11/09/2021 Planning Commission Minutes
PLANNING COMMISSION-MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021
The public hearing was web-based on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/2574297243
Meeting ID: 257 429 7243
I. CALL TO ORDER - Chairman Rice called the meeting to order at 7:03pm.
II. ROLL CALL
1. Appointment of Alternates: N/A
Present: Michael Glidden, William Rice, Holly Beum, Erin Leavitt-Smith, Dave Blume
Absent: Richard Cortes, Craig MacCormac, Julie Eaton
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the TUESDAY October 12, 2021 regular meetings
Ms. Leavitt-Smith noted on line 55 “there” should be corrected to “their”. Ms. Beum stated line 85 should be amended to read “Ms. Beum made the commission aware of a few notable spots in the POCD where photographs could be added as examples Simsbury’s inclusivity.” Mr. Blume made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Ms. Leavitt-Smith seconded.
Motion: All in favor, no opposed, no abstentions (4-0-0)
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Referrals
a. Application #21-24 of the Simsbury Zoning Commission, Applicant;
Michael Glidden CFM CZEO, Agent; application for a text amendment
to the Zoning Regulations to opt out of Public Act 21-29 concerning
accessory dwelling units and parking standards in Simsbury for a
period of one year effective November 15th, 2021.
Mr. Glidden presented the application to the Commission. Ms. Leavitt-Smith inquired about the benefits of opting out of PA 21-29. Mr. Glidden described the benefits of tailoring the Town’s own regulations on parking standards and ADU sizing regulations in the event the Town elected to opt out of the public act. The Commission discussed the process if the Town opted out of PA 21-29. Mr. Blume noted that the benefit on affordable housing that could be brought about by the expansion of ADU regulations should be explored for the benefit to the affordable housing plan. Ms. Beum expressed concerns over making a determination given the Zoning Commission just recently started the public hearing process for the decision on PA 21-29. Mr. Glidden provided clarification to the Commission on the details on the public act and the timelines associated with opting out. Ms. Leavitt-Smith cited section 10.2 of the POCD in support of the expansion of ADUs and affordable housing options in the Town. Chairman Rice made a motion to return a positive referral to opt out of the Connecticut Public Act 21-29 based on the Planning Commission’s positive referral to revise the zoning regulations for the Town of Simsbury including the section pertaining to ADUs and that the Commission found no reason to change. Mr. Blume seconded.
MOTION: All in favor, no opposed, no abstentions (4-0-0)
2. PA-490 (Open Space) and the impacts on the POCD
Chairman Rice introduced PA-490 to the Commission. The Commission discussed the conditions applicants would face when applying for PA-490 status and the impacts to the tax revues for the Town. The Commission discussed the proper channels that a set of regulations would have to go through, stating the POCD is not the right guiding document to house them. Chairman Rice stated that he would write to the Board of Selectmen about the regulations for the PA-490 Open Space designation and what regulatory body should be responsible for drafting the regulations.
V. OLD BUSINESS
1. Applications
• None
Chairman Rice stated the newly elected Commission Officials start dates as being sworn in December 6th, 2021 and attending their first Planning Commission meeting on December 14th, 2021.
VI. ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Beum made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Blume seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:04pm.
MOTION: All in favor, no opposed, no abstentions. (4-0-0)
Respectfully Submitted,
Joseph Hollis
Acting Commission Clerk