04/03/2023 Zoning Commission Minutes
Meeting Date: April 3, 2023
ZONING COMMISSION
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2023 at 7:00 P.M.
PRESENT: David Ryan, Bruce Elliott, Anne Erickson, Kevin Gray, Diane Madigan, Donna Beinstein, Melissa Osborne, Jackie Battos and Tucker Salls
ALSO PRESENT: Planning and Community Development Director George McGregor and Code Compliance Officer Laura Barkowski
I. CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- March 20, 2023 – Page 2 Line 26 – capital is misspelled.
MOTION: Mr. Gray moved to approve the March 20, 2023 Minutes as corrected.
Ms. Madigan seconded the motion.
VOTE: motion passed, Ryan – aye; Elliott – aye; Gray – aye; Erickson – abstain; Madigan –aye; Beinstein – aye.
III. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
None
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Application ZC #23-03 of Vessel RE Holdings, LLC, Applicant, EAY Properties, LLC, Owner, for a site plan pursuant to CGS 8-30g for construction of a ± 55,030 sq. ft., 80-unit multi-family development, at 446 Hopmeadow Street. (Assessor’s Map G13, Block 142, Lot 003C) Simsbury, CT 06070. Zone R-15.
Attorney Peter Alter of Alter & Pearson in Glastonbury presented that the wetlands has not acted on this application yet and has asked Zoning to keep the public hearing open until the next meeting. Attorney Alter indicated that there is a fence added to the site plan on the retaining wall, they will substitute some of the plantings, relocating the dumpster, the snow storage plan was refined, a report from the expert was submitted to the Town regarding the parking spaces and the storm water management has been updated as well.
The Commission discussed the other affordable housing rentals in town, the definition of affordable housing, parking, sidewalks, other properties available for this type of project, traffic and bike storage.
Public comment:
1. Kelly Rothfuss of 14 Nutmeg Court discussed the health of the abutting neighbors to this project, water management and cited the applicant’s geo report.
2. Lori Boyko of 15 Oakhurst Road discussed parking concerns and the size of the project proposed to the land size.
3. Dylan Gagne of 434 Hopmeadow Street voiced concerns over mosquitos, noise and the management of the site.
4. Susan Vankleef of 6 Mallard Circle discussed lighting issues and bike storage.
5. Robert Fidelli of Hopmeadow Street inquired about the condemned building on the lot.
6. Ann McDonald of 3 Tamarack Lane discussed the possibilities of there being Indian artifacts on the site. Ann suggested that the river view lot be donated to the town, an 8’ fence be installed on the northside property with spruce trees, reduce the size to a two-story building. Ann requested a traffic study be commenced by the town. Ann also discussed noise, water drainage, EV stations and power lines.
7. Kathryn Godiksen of 7 Nutmeg Court discussed flooding and water containment concerns.
8. Andrew Sylvain of 6 Riverview Circle discussed sidewalk safety, traffic study and the lack of outside play area for the children.
9. Charlotte Selinger of 6 Meadow Court discussed traffic and the bike path.
MOTION: Ms. Madigan moved to continue this public hearing to the next regular meeting on April 17, 2023 at 7:00pm at ENO Hall.
Ms. Erickson seconded the motion.
VOTE: motion passed, Ryan – aye; Elliott – aye; Gray – aye; Erickson – aye; Madigan –aye; Beinstein – aye.
V. NEW BUSINESS
None
VI. OLD BUSINESS
None
VII. COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE
None
VIII. PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Mobile Food Vendor Regulations Discussion
The Commission discussed having food trucks near brick-and-mortar restaurants and the effects that would cause. Staff will continue to do research on food trucks and there will be a workshop set for the May 1st regular meeting.
IX. ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Beinstein moved to adjourn this meeting at 8:58 p.m.
Mr. Gray seconded the motion.
VOTE: motion passed unanimously, 6-0-0