05/17/2021 Zoning Commission Minutes
Subject to Approval
Simsbury Zoning Commission
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, May 17, 2021 at 7:00PM
Meeting Held Via Zoom
PRESENT: Regular Members: Dave Ryan , Michael Doyle Bruce Elliott, Kevin Gray, and Anne Erickson
Alternates: Dianne Madigan and Melissa Osborne
ABSENT: Regular member Donna Beinstein and Alternate Shannon Knall
ALSO PRESENT: Michael Glidden CFM CZEO, Director of Planning and Community Development
I. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Dave Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
II. ROLL CALL:
1. Appointment of Alternates.
None
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the April 19, 2021 and May 3, 2021 regular meeting minutes
4/19/2021 minutes
MOTION to approve the minutes with a change to Line 46 Pullman and Comley made by K. Gray, M. Doyle seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0).
5/3/21 minutes
MOTION to approve the minutes was made by K. Gray and seconded by M. Doyle, the motion included the following amendments to the minutes:
Ln 13 delete the extra n
Ln 24 delete the extra e
Ln 80 should read: MOTION: Mr. Elliott to approve the zone change Mr. Doyle seconded the motion. The motion failed (1-5 with K.Gray voting in favor and rest of members in opposition).
The motion passed (6-0).
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
- Applications
- Application #21-10 of Valley Recreation LLC, Owner; MACK V Development LLC, Applicant; for special exceptions pursuant to Section 4.5 for outdoor storage associated with a retail business and Section 10.2.5.(a) for a reduction 55 of the required parking spaces; for the construction a new retail building at the property located at 1603 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map H02, Block 403, 002BLot ) Zone B-2
Jim Cassidy PE presented the application on behalf of the applicant. The proposal is for the demolition of the existing bowling alley and miniature golf course. A new 19,000 square foot retail building will be constructed in its place. The plans call for a fenced outdoor storage area to be constructed in the area of the existing miniature golf course.
Mr. Cassidy discussed the special exceptions that are being requested. The first is for outdoor storage. This will be accomplished within the fenced storage area and along areas of the building’s sidewalks. The second special exception requested by the applicant is for the reduction of the total number of parking spaces. The regulations require 109 parking spaces for this application. The application calls for the construction of 65 spaces.
Mr. Cassidy presented how the existing tree line or limits of disturbance will not be altered. The proposed building is being pulled back from existing location so that the new construction would conform to building setbacks and a greater separation can be provided from the abutting properties.
The storm water management system will consist with a series of underground structures that are intended to treat run-off.
The site’s lighting will be dark sky compliant and there will be no light trespass.
The hours of operation will be 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. All the site lights will be turned off by 10:00 pm.
Chairman Ryan asked if there were any questions from members of the commission.
B. Elliott requested clarification of the surface treatment used for the outdoor display area. Mr. Cassidy noted concrete will be used in this area.
M. Osborne thanked the applicant improving screening with the additional plantings.
K. Gray stated that the sign could not be internally lit.
M. Doyle had no further comments and thanked the applicant.
A.Erickson also thanked the applicant for landscaping changes. She inquired about the pet facility noted in the application. Matt Darling noted that the pet wash area is a self-service wash bay that in within the building.
Mr. Cassidy and Mr. Darling discussed how there is a zoning compliance letter included in the packet that Tractor Supply asks to assure that the facility’s activities conform to the commission’s approval.
D. Madigan thanked the applicant.
Chairman Ryan asked about the perimeter fencing. Mr. Cassidy noted that a 6ft stockade fence exists and will be preserved for screening purposes.
Chairman Ryan asked if there were any members of the public that wished to speak. M. Glidden stated that his office did not receive written comments concerning the application.
MOTION: M. Doyle made a motion to continue the public hearing to the next regularly scheduled meeting, A. Erickson seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0).
V. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Applications.
None
VI. NEW BUSINESS:
- Applications:
NONE
VII. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS:
- Regulation update workshop
- Industrial Zoning Districts
M.Glidden reviewed the proposed changes to the industrial zoning regulations.
Chairman Ryan suggested that a public hearing be scheduled for the changes
MOTION: K. Gray made a motion to schedule a public hearing for 6/21/21 concerning changes to the industrial zoning district regulations, the motion was seconded by M. Doyle. The motion passed (6-0).
- Sign Regulations Workshop
Chairman Ryan wanted to follow up on the discussion regarding changes to the sign regulations. He polled members of the commission on whether internally lit signs should be allowed in the new regulations.
B. Elliott stated he supported the change for internally lit signs if it was limited to properties along Route 44.
M. Doyle encouraged members of the Commission to drive around town at night to see where there are existing internally lit signs and how they do not pose a significant issue.
M. Osborne voiced her concerns if internally lit signs were permitted in Weatogue, she felt that was very different verses permitting them along Route 44.
M. Doyle mentioned how cumbersome it is for gasoline stations to manually change prices on signs because the town does not permitted internally lit signs.
K. Gray discussed how in the past the Commission worked with the Chamber on developing sign regulations and this proposal should be shared with them for input.
M. Glidden stated that he would share the proposal for comments with the Main Street Partnership and the Chamber of Commence.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: M.Doyle made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:44; it was seconded by A. Erickson. The motion passed (6-0)
Submitted by
Michael Glidden CFM CZEO
Acting Clerk