Planning Commission Minutes 04/23/2019
PLANNING COMMISSION-REGULAR MEETING
SUBJECT TO VOTE OF APPROVAL
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2019
SIMSBURY TOWN OFFICES-MAIN MEETING ROOM-7:00 PM
933 HOPMEADOW STREET, SIMSBURY, CONNECTICUT
I. CALL TO ORDER- Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
II. ROLL CALL
Present: William Rice, Alan Needham, David Blume, Erin Leavitt-Smith, Elizabeth Burt
Alternates Present: Elizabeth Burt was seated by Chairman William Rice
Absent: Gary Lungarini, Craig MacCormac, Richard Cortes, Holly Beum
Staff Present: Michael Glidden, Director of Planning and Community Development
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the March 26, 2019 regular meeting
Line 81 should read $2500.00 instead of $25.00.
MOTION:
David Blume made a motion to approve the March 26, 2019 minutes with modifications. Elizabeth Burt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously at 7:06pm.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Palmer v. Simsbury Planning Commission: Application #16-02 of Mansour Prime Properties, LLC, Agent; Royce Palmer, Owner; for a 19-lot affordable housing subdivision under CGS 8-30g on the property located at 80 Climax Road (Assessor’s Map D20, Block 608, Lot 001). Zone R-40. (public hearing scheduled to open 04/23/2019)
William Rice noted change to the agenda. Applicant postponed public hearing (Application #16-02) until May 14, 2019.
V. OLD BUSINESS
1. Applications
a. Palmer v. Simsbury Planning Commission: Application #16-02 of Mansour Prime Properties, LLC, Agent; Royce Palmer, Owner; for a 19-lot affordable housing subdivision under CGS 8-30g on the property located at 80 Climax Road (Assessor’s Map D20, Block 608, Lot 001). Zone R-40 (decision must be rendered within 65 days of closing public hearing)
William Rice noted change to the agenda. Applicant postponed public hearing (Application #16-02) until May 14, 2019.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
1. Receipt of New Applications
2. Referrals
a. CGS 8-3a Referral to the Zoning Commission for Zoning Commission Application #19-21 of T.J. Donohue, Jr., Esq., Agent; McLean Affiliates, Inc., Petitioner; for a Text Amendment to Article Ten, Section K, Table 10 Bulk, Area, and Site Requirements, of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations regarding Maximum Height. (public hearing scheduled for 06/03/2019)
TJ Donohue, attorney for McLean Affiliates, Inc. was present to discuss a proposal for a Text Amendment for the purpose of allowing additional roof height in senior-type housing facilities where the land is greater than 40 acres.
Mr. Donohue provided photos showing the proposed housing structures which are adjacent to existing senior living structures located at Great Pond Road.
Mr. Donohue stated that with an increase in demand for new senior housing structures, the business is becoming very competitive. He stated that there is a desire for higher facilities because “linear distances are the enemy for seniors,” and the use of multiples floors with elevators are more convenient for them.
Mr. Donahue also stated that the new structures will have ground floor amenities and below grade parking which are also attractive to seniors.
Michael Glidden stated that the 65’ height is allowed in public zoning districts. He added that in order to build a facility like this, there needs to be 5 acres and a sewer system, so the places in town that would allow this type of structure are limited.
Mr. Donahue added that the structures would be apartments, not condos. There would be 50 units in total. He added that this is an award-winning facility and is one of the securest places in town.
Commissioner Needham asked if this Text Amendment would create an issue in the future with others who may come along and request to build facilities of this height in other areas of town. Commissioner Needham stated that the Text Amendment may allow this to happen and that is a concern to him.
Chairman Rice stated that he has reservations about this proposal and compared it to the buildings at Westminster which can clearly be seen from Hopmeadow Street.
Mr. Donahue stated that he doesn’t believe that this building will be able to be seen from anywhere other than the Hopmeadow Golf Course.
Mr. Glidden stated that public hearing for the Zoning Commission is scheduled for June 3, 2019, and that the Planning Commission does not need to decide on a referral right now. He added that there will be balloon test on Thursday, April 25, 2019. Mr. Donohue added that the balloon test will take place in 3 different places.
Chairman Rice and the Planning Commission decided to table the referral until the May 14, 2019 meeting. They will be using the results of the balloon test to help make a decision about the Text Amendment related to the building height.
b. CGS 8-24 Referral from Board of Selectmen regarding Proposed Eagle Scout Project - Sun Shelter at Gifts of Love Farm/Community Farm on the property located at 69 Wolcott Road (Assessor’s Map I02, Block 439, Lot 002). Zone I-1.
Patrick Aldridge, a Simsbury resident, and Eagle Scout was present to discuss a proposal to a build a sun shelter that can be used as an outdoor learning space that will shield people from the sun.
It will be an 11X18X8’ structure built on the Gifts of Love farm. It would be an open-air structure.
Commissioner Burt asked Mr. Aldridge how he will be raising the funds to build the sun shelter. He stated he will be holding a car wash and will be asking for donations from the community.
MOTION:
Chairman Rice made a motion for a positive referral back to the Board of Selectmen for the proposed Eagle Scout project.
Erin Leavitt-Smith seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously at 7:50pm.
VII. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. Correspondence
Mr. Glidden reported that the Tobacco Valley Solar project will begin in May 1, 2019 and be completed by October 15, 2019.
An application for a 4-lot subdivision will coming in the Spring of 2019 for land located on West Mountain Road.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
David Blume made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Elizabeth Burt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously at 7:53pm.