12/22/2020 Planning Commission Minutes

Subject to Approval

PLANNING COMMISSION-MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, December 22nd, 2020
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.

1. Pledge of Allegiance

II. ROLL CALL

1. Appointment of Alternatives: Richard Cortes and Julie Eaton promoted to full voting members

Present: Michael Glidden, William Rice, Richard Cortes, Julie Eaton, Mr. Needham, David Blume

Absent: Erin Leavitt-Smith, Holly Beum, Craig MacCormac

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the TUESDAY November 24th, 2020 regular meetings

• Mr. Needham lead the minute review for the 11/24/20 meeting, however, he was not present for that meeting, so he stated he would not vote. Line 74, Mr. Needham noted the word at the end of the sentence should state meant not mean.

• Chairman Rice made a motion to accept the 11/24/20 meeting minutes as amended. Mr. Blume seconded the motion.

MOTION: All in favor, no opposed, two abstention, Mr. Needham and Ms. Eaton (3-0-2).

IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS

1. Discussion concerning Affordable Housing Plan Public Comments

• Chairman Rice began by explaining to the Commission members that earlier today he met with Mr. Glidden, Maria Capriola, Eric Wellman and Wendy Mackstutis from the Board of Selectman. He explained that they discussed the options that this Commission has regarding the Affordable Housing plan and that the plan specifically address how to meet 8-30j. Chairman Rice also explained that he also discussed that it was the Commissions consensus from the input at the public listening session that the speakers felt the plan should be doing more than what they have drafted. Different options and ways to approach were discussed. Chairman Rice noted that the Board of Selectman agreed that if a comprehensive or more holistic plan is desired by the town it should be prepared by someone with more experience than the members of the Commission. Chairman Rice explained that they discussed having a task force or advisory committee be established by the Board of Selectman. Chairman Rice suggested that the Commission complete the plan with the addition of another action item to state that the Board of Selectman consider putting together an advisory committee to understand the level of commitment the town wants to put into affordable housing. This plan will then be issued to the Board of Selectman that will comply with 8-30j. Chairman Rice explained that the final draft of the plan would then have language that would act like a springboard for further development. Chairman Rice was informed by Ms. Capicola that town staff is stretched pretty thin and the likelihood to have any town staff on an advisory task force would have to wait. Chairman Rice felt this reinforces the need to issue the affordable housing plan as it stands with the addition of the new action item mentioned earlier, so they do not become the subject of any penalties. Mr. Blume noted that in the drop box he saw a document showing that the state had provided money for preparing an affordable housing plan and asked if that money is still available or if it has been consumed. Mr. Glidden interjected explaining that they discussed possible financing options available and noted there may be a way to fund it without asking for money from the state; the state grant Mr. Glidden explained was only $15,000 however, he explained they may have identified a way to go beyond with a larger budget which they may have the funds to do. Mr. Blume felt this could enhanced the final product and stated there are more organizations in Simsbury that can and want to contribute to an Affordable Housing Plan. Mr. Needham noted there should be representation from the Land Use Commission. Mr. Needham agreed with the outcome of Chairman Rice’s meeting. Ms. Mackstutis provided Chairman Rice with language that can be used for the Affordable Housing Plan so he will share that. Chairman Rice did not want to make any final decision tonight due to many of the Commission members being absent for tonight's meeting. Mr. Needham asked Mr. Glidden if there is a time constraint for the submission of this plan. Mr. Glidden answered explaining this has to be done by the end of 2021. Mr. Glidden suggested they get the final draft submitted as not getting this plan submitted could make them ineligible for discretionary funding in the future. Chairman Rice expressed the need to see what would have to be added to the plan to support the action item suggested by Ms. Mackstutis. Chairman Rice would like the Commission to vote on this at the next meeting. He asked for clarification from Mr. Glidden on the approval process. It would have to first go to the Board of Selectman however, Mr. Glidden explained he would have to verify the next steps as this is a fairly new process.

• Chairman Rice presented a document shared to him by Ms. Mackstutis, Planning for Affordability in Connecticut. It is a guideline put together by a company called RPA and the CT Department of Housing. Chairman Rice informed the Commission that it provides some instruction on how to comply with 8-30j. The document was not shared in the drop box prior to the meeting. Chairman Rice asked Mr. Glidden for it to be uploaded to the drop box. Mr. Glidden noted that this document was just released. Mr. Glidden will also send the document to all the Commission members via email.

Chairman Rice informed the Commission that he looked through the local real estate and saw one for Hendricks Lane, the affordable housing complex. There was a real estate transaction for $483,602 for one of the houses. Chairman Rice noted this house sold. Mr. Needham reported he saw a 2 bedroom condo for sale downtown for around $198,000, more affordable, and expressed he doesn’t understand why someone would pay $483,602 for a small amount of land and a deed restriction. Chairman Rice noted that Cambridge Crossing is selling for $450,000 as well. Mr. Needham noted it is tricky to have affordable housing, which would have more density, without offending neighborhoods. Chairman Rice noted that is why it will have to be done by policy and wonders how the town leaders feel about it. Chairman Rice was recently by Hendricks Lane and noted there was no fence around the water basin at Hendricks Lane and there was sled tracks down the hill implying people had been sledding. He explained concern of safety for the residents. Mr. Glidden will follow up and report back for the next meeting.

Mr. Glidden had one correspondence. The assessor is asking for an opinion from the Commission on PA490 mentioned on page 54 of the POCD; specifically, around the goal/objective of reviewing the criteria for PA490 open space assessment to evaluate whether extend incentives to residentially zoned parcels less than 25 acres in size. Mr. Glidden explained the assessor is getting ready to submit the grand list however, there are a few parcels that are receiving PA490 exception status and she wants to know the Commissions intent for that goal/objective in the POCD. Mr. Glidden suggested this can be discussed at the next meeting and he can bring further information. At this time, it was also stated by Mr. Glidden that they lost Mr. Blume so there are only 4 members present at the meeting. Mr. Glidden would prefer to have at minimum 5 or 6 members present. This will be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Mr. Needham asked for there to be something uploaded to the drop box explaining what the issue is so the Commission has time to think about it. Mr. Glidden provided the Commission with more of an explanation regarding PA490; it gives certain protections to vacant land where they can apply for a reduction in their real estate taxes and it be classified as open space. He stated one of the requirements is that the parcel has to be identified as open space in the POCD on the open space map. Mr. Glidden will also share the assessor's criteria. The current POCD has regulatory authority in assisting the assessor’s classification of open space through PA490. Mr. Cortes asked for the specific state statute; CT Statute 12-107. Mr. Glidden noted although PA490 is older it is referred to by many people. Chairman Rice noted that the person would have to pledge to maintain the open space status for 10 years and if not then they receive tax penalties. Chairman Rice also asked Mr. Glidden to provide the Commission with more background information on the 25 acre requirement and where it comes from. Mr. Glidden noted that the 25 acre dates back to a determination in 1973 but will provide all the background information for the Commission in the drop box for the next meeting on 1/11/21.

Chairman Rice asked for any upcoming applications. Mr. Glidden reported there is a potential 8-30g application on West Mountain Road. The plans are currently being developed. Mr. Glidden had no further information to provide for this meeting. Mr. Needham asked about the rock being removed for the electric car dealership being put on the Simsbury/Canton line. Mr. Glidden explained that it is part of a rock removal operation; most of the rock will be used on site.

V. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Needham made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Cortes seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:43pm.

MOTION: All in favor, no opposed, no abstentions. (5-0-0)

Respectfully Submitted,

Amanda Werboff
Commission Clerk