Zoning Commission Minutes 01/05/2015

ZONING COMMISSION - REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 PM

MINUTES – SUBJECT TO VOTE OF APPROVAL
JANUARY 5, 2015

I.  CALL TO ORDER
 

Commissioner Robert Pomeroy called the regular meeting for the Zoning Commission to order at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, January 5, 2015 in the Board of Education meeting room of the Simsbury Town Offices located at 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT. The following members were present: Jackie Battos, Kevin Gray, Derek Peterson, Vaughn Marecki and Dave Ryan. Others in attendance included Hiram Peck, Director of Planning and other interested parties.

II. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES

Commissioner Pomeroy appointed Commissioner Battos for Commissioner Post.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes from December 15, 2014 Regular Meeting were approved as submitted.

IV. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION

1.  Application #14-47 of Landworks Development LLC, Agent; Ensign-Bickford Realty Corporation, Owner; For a Site Plan Amendment for Highcroft development on the property located at 225 and 275 Powder Forest Drive (Assessor’s Map F14, Block 103, Lot 005-5). Zone PAD. (received 11/17/2014; decision must be rendered by 1/21/2015).

Mr. Ron Janeczko of Landworks Development showed the Commission building materials, such as brownstone, shingles and color palette that the Design Review Board accepted earlier in the evening.

Mr. John Stewart of CR3 at 571 Hopmeadow Street said that they lowered the grade to the entrance of the town houses. He also mentioned the changes to some landscaping suggested by the Design Review Board.

Mr. Peck stated that the Planning Commission needs to make their final decision on subdividing the two lots. The applicant would like to have the line between the parcels moved.

1. Commissioner Gray moved to approve Application #14-47 of Landworks Development LLC, Agent; Ensign-Bickford Realty Corporation, Owner; For a Site Plan Amendment for Highcroft development on the property located at 225 and 275 Powder Forest Drive (Assessor’s Map F14, Block 103, Lot 005-5). Zone PAD. (received 11/17/2014; decision must be rendered by 1/21/2015). As part of the approval, it is understood that the Planning Commission will decide on the resubdivision lot line separating the two lots. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Peterson and was unanimously approved. 

V. DISCUSSION OF NEW AND ONGOING PROJECTS

Mr. Peck summarized the following projects:

The Ensign House at 690 Hopmeadow Street has changed the layout of the two new buildings on the property. As a result of the Wetlands Conservation Commission decision, the new buildings will be connected.

Big Y closed on Friday, December 31, 2014.  Demolition will take place soon.  Big Y plans to open in October 2015.

Green Tea Restaurant plans to upgrade the current property and add a second restaurant.

Activity to the Pool Barn at 155 Hopmeadow Street will begin this month.

Residents have called and mentioned interest renting the units at the property on Firetown and Plank Hill roads.

Dorsett Crossing is building quickly and expects to have tenets in March. They are still negotiating with the Town about floodplain issues.

Property at 34 Hopmeadow is moving forward and they are willing to offer affordable housing.

Commissioner Peterson asked Mr. Peck to speak with the owners of Pride gas station located at the south end of town since the LED lights on the southern corner of the property are blinding to drivers.

The foreclosed property at 22 Lostbrook in West Simsbury was sold.

Mr. Peck said that there has been some interest in The Hartford property.

VI. ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Ryan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 P.M.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pomeroy and was unanimously approved.

Respectfully Submitted,

Irene Muench, Commissions Clerk