 

Commissioner Drake seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.

_____________________________

Mark Drake, Secretary