Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes 12/18/2019
SIMSBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - Subject to Vote of Approval
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Simsbury Town Hall - Main Meeting Room
933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut
I. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Katie Martin called the regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals to order at 7:00 P.M., in the Main Meeting Room located at 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT.
II. ROLL CALL:
The following members were present: Katie Martin, Steven Antonio, JoAnn Hogan, Josh Michelson
Also Present: Mike Glidden, CZEO, CFM, Director of Planning and Community
Development
III. APPLICATIONS:
1. Public Hearings
a. Application # 19-04 , of of Rev. Frank J. Matera, Applicant; St. Mary’s Church Corporation of Simsbury, Owner, for a variance to Section 6.4.2B, of the Simsbury Center Code, to accommodate the installation of a directional sign on the property located at 946 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map H08, Block 227, Lot 002). Zone SC-1. (public hearing must be closed by 02/14/20)
Chairman Martin opened the public hearing for speakers and discussion at 7:06 P.M. Theresa St. Denis, 55 Wildwood Road, West Simsbury, spoke on behalf of Application #19-04. Ms. St. Denis spoke about the need for wayfinding signs (directional signs). She noted that it is difficult for people unfamiliar with the church property to find their way into the right driveway, and they often confuse the school driveway with the church driveway, causing safety concerns and increased traffic in and out of the church property onto an already busy street.
Thomas St. Denis, 55 Wildwood Road, West Simsbury, spoke in favor of application #19-04, stating that he felt the addition of the directional sign would help people to understand which driveway they should enter.
Ms. Jeanot Blight, 54 Chriswell Drive, Simsbury, also spoke in favor of Application #19-04. She feels that the signs will be helpful in aiding drivers directional awareness.
Mr. Glidden clarified that the Center Code states that directional signs are not to increase 2.5 feet, the request for the church sign is 5.5 feet. Mr. Glidden stated that staff feels a variance is more appropriate than changing the regulations.
Mr. Antonio asked if the sign colors and design are consistent with the old signs, Ms. St. Denis answered that they are. Renderings were shown of the new sign along with pictures of the old signs.
Ms. Hogan complimented the consistency of the signs.
At 7:16 P.M., Chairman Martin closed the public hearing for Application #19-04.
2. Discussion and Possible Actions
a. Application # 19-04 , of of Rev. Frank J. Matera, Applicant; St. Mary’s Church Corporation of Simsbury, Owner, for a variance to Section 6.4.2B, of the Simsbury Center Code, to accommodate the installation of a directional sign on the property located at 946 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map H08, Block 227, Lot 002). Zone SC-1. (decision must be rendered within 65 days of closing public hearing)
At 7:17 P.M., Mr. Antonio made a motion to approve Application #19-04, of of Rev. Frank J. Matera, Applicant; St. Mary’s Church Corporation of Simsbury, Owner, for a variance to Section 6.4.2B, of the Simsbury Center Code, to accommodate the installation of a directional sign on the property located at 946 Hopmeadow Street (Assessor’s Map H08, Block 227, Lot 002). Zone SC-1.
Motion was seconded by Ms. Hogan. Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
IV. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. Proposed 2020 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Calendar
At 7:20 P.M., Ms. Hogan made a motion to approve the 2020 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Calendar as proposed. Motion was seconded by Mr. Michelson. Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
At 7:21 P.M., Mr. Antonio made a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes from May 22, 2019 Board of Appeals meeting. Motion was seconded by Ms. Hogan. Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
At 7:22 P.M., Mr. Michelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion was seconded by Mr. Antonio. Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Submitted by:
Kimberly Rathbun
Clerk