Zoning Commission Minutes 07/27/2015 SPECIAL MEETING

ZONING COMMISSION - SPECIAL MEETING – 7:00 PM

MINUTES – SUBJECT TO VOTE OF APPROVAL
JULY 27, 2015

I.  CALL TO ORDER
 

Commissioner Robert Pomeroy called the special meeting for the Zoning Commission to order at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, July 27, 2015 in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices located at 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT. The following members were present: Vaughn Marecki, Jackie Battos, Kevin Gray, Gerald Post 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 Peterson.

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

Referral to Zoning and Planning in accordance with Article Twelve, Section C.1. for a Use Variance for Zoning Board of Appeals Application #15-04 of James W. Gallagher, Owner for a variance pursuant to Article Seven, Section I,of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations to allow for automotive use in a I-1 Zone on the property located at 8 Herman Drive (Assessor’s Map H07, Block 103, Lot 034). Zone R-40. (received 07/20/2015; decision must be rendered by 09/23/2015).

Mr. Peck stated that regulations for Use Variances require the Zoning Board of Appeals to refer the application to the Zoning Commission and Planning Commission for recommendation prior to making a final decision.

Commissioner Pomeroy clarified to the Commission that there isn’t a provision for the applicant to receive a Special Permit for an automotive business in an I-1 Zone.  The Use Variance is the only path available to the applicant. 

Mr. T. J. Donohue, Jr., Attorney requested that the Commission recommends to the Zoning Board of Appeals that the Use Variance is in keeping with other surrounding uses and is not likely to cause or have adverse effects on the neighbors. He added that the Zoning Board of Appeals wants to know if there is a significant reason to object to the application.

Mr. Donohue stated that according to Zoning Commission regulations, automotive uses such as car dealerships and gas stations are allowed in and I-2 Zone, but not an I-1 Zone. Mr. Gallagher’s automotive business is specifically for servicing diesel engines.  The applicant has notified neighbors and didn’t receive any opposition.  He added that Mr. Gallagher is willing to make the upgrades to the parking lot as recommended by Town staff.

Commission Pomeroy moved to refer to the Zoning Board of Appeals that the Zoning Commission has no issues with the having an automotive business on the property located at 8 Herman Drive (Application #15-04 of James W. Gallagher).The motion was seconded by Commissioner Post and was unanimously approved.

Application #15-22 of Ronald Bomengen, Fuss & O’Neill, Inc., Agent; Westminster School, Owner; for a site plan amendment for a new student and faculty residence, dining hall, and renovations to Cushing Hall on the property located at 995 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map H07, Block 103, Lot 034). Zone R-40. (received 07/20/2015; decision must be rendered by 09/23/2015).

Mr. Ron Bomengen, Professional Engineer, Fuss & O'Neill described the Westminster School Site Plan modifications to student/faculty residences, Carriage Houses, Dining Hall, Cushing Hall and a pedestrian connection to the Armour Academic Building.   

Mr. Bomengen reviewed the developments from the 2012 Site Plan approvals.  He stated that only two (2) of the three (3) dorms were constructed as well as three (3) two-car garages. However, the carriage house, one (1) single-car garage and driveway were not constructed.  

Mr. Bomengen said that the proposed construction will take place in three phases. The benefits from the campus improvements include:

Maintaining student population by increasing the number boarding students while decreasing the number of day school students

Eliminating truck traffic to Dining Hall

Equip new buildings with geothermal technology for heating and air conditioning.

Also included in his presentation are storm water management, soil management and sediment control as well as traffic and site utilities.

Mr. Dan Rutledge of Gund Partnership described the landscape master plan and the rendering of the new buildings. Mr. Rutledge said that the material on the exterior of the proposed buildings will match the current buildings. He also described the details of the new construction and renovations. 

Mr. Bomengen answered questions from the Commission stating the time frame for completing construction for all three phases will take a total of four years.  The plan is to begin construction of Carriage House in 2016. Construction of the dining hall will follow in 2017 and Cushing wall will be last.  

Commissioner Postmove to approve Application #15-22 of Ronald Bomengen, Fuss & O’Neill, Inc., Agent; Westminster School, Owner; for a site plan amendment for a new student and faculty residence, dining hall, and renovations to Cushing Hall on the property located at 995 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map H07, Block 103, Lot 034). Zone R-40. (received 07/20/2015; decision must be rendered by 09/23/2015).The motion includes the proviso that the Town staff receives a detail account of the buildings that were approved and buildings planned to be built. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ryan and was unanimously approved.

IV. ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Ryan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 P.M.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pomeroy and was unanimously approved.

Respectfully Submitted,

Irene Muench, Commissions Clerk