07/20/2020 Zoning Commission Minutes

SIMSBURY ZONING COMMISSION
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
REGULAR MEETINGMINUTES - Subject to Vote of Approval
Monday, July 20, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.
Simsbury Town Hall - Main Meeting Room – Via Zoom
725 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT

PRESENT: Dave Ryan, Kevin Gray, Donna Beinstein, Bruce Elliott, Anne Erickson, Melissa Osborne, Diane Madigan, Shannon Knall; Michael Doyle

ABSENT: None

ALSO PRESENT: Michael Glidden, CFM CZEO, Director of Planning and Community Development, Laura Barkowski, Land Use Specialist

I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

II. ROLL CALL
1. Appointment of Alternates; Shannon Knall was appointed to sit until C

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the June 1, 2020 regular meetings
The following corrections were made:
• Line 9 – Donna Beinstein and Melissa Osborne were absent
• Line 12 – No alternates were present
• Line 48 – add “he” to the “Mr. Gray reaffirmed that he is staying… “
• Line 55 - Change spelling to read Jamie Rabbitt
• Line 83– Create a new sentence “option C would keep it conforming. You could add language”

Mr. Elliott made a Motion made by to approve the Minutes of the June 1, 2020 Minutes as modified. Ms. Knall Seconded; Motion passed unanimously.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the July 6, 2020 regular meetings
The following corrections were made:
• Line 103 – strike “rather than a” and replace with “or is it better ”
• Line 23 – Replace Ms. to Mr.
• Line 21 – change or to for
• Line 66 – Change wording to “something within it impairs economic development”

Mr. Elliott made a Motion made by to approve the Minutes of the July 6, 2020 Minutes as modified. Ms. Beinstein Seconded; Motion passed unanimously.

V. REGULATIONS UPDATE WORKSHOP
PAD Regulations
• Guest Speakers – Mark Greenberg & Richard Correira

Mr. Correira opened the discussion on PAD Regulations indicating that it is a tool to market property. The apartments are coming in but what is stopping the other businesses from coming along with it. He recapped the history of Mr. Greenberg’s property that formerly housed Eversource now Caroleaf. The question is where are the next tenants coming from. Mr. Correira discussed the possibility of a self storage facility and assisted living. He expressed that opportunity will come as long and we have flexibility to adapt to the market. He indicated that the Board and Town Staff has come to change the reputation in a positive way.

Mr. Greenberg continued the discussion by indicating that Simsbury used to have a bad reputation in development and the Board and the Commission has done a great job turning that around. In discussion on how best to develop the his property he believes medical and health related uses may be the best opportunity . He is seeing medical and health related to aging property is a growing industry. Mr. Greenberg also stated that he prefers to lease land and takes pride in the appearance of his projects. The self storage facility will not be seen from the road. Good commercial and industrial use on the land is a benefit because it keeps the mill rate down. The loss of income from the Hartford has been replacing by his property and the Silverman property. The retail follows the rooftops. He one should allow the residential to continue to grow as long as it is tasteful and the schools can absorb it. He thanked the commission and Mr. Glidden specifically for good his good work.

Chair Ryan asked what specifically in the regulations needs to be modified and changed. Mr. Greenberg indicated that he is not familiar enough to regulations to comment. He expressed that he would be willing to write up. Chair Ryan expressed that the commission has received criticism that the regulations are only allowing residential and perhaps that the roof tops following residential is the answer. Mr. Greenberg reiterated that he belief that as long as the residential develops are tasteful and done to benefit to the town the retail will follow it. Mr. Greeberg stated they have the capability to gain population. People are migrating to more desirable communities within the state and as long you can control the costs, keep the mill rate stable and supplement the tax base with good commercial uses people will continue to come here.

Mr. Gray inquired is there is an opportunity for an example of a coffee shop near the club house. Mr. Greenberg indicated that without great visibility there would not be enough base. Mr. Correira does not think that they would not get enough outside business. Mr. Gray was inquiring if that model would work.

Mr. Gray also inquired about Garden Homes and if they had deed restricted units. Mr. Glidden responded that they did, and it was done on their own. Mr. Gray asked if they can do without incentive and be profitable. Mr. Greenberg indicated it has been done successful.
Chair Ryan inquired about the urbanist model including the walk ability to different commercial uses. Mr. Greenberg indicated it is great concept for New York or Boston but he cannot make it work in town.

Mr. Elliott expressed that our regulations are the best thinking that they have at any point in time but what is more important is the willingness to change and consider new things. He further explained that they can agonize over perfecting the regulations but as time passes they may not be as meaningful as intended. Mr. Greenberg agreed. The bottom line is to be flexible.

Sign Regulations
Chair Ryan discussed the materials that Mr. Glidden provided to the Commission about sign regulations. Discussion ensued on how best to address amending the regulations reflect legal issues. Mr. Glidden discussed the most efficient way to address the regulations. Mr. Elliott inquired what about the current regulations that fails. Mr. Glidden explained that you cannot regulate signs by users however you can regulate by zoning district. The Commission is requesting that Mr. Glidden adapt the current sign regulations into the model code and a critique on what is wrong in current regulations.

Rules of Procedure
Chair Ryan edited the rules of procedure and uploaded the document to the Commission for review. The one change is to change the position of secretary to the vice-chair. Mr. Elliot inquired as to what was changed. Chair Ryan explained the document was clarified and simplified.

VI. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Gray made a Motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Elliott seconded. Passed unanimously 6-0-0

Submitted by:

Laura Barkowski
Acting Commission Clerk