Zoning Commission Minutes 04/15/2019
SIMSBURY ZONING COMMISSION
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Subject to Vote of Approval
Monday, April 15, 2019 at 7 P.M.
Simsbury Town Hall – Main Meeting Room
933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT
PRESENT: Bruce Elliott, Kevin Gray, Jacqueline Battos, Donna Beinstein, Dave Ryan, Gavin Schwarz
ABSENT: Joseph Campolieta, Thomas Frank, Michael Doyle
ALSO PRESENT: Michael Glidden, CFM CZEO, Director of Planning and Community Development
I. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
II. ROLL CALL:
1. Appointment of Alternates:
Gavin Schwarz appointed to sit for Michael Doyle
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 15, 2019 Regular meeting
Motion: Mr. Elliott made a motion at 7:02 P.M. to approve the regular meeting minutes from April 15, 2019, as is. Mr. Gray seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously 6,0.
IV. APPOINTMENT OF ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
1. Appointment of Janell Mullen as Zoning Enforcement Officer
Mr. Gray made a motion at 7:03 P.M., to appoint Janelle Mullen as Zoning Enforcement Officer. Motion was seconded by Ms. Beinstein. Motion passed unanimously, 6,0.
2. Appointment of Robin Newton as Assistant Zoning Enforcement Officer
Mr. Gray made a motion at 7:02 P.M., to appoint Robin Newton as Assistant Zoning Enforcement Officer. Motion was seconded by Ms. Battos. Motion passed unanimously.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
No Public Hearings
VI. OLD BUSINESS
1. Applications
a. Application #19-18 of Natalia Balashova, Agent; George Markatos, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for a change of use to accommodate the proposed business Luscious Breeze LLC day spa on the property located at 10 Jim Gallagher Way (Assessor’s Map G10, Block 227, Lot 001A+RR). Zone SC-3. (decision must be rendered by 06/05/2019)
Natalia Balashova, 335 Grissom Road, Manchester, CT. presented Application #19-18. Ms. Balashova is looking for new signage, which conform to code for size, and for change of use from professional office to personal service.
Mr. Glidden advised the Commission that Design Review Board gave favorable recommendation on signage, but requested that the applicant work with her sign designer to create a sign that mimicks the archway of the entrance.
Motion: At 7:08 P.M., Mr. Gray made a motion to approve Application #19-18 of Natalia Balashova, Agent; George Markatos, Owner, for a Site Plan Amendment for a change of use to accommodate the proposed business Luscious Breeze LLC day spa on the property located at 10 Jim Gallagher Way with the following condition:
1. An administrative zoning permit is required for the change in use and installation of signage.
Motion was seconded by Mr. Elliott. Motion passed unanimously, 6,0.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
1. Receipt of New Applications
a. Application #19-20 of Ferg Jansen, Agent; Town of Simsbury, Owner; for a Site Plan Amendment for a Temporary Liquor Permit for a one-day event (“Burgers on the Bridge”) on the property located at 1 Old Bridge Road (being shown on the Assessor’s Map as Map H11, Block 144, Lot 007, and the adjacent parking lot and Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge). Zones R-15 and R-40. (to be received 04/15/2019; decision must be rendered by 06/19/2019)
Ferg Jansen, 3 Fox Den Road, West Simsbury, CT. spoke about application #19-20, requesting a Site Plan Amendment for a Temporary Liquor Permit for Burgers on the Bridge. Mr. Jansen explained that this is the only fundraiser, he discussed food that will be offered, who provides the food, and advised that they have TIPS trained people for serving of beer and wine. Mr. Jansen advised that the format will be the same as previous years, without changes.
Mr. Glidden advised the Commission that this is the last time Mr. Jansen would be appearing before the Commission as next time the event would be handled by the zoning enforcement officer.
Motion: Mr. Gray made a motion at 7:15 P.M., to approve Application #19-20 of Ferg Jansen, Agent; Town of Simsbury, Owner for a Site Plan Amendment for a Temporary Liquor Permit for a one-day event (“Burgers on the Bridge”) on the property located at 1 Old Bridge Road (being shown on the Assessor’s Map as Map H11, Block 144, Lot 007 and the adjacent parking lot and Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge). Zones R-15 and R-40
1. The temporary event is approved for May 29th, 2019 with a rain date of May 30th, 2019, from 4:30-7:00 P.M.
Motion was seconded by Ms. Battos. Motion passed unanimously, 6,0.
VIII. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS:
1. Request for Informal discussion: McLean
Attorney T.J. Donohue, representing McLean, presented materials to open a discussion regarding the plans in progress to enhance the McLean facilities at Sarah Lane, Simsbury with the Zoning Commission. Mr. Donohue introduced Erik Dalen, 105 Mill Street, Middletown, MA., One Point Partners consultant for non-profit senior living communities throughout the northeast. Mr. Dalen explained what his role is in working on this project. Mr. Dalen works with McLean to identify the needs of McLean, both financially as well as conceptually to meet the needs and demands of the senior living community. Tom Daly, Vice President and Senior Project Manager, Civil Engineer of Milone & Macbroom, offices located at 99 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT spoke about the actual buildings on the McLean property and how they plan to enhance them. Mr. Daly walked the Commission through the slides provided, which illustrated the site plan, elevations, aerial photo and schematic rendering.
Discussions between the Commission and those present representing McLean included concerns of height of building, size, scale, locations, requests and requirements for expected application as well as the need for enhancements to the facility. The Commission also asked if there has been any discussion or conversations with neighboring property owners.
Mr. Glidden suggested looking into a balloon flight at proposed tower, which Attorney Donohue stated they would be happy to provide whatever the Commission requested (balloon flight). Mr. Daly, and Mr. Dalen request clarification from staff at which height they would request the balloon flight to be. Mr. Glidden recommends the balloon be measured to 65’ elevation.
The Commission also suggested that a Site Plan be submitted showing how close the building would be to other houses and buildings.
Mr. Glidden advised the Commission that Design Review Board has concerns of visual impact and wishes to minimize the visual impact.
2. Potential Text Amendments concerning Public Informational Sign Center Code Reguirement
Staff suggests deleting the following text from the Code:
7.3.4 Public Information Notice Sign
A. Whenever a site plan application has been filed with the Zoning Commission, the applicant shall display a public information notice sign on the site giving notice that an application is pending before the Zoning Commission.
B. The sign shall be provided by the Zoning Commission to the applicant, and shall be displayed in a highly visible place at each location on the site where the property line abuts a public or private street or at a visible locations nearest the site as per the requirements of Article Eleven, Section E of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations.
Mr. Glidden clarified the issue that keeps coming up, the text amendment would help speed applications along for Center Code, due to the delay that occurs under administrative actions. He advised the Commission that once the final graphic is generated and the town attorney advises on legal side of text amendment, staff will make it available to the Commission.
Correspondence- none at this time
IX. ADJOURNMENT:
Motion: Mr. Gray made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 P.M. Motion was seconded by Ms. Beinstein. Motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
Submitted by:
Kimberly Rathbun
Commission Clerk