Planning Commission Minutes 09/24/19
PLANNING COMMISSION – REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
SIMSBURY TOWN OFFICES – MAIN MEETING ROOM – 7:00 p.m.
933 HOPMEADOW STREET, SIMSBURY, CONNECTICUT
I. CALL TO ORDER-William Rice called the meeting to order.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
II. ROLL CALL
1. Appointment of Alternates-NONE
Present: William Rice, Alan Needham, David Blume, Erin Leavitt-Smith, Burt, Holly Beum, Richard Cortes, Craig MacCormac
Absent: Gary Lungarini, Elizabeth Burt
Staff Present: Robin Newton, Assistant Town Planner
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the June 11, 2019 regular meeting- Meeting minutes still need to be reviewed by town staff.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the July 23, 2019 regular meeting-
Line 42 Correct spelling of Hesketh (twice)
Line 53 Change gasket to Hesketh
MOTION: David Blume made a motion to approve the July 23, 2019 regular meeting minutes as amended. Holly Beum seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Receipt of New Applications
2. Referrals
a. CGS 8-3 Referral from Zoning Commission Application #19-38 of Thomas Ryan, Esq., Agent: Simsbury Town Shops, LLC, Petitioner; for a Text Amendment to Section 4.3.3 (D.6.) of the Simsbury Center Code Zoning Regulations to add a driving school as a use. Public Hearing scheduled for October 7, 2019.
Chairman Rice notes that the applicant did not reference the correct section, but it is correct in the agenda. Permitted uses were discussed.
Ms. Newton added that it is an existing driving school looking to move locations. There was history of a driving school across the street. Staff felt it would be a good place for the driving school. It would be based on the backside of Simsbury Town Shops.
Ms. Beum questioned if there adequate parking for cars involved in business. Ms. Newton responded that there is adequate parking because the commuter lots are nearby.
MOTION: Mr. Rice made a motion to return a positive referral to the Zoning Commission for Application #19-38, finding that the proposed text amendment is consistent with the goals and objectives of the 2017 simsbury plan of conservation and development. Ms. Leavitt-Smith seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
V. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. Correspondence
a. Discussion regarding letter from Kratzert, Jones & Associates.
MOTION: Mr. Rice made a motion to amend the agenda to add discussion pertaining to Kratzert, Jones & Associates Inc. letter regarding 80 Climax Road public hearing comments dated September 13, 2019. Ms. Leavitt-Smith seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Newton notes that the mylars are submitted for the Commission to sign, but the owners are away and they must be filed within Seven days. The company is asking for an extension whether or not it is needed. There was 90 days in order for the mylars to be filed. A brief discussion was had about granting the extension.
MOTION: Ms. Leavitt-Smith made a motion to accept the request for a 90 day extension, regarding the deadline for reporting mylars for the property located at 80 Climax Road. Motion seconded by
Mr. Needham and the motion passed 5-1-0.
Ms. Newton will relay correspondence.
b. Regional Planning Commission Meeting
Mr. Blume attended and represented the Commission at the Regional Planning Commission meeting held on September 19, 2019. Mr. Blume reported on discussion items, including rules of procedure, policy and planning update, clearer charter transportation responsibilities, Scenario planning, and local area representatives discussion about what is happening within local surrounding towns. All the modifications, rules of procedure were voted on and passed. The next meeting is November 21, 2019 in West Hartford.
c. Mr. Cortes gave a report on Sustainability to the Commission. Some items of interest were credit given for lamps up and down Hopmeadow, sidewalks that are being revamped, accessibility of sidewalks and bike path/lane accessibility. Progressive, Sustainable and Un-attainable items were discussed briefly.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Craig MacCormac made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Beum seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.