Planning Commission Minutes 02/11/2020
PLANNING COMMISSION – MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020
SIMSBURY TOWN OFFICES – MAIN MEETING ROOM – 7:00 p.m.
933 HOPMEADOW STREET, SIMSBURY, CONNECTICUT
I. CALL TO ORDER - Chairman William Rice called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
II. ROLL CALL
1. Appointment of Alternates- Richard Cortes was appointed to sit for Craig MacCormac
Present: William Rice, Holly Beum, David Blume, Erin Leavitt-Smith, Alan Needham, Richard Cortes, Julie Eaton
Absent: Craig MacCormac, Sean Fernand Glenn
Staff Present: Michael Glidden, Director of Planning and Community Development
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the January 28, 2020 regular meeting-
MOTION: At 7:03 P.M., Chairman Rice made a motion to approve the January 28, 2020 regular meeting minutes as submitted. Ms. Beum seconded the motion and it passed 5-0-2, with Mr. Blume and Ms. Leavitt-Smith abstaining.
Agenda amendment:
MOTION: At 7:04 P.M., Chairman Rice made motion to change the order of the Agenda, to move the POCD update workshop to follow CRCOG Regional Planning Commission Appointments. Ms.
Leavitt-Smith seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
IV. REFERRALS
1. Purchase of easement along southern frontage of 20 Tariffville Road for purpose of bike path
Mr. Glidden presented the Commission with information regarding a proposed parcel of land to be purchased for use of the bike path. The land is needed to meet federal safety standards of a formalized trail. Mr. Glidden clarified where the bike path will be, shared the project timeline, and answered questions regarding future plans for the bike path through Tariffville.
MOTION: At 7:14 P.M., Chairman Rice made a motion to give a positive referral citing conformance with the POCD, the purchase of the easement along the southern frontage of 20 Tariffville Road for the purpose of a bike path. Ms. Beum seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
2. Sale of open Space off the rear of property located at 133 Holcomb Street.
Mr. Glidden explained the open space area Mr. Antonio is requesting to purchase. Mr. Antonio owns the adjacent property. Purchasing the small parcel of land will allow Mr. Antonio to meet the five acre minimum to function as a legitimate farm. He is currently maintaining the property.
MOTION: At 7:20 P.M., Mr. Blume made a motion to give a positive referral on the sale of open space off the rear of property located at 133 Holcomb Street, with the transaction meeting the goals and objectives of the POCD, and the Commission supports pursuant to 8-34 and the town code the sale of Open Space. Ms. Beum seconded the motion. Motion passed, 6-1-0, with Chairman Rice opposing.
V. CRCOG REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Chairman Rice explained what CRCOG entails, what it’s purpose is, where meetings are and the time commitment required.
1. Appointment of member- Chairman Rice volunteered
2. Appointment of alternate- Mr. Blume was appointed alternate. Mr. Glidden to handle submission of paperwork/applications
VII. POCD UPDATE WORKSHOP
Ms. Leavitt-Smith would like the items that are not in the top four topics to be discussed/amended to be revisited on a specific schedule. The Commission agrees that there should be a specific schedule for a revision plan of updating the POCD.
1. Economic Development, Update, page 80
Mr. Needham wrote up a draft revision of the second paragraph of Economic Development on page 80 of the POCD and he read it aloud. Discussion ensued about different wording and terms which could be used in the paragraph. The Commission also spoke about “Long term economic benefits” and analysis of the benefits. The Commission agreed to strike the second paragraph of Mr.
Needham’s version and to replace “place making” with “creating a sense of place.” Abatements were also discussed. Mr. Glidden made suggestions and gave feedback when requested. Ms. Leavitt-Smith and Ms. Beum request the words “Long term” be added to the second sentence in the last paragraph between independent and economic.
Mr. Needham will also add a letter e. to page 82, adding long term economic analysis to the overall list.
Mr. Needham will revise the wording and bring the revision to the next meeting for approval.
Next meeting, affordable housing plan will be the focus. Chairman Rice requests the members of the Commission review the affordable housing section, and come ready to discuss possible changes. Mr. Glidden has supplied examples in dropbox.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: At 8:32 P.M., Ms. Blume made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Needham seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.