04/05/2021 Zoning Commission Minutes
Subject to Approval
Simsbury Zoning Commission
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, April 05, 2021 at 7:00PM
Meeting Held Via Zoom
PRESENT: Regular Members: Dave Ryan, Bruce Elliott, Kevin Gray, and Anne Erickson
Alternates: Dianne Madigan and Melissa Osborne
ABSENT: Regular member Donna Beinstein, Michael Doyle and Alternate Shannon Knall
ALSO PRESENT: Michael Glidden CFM CZEO, Director of Planning and Community Development
Laura Barkowski, Code Compliance Officer
I. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Dave Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM
II. ROLL CALL:
1. Appointment of Alternates.
Dianne Madigan was seated for Donna Beinstein
Melissa Osborne was seated for Michael Doyle
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES –March 22 , 2021 REGULAR MEETING:
MOTION: Mr. Elliot made a motion to approve the minutes, Ms. Erickson seconded the motion. The motion was approved (6-0).
IV. Appointment of Zoning Enforcement Officer:
MOTION: Mr. Gray made a motion to appoint Laura Barkowski as the Zoning Enforcement Officer effective 4/5/2021. Mr. Elliott seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0).
MOTION: Mr. Gray made motion to appoint Tom Hazel as the Assistant Zoning Enforcement Officer effective 4/5/2021. Ms. Madigan seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0).
V. PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Applications.
a. Application #Application #21-04 of EAY Properties LLC, Owner; Philip Doyle, Agent for a Zone Change from R-40 to B-1 District on the property located at 332 Hopmeadow Street (Assessors Map G15, Block 145, Lot 002)
P.Doyle presented the application on behalf of the property owner. The application is for a change to the zoning district boundary which is R-40 to be adjusted to B-1. P. Doyle discussed how the applicant presented the concept on a preliminary basis to the commission of relocating a brewery to this property. The application was referred to the Planning Commission and received a positive referral.
Chairman Ryan asked if there were questions from the members. Ms. Osborne inquired about the size of the barn. P.Doyle indicated that the barn is approximately 2400 square feet.
Mr. Elliott referenced the Route 10 Corridor study and how that document illustrated a potental road running thru this area that would connect Route 10 to Route 185.
Chairman Ryan asked if there were members of the public that wished to speak:
Duncan McKay of 327 Hopmeadow Street spoke in opposition. He noted that the proposed change did not seem to be consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development. He wanted the commission to know that no consultation was performed by the applicant with the neighbors to this project.
Autumn Brooke of 16 Riverside Road echoed Mr. McKay’s points. She also was concerned with the proximity to the potential brewery and the daycare located off Hartford Road.
Jennifer Mccarty of 327 Hopmeadow Street agreed with points raised by the previous speakers.
Chip Houllahan of 2 Sommerset Lane spoke in favor of the application and how the east side of hopmeadow street is very different than the west.
Julie McKay of 327 Hopmeadow Street spoke in opposition stating on the change would alter the long-term character of her neighborhood.
Duncan McKay followed up his previous comments on how there is not a divide between the east and west side of Hopmeadow Street. The area is considered a gateway and the change would have an adverse effect on the town long-term.
No further comments were made by the public
Chairman Ryan suggested that the commission keep the hearing open so that the applicant could have the opportunity to discuss the matter further with the neighbors. Other commissioners agreed with this suggestion.
MOTION: Mr. Gray to continue the public hearing to 4/19/2021 at 7pm, Ms. Erickson seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-1 with Ms. Osborne opposing).
VI. GENERAL COMISSION BUSINESS:
- Temporary Outdoor Dining for 2021 season
M.Glidden, Sara Nielsen, and Laura Barkowski reviewed a request to continue the authorization of temporary outdoor dining request by staff for the 2021 dining season thru March 2022.
The Commission agreed with the approach and granted authorization to staff to continue with handling requests for temporary outdoor dining thru March 2022.
2. Regulation Updates
M.Glidden provided draft regulations have been provided by the Town Attorney. Chairman
Ryan asked the counsel be present to discuss the changes.
A special meeting will be scheduled for May 4, 2021 and May 21, 2021. At which one meeting
will be reserved for the industrial zoning regulations update and the other will be for sign
regulations.
VII. ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Mr. Gray made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:18; it was seconded by Ms. Osborne. The motion passed (6-0)
Submitted by
Michael Glidden CFM CZEO
Acting Clerk