Zoning Commission Minutes 06/03/2013 ADOPTED

ZONING COMMISSION - REGULAR MEETING
ADOPTED MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2013

I. CALL TO ORDER
Robert Pomeroy, Chairman, called the regular meeting for the Simsbury Zoning Commission to order at 7:00PM on Monday, June 3, 2013 in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices located at 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT. The following members and alternates were present: Gerry Post, Edward Pabich, Dave Ryan, Ed Cosgrove, Amy Salls, Will Fiske and Derek Peterson. Others in attendance included: Hiram Peck, Director of Planning; and other interested parties.

II. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
It was not necessary to appoint alternates.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the May 20, 2013 Regular Meeting
Commissioner Pomeroy moved adoption of the May 20, 2013 minutes, as presented.

IV. Consent Items:
a. Sign for Burke Therapy at 929 Hopmeadow Street. Recommend approval with revisions suggested by DRB.

b. Sign for Dowling & Dowling and Valley Publishing at 987 Hopmeadow Street. Recommend approval of replacement sign as submitted

c. Sign for the Riverview at 10 Winslow Place. Recommend approval as submitted.

d. Sign for Professional Building at 381 Hopmeadow Street. Recommend approval as submitted.

Commissioner Pabich made a motion to approve the consent items referenced on the June 3, 2013 Zoning Commission Agenda. Commissioner Fiske seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

V. PUBLIC HEARING(s)
Commissioner Pabich read the legal notice regarding the following application:

1. Application #13-27 of Aimee Heuschkel (aka Aimee Chanin), Owner, for a Special Exception pursuant to Article Seven, Section C.9, of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations for an accessory dwelling unit on the property located at 53 Canal Street (Map F15, Block 115, Lot 004). Zone R-15.

Ms. Heuschkel explained that she would like to convert her studio space into an in-law unit. She briefly reviewed parking, ingress, egress and noted the building inspector has been there, made his comments, and will be re-inspecting on Wednesday, June 5, 2013. After further discussion from the Commissioners, there were no additional comments from the public.

Commissioner Ryan moved to close public hearing. Commissioner Pabich seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

VI.  DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ANY AGENDA ITEM, INCLUDING:

Commissioner Post moved the approval of Application #13-27 of Aimee Heuschkel (aka Aimee Chanin), Owner, for a Special Exception pursuant to Article Seven, Section C.9, of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations for an accessory dwelling unit on the property located at 53 Canal Street. Commissioner Pabich seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

1. Application #13-25 of John D. Ritson, Agent for RC Connectors, LLC, Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment for modifications to the landscaping plan on property located at 144-146 Hopmeadow Street (Map F17, Block 154, Lot 008). Zone I-1.

Mr. Peck provided some history regarding the property and provided the Commissioners plans for the subject property. He said the adjacent condo association has given its blessing (via a letter addressed to Mr. Peck) for the landscaping plan and Town Staff has no additional concerns. Mr. Peck said the Conservation Commission has also given approval of this plan. He then provided some specifications regarding the location and size of the planting scheme. Mr. Peck then answered some questions regarding planting locations for the Commissioners.

Commissioner Pabich moved approval of application #13-25 of John D. Ritson, Agent for RC Connectors, LLC, Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment for modifications to the landscaping plan on property located at 144-146 Hopmeadow Street, subject to completion of a revised plan including the garages. Commissioner Post seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved. 

2. Application #13-29 of Matt Wittmer of Phase Zero Design, Agent for GC-Simsbury, LLC, Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment on the property located at 920 Hopmeadow Street (Map H09, Block 227, Lot 001). Zone SC-1.

Mr. Wittmer addressed the Commission and provided a site plan and renderings illustrating the proposed changes. Steve Walker, Owner of Simsbury Shoppes was also in attendance.  Chris Millard, Phase Zero Design, presented to the Commission explaining the history involved with this plan and the circumstances surrounding the previous denial from the Design Review Board (DRB). He then spoke about the DRB’s original feedback and Phase Zero’s proposed changes in response. Mr. Millard explained the proposed pedestrian walkways as well as fixtures, landscaping, guardrails and lighting which will be consistent with the rest of the Simsbury Shoppes property. He spoke about the change in location regarding the Metro Bis entrance. He then described the proposed concrete patio and provided some specifications. The handicap accessibility was described and discussed. Mr. Millard then described the aesthetics of the new Metro Bis entryway.

Mr. Wittmer then spoke about original plan which had included a modification of Subway, which was denied by DRB. Mr. Wittmer said they intend to come back with another Subway proposal, but for time's sake, they want to present this modified plan in order to get underway with the changes. Mr. Wittmer and Mr. Millard then spoke further about the DRB's feedback regarding the original Subway plan.

Communication between Zoning Commission and DRB was briefly discussed.

When asked, Mr. Peck said this particular plan is acceptable from his position. The timing was discussed.  Mr. Millard then spoke further about the second portion of the application, which will includes the replacement of the bay windows and enhanced entry door by Sara Byrnes. Mr. Wittmer presented letters from the business owners in favor of the the proposed changes.

Commissioner Pomeroy moved approval of  Application #13-29 of Matt Wittmer of Phase Zero Design, Agent for GC-Simsbury, LLC, Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment on the property located at 920 Hopmeadow Street. Commissioner Fiske seconded the motion, which passed by a vote of seven (7) to one (1).

The communication process between Zoning and DRB was then discussed further.

The process moving forward regarding the Subway portion of the change was discussed. Commissioner Pomeroy asked the Commissioners to read the minutes from the DRB’s meeting in order to prepare for this project moving forward.

3. Application #13-30 of Matt Wittmer of Phase Zero Design, Agent for GPF-Drake Hill, LLC, Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment on the property located at 720 Hopmeadow Street (Map G10, Block 227, Lot 001-2). Zone SC-1.

This application was deferred.

V1I. STATUS OF:

1. Village District project
Mr. Peck updated the Commissioners and announced that the next Village District project meeting is June 19, 2013 which will be held at the Simsbury Library.  Mr. Peck said they just received rough drafts from the consultants and are working with them on that draft.

2. Marketing project
Mr. Peck then updated the Commissioners regarding the responses on the marketing project from the business owners and said there is not another formal public meeting scheduled yet.

3. RFQ for The Hartford
Mr. Peck then said there were eight (8) responses and the selection committee has picked its top 3 or 4. Mr. Peck then said now The Hartford will choose its top 3 or 4, and then they can move forward in order to narrow down the candidates. He said they hope to get finished before September, which is an aggressive timeline for this type of project.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Ryan moved to adjourn the June 3, 2013 meeting of the Zoning Commission at 7:59PM. Commissioner Fiske seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________
Robert Pomeroy, Chairman