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TOWN OF MONTVILLE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
310 NORWICH NEW LONDON TPKE
UNCASVILLE, CT. 06382
PHONE (860) 848-8549 Fax (860) 848-2354
MEETING MINUTES
February 28, 2006
December 13, 2005
ACTING CCHAIRMAN FERRANTE GREGORY MAJEWSKI called the December 13, 2005February 28, 2006
Meeting of the Montville Planning & Zoning Commission to order at 7: 01 pm.
(*Recording Secretary arrived at 7:45 p.m. – notes taken from the tapes)
Commissioner Marcus acted as Commission secretary.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: COMISSIONERS Wood, Mastrandrea, Baron, Pieniadz, Ferrante,
Majewski and Polhemus.
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: COHEN, and : May, Marcus, and CohenFERRANTE
STAFF PRESENT: Thomas Sanders, Zoning Enforcement Officer, Marcia Vlaun, Town Planner.
.
MINUTES: Commissioner Polhemus brought it to the Commission’s attention that an error was made in the
minutes of the 2/14/06 meeting as follows: A MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER WOOD; SECONDED by
COMMISSIONER WOOD. The recording secretary will check her notes and revise. A MOTION was made by
COMMISSIONER MAJEWSKI; SECONDED by COMMISSIONER POLHEMUS to APPROVE the minutes
from the regular meeting of February 14, 2006 with the change as noted. (Correction: A MOTION was made by
COMMISSIONER WOOD; SECONDED by COMMISSIONER (WOOD) BARON) Voice vote. 7-0 All in
favor. MOTION CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Commission: Staff: The Town Planner informed the Commission that she had received the following: 1.) Notice
of a Regional Drill that will stimulate a disease outbreak. 2.) A notice from the Town of Preston regarding a
proposed change to their regulations. The change involves the requirement that notification of abutting property
owners would be required for a variance. 3.) A §8-24 Matrix has been provided to the Town Council for their
reference, since a request for a §8-24 review for an easement was referred to the Commission, when one is not
required to be done. 4.) A letter from Thomas Fenton, Town Engineer relative to the road standards which outlines
the reasons why the standards should be updated. Discussion was held. Information will be forwarded to the Public
Safety Subcommittee. 5.) A letter from Attorney Harry Heller regarding the Town Council’s lack of action on
acceptance of Jamie’s Way. The Commission had forwarded a favorable §8-24 Review last year and the Town
Council has declined to accept the road since there are no houses on the road yet. Commissioner Baron suggested
that the §8-24 Matrix that the town Planer had prepared be added to the Zoning Regulation as addendum and that it
should be further addressed at a Zoning Workshop meeting. Commission: no correspondence
NEW BUSINESS:
a) §8-24 Review: For a proposed easement on the property located off Old Colchester Road and Salt Box
Lane, Uncasville, CT. As shown on Assessor’s Map 15 Lot 7. Staff advised the Commission that a §8-
24 Review is not required for an easement. A MOTION was made by COMMISIONER
MAJEWSKI; SECONDED by COMMISSIONER WOOD to send a letter back to the Town
Council advising them that the Planning & Zoning Commission doesn’t perform §8-24 Reviews for
easements; that it is strictly up to the Town Council. Voice vote. All in favor 7-0 MOTION
CARRIED.
b) JCM Ct Acquisition LLC: A request for lot division on the property located at 2049 Norwich-New
London Turnpike, (Route 32), Uncasville, CT As shown on Assessor’s Map 104 Lot 39. (Tape 1 of 2
#300) Staff gave the Commission a background on the proposal which was originally the approved
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“hotel site” for Executive Park, LLC. Clint Brown of DeCesare Bentley and John Casey of Robinson
& Cole were there representing the applicant. John Casey told the Commission that the Estate
currently owns the property all as one parcel, and wishes to move forward with the development of the
hotel while continuing negotiations for the front parcel. They are looking for a lot split with use of a
common drive for the 2 Commercial parcels. Any activity on Parcel one would require going back
before the Inland/Wetlands Commission for approval. Discussion was held concerning the request
since it was an unusual request for a modification to “subtract from an approved site plan”. Mr. Casey
showed the Commission the conceptual plan that outlined the previously approved plan (blue) and the
new plan (red). Mr. Casey advised the Commission that he understood that any development on parcel
one (front half) would have to come back before the Commission and also go before the
Inland/Wetlands Commission and that the necessary easements were shown on the plan too. Staff
informed the Commission that all drainage would remain the same and all else including wetlands
permits remains the same, but a subtraction on the original approval would take place. Discussion was
held. A MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER MAJEWSKI; SECONDED by
COMMISSIONER MASTRANDREA to APPROVE the lot division for 2049 Norwich-New
London Turnpike with the proviso that the new lot would have to come in with a complete site plan
when developed. Voice vote. 6-1-0 with Commissioner Baron opposed. MOTION CARRIED.
c) §8-24 Review: 1. To accept the following road: Platoz Drive, and 2. for the land transfers by and
between the Town of Montville and the abutting property owners to correct the actual location of the
road right-of-way. The Zoning Enforcement Officer advised the Commission that the §8-24 Review
for Platoz Drive had originally come before them in July of 2005. Numerous deeds for land transfers
had to be drawn up by Attorney Heller and the Town Attorney has accepted the deeds as to form and
will respond to the Town Council directly. A variance was granted for lot 1 on 11/2/05. A MOTION
was made by COMMISIONER MAJEWSKI; SECONDED by COMMISSIONER POLHEMUS
to forward a FAVORABLE §8-24 Review to the Town Council for acceptance of Platoz Drive into
the Town Road system and for the land transfers. Voice vote. All in favor 7-0 MOTION CARRIED.
.
ZONING ISSUES:
a) Miscellaneous Zoning Issues. Tom Sanders advised the Commission that he had a few items for their
review and comment. 1.) Simons Land Consulting/Coast Guard Rescue 21: Staff reported that Simons
Land Consulting wants to put up a radio tower on the existing previous ATT microwave tower which
doesn’t come under the Siting Council’s jurisdiction since it’s not a communications tower. All
activity will take place within the existing fenced area. Discussion was held relative to the fee. A
MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER MAJEWSKI to APPROVE the use of parcel 2 on map
36 by Coast Guard Rescue 21 with a normal $55.00 fee; SECONDED by COMMISSIONER
WOOD. Discussion was held. COMMISSIONER MAJEWSKI MODIFIED the motion to delete
the $55.00 fee and COMMISSIONER WOOD SECONDED the modification of the motion (leaving
the balance of the motion intact) Voice vote. All in favor 7-0 MOTION CARRIED. 2) An
application for a Home Occupation Permit for Peter Strand of Willow Drive to build kayaks. Staff
advised that they had no problem with it, that it would be a one-man operation and that the skins are
made of nylon. A MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER MAJEWSKI; SECONDED by
COMMISSIONER POLHEMUS to APPROVE the Home Occupation Permit for Peter Strand of 21
Willow Drive. Voice vote. All in favor 7-0 MOTION CARRIED. (Tape 1 of 2 #1353) 3.) The
American Legion has an opportunity to relocate to the old Antonino property. Gary Leitkowski has
offered them a building & associated parking, but the property is currently zoned C-2 and will need to
be rezoned as C-1. The Legion is asking if the Commission will accept a class D survey for a zone
change request. Discussion was held. It was said that they would need an A-2 sooner or later, but at
this point rather than expend the additional monies, the Commission would work with them, but that
they would need an A-2 for site plan review.
b) Montville Commons update. Staff advised the Commission that they could expect to see a request for
a modification of the site plan shortly. Discussion was held regarding the progress on the final plans
and the Commission’s Cease & Desist order. Staff has checked with Atty. Ochsner and the Town
Engineer and all conditions except for one have been satisfied. Once the Town Engineer has provided
us a letter saying that all the conditions have been met then the Commission can release their C&D.
Commissioner Baron suggested that a draft motion be prepared.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
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a) Estate of Warren F. McNaught: An application for a proposed 5 lot re-subdivision (cluster) on the
property located at 189 Fitch Hill Road, Uncasville, CT As shown on Assessor’s Map 55 Lot 17.
Applicant’s engineer has asked for the matter to be continued. No comments were received from the
Public. A MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER MAJEWSKI; SECONDED by
COMMISSIONER POLHEMUS to CONTINUE the Public Hearing to the next meeting. Voice vote
6-0-1with Commissioner Baron abstaining. MOTION CARRIED.
b) Donna Brycki: An application for a Special Permit/ Site Plan renewal for removal of approximately
400,000 cubic yards of ledge (rock) material in an area which has been historically quarried on the
northerly side of Noble Hill Road located at 61 Noble Hill Road, Oakdale, CT. As shown on
Assessor’s Map 60 Lot 15. Commissioner Ferrante stepped down (written notice attached hereto) and
left the meeting room. Commissioner Majewski opened the Public Hearing at 7:48 p.m. (Tape 1 of 2
#1649) and read the legal notice into the record. STAFF: Staff read the staff report and entered it into
the record. Staff recommended approval with conditions. APPLICANT: Attorney Harry Heller of 736
Route 32, Uncasville appeared on behalf of the applicant. Attorney Heller informed the Commission
that this application is for a renewal of a permit and that the site plan is identical to what was approved
5 years ago and that essentially no activity has taken place there except for the partial access road.
PUBLIC: Against: Carl Brown of 15 Noble Hill Road raised numerous issues with the project
including noise, hours of operation, E&S measures not being taken, wood cutting on the property. He
went on to say that the property owner has blatantly disregarded the conditions of the previous permit
and that he had contacted the Police Dept. and filed complaints. Mr. Brown would like for the Public
Hearing to remain open in order for other area residents to have an opportunity to speak. Beth
Sweeney of 15 Cherry Lane spoke in opposition of the project. Ms. Sweeney’s main concerns were for
the safety of her children and the residents on Cherry Lane. She also voiced concerns with the hours of
operation. Truck traffic was an issue. Favor: Donna Brycki of 61 Noble Hill Road spoke in favor of
the project. She informed the Commission that the trucks on Cherry Hill are not from her property, but
from the Getty property. She said that Mr. Brown built his home between two quarries. She said that
they have been adhering to the hours of operation, but that a logger has been cutting trees on Sundays.
APPLICANT: Attorney Harry Heller told the Commission that this is a low intensity operation and
that the police have taken no action. STAFF: Staff advised that there seems to be some sort of
confusion regarding what triggers the necessity for the permits which is removal of greater than 500
cu. yards and that it’s not a permit for 500 cu. yds. per day. Public Exhibit 1, 2, 3 and 4 were entered
into the record and are Police Reports. APPLICANT: Attorney Harry Heller informed the
Commission that this is a stone operation for high quality decorative granite hat is removed by way of
blasting and then the fractures are taken out in slabs. Commissioner Majewski suggested that each
Commissioner visit the site. Discussion was held and it was decided to leave the Public Hearing open
in order for other neighbors to have an opportunity to speak. A MOTION was made by
COMMISSIONER BARON; SECONDED by COMMISSIONER POLHEMUS to CONTINUE
the Public Hearing to the meeting of March 28, 2006. Voice vote 6-0-1 with Commissioner Ferrante
abstaining. MOTION CARRIED.
Commissioner Ferrante returned to the meeting room.
c) 100 Waterfall, LLC: An application for a Special Permit/Site Plan approval for Phase II of a proposed
age restricted housing project (active adult community) on the property located on the southwesterly
side of Old Colchester Road, Oakdale, CT As shown on Assessor’s Map 36 Lot 5 and Map 28 Lot 3-
14. The Public Hearing was opened and Commissioner Ferrante read the legal notice into the record.
Staff reported that there are still outstanding comments. Attorney Heller, representing the applicant
requested that the matter be continued until the March 28th meeting. No comments were received from
the public. A MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER MAJEWSKI; SECONDED by
COMMISSIONER WOOD to CONTINUE the Public Hearing to the meeting of March 28, 2006.
Voice vote 7-0 All in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS:
a) Oliver LeBras/Lombardi Business Park, LLC: An application for a Site Plan Review for an indoor
rock climbing facility on the property located at 25 Sachatello Industrial Drive, Oakdale, CT. As
shown on Assessor’s Map 5 Lot 16. Staff informed the Commission that the project needs approval
from the State for its community well/water system. A MOTION was made to CONTINUE to the
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next meeting by COMMISSIONER MAJEWSKI; SECONDED by COMMISSIONER
POLHEMUS. Voice vote. All in favor. 7-0 MOTION CARRIED.
b) Harten’s Pond: A request for the release of the One (1) year Maintenance Bond for the Pine Ridge
Estates Subdivision, in the amount of $145,000.00. Staff read a letter from the Town Engineer, the one
year term had passed and no defects or objections were noted. Public Works had no adverse comment.
A MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER MAJEWSKI; SECONDED by COMMISSIONER
POLHEMUS to release the $145,000.00 maintenance bond for Harten’s Pond. Voice vote. 7-0 All in
favor. MOTION CARRIED.
OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION:
Commissioner Baron suggested to the Commission that the hours be pushed back to no new business after
10:30 and all business will cease at 11:00 p.m. Discussion was held. It will be put on the agenda for the
next Commission meeting as a proposed amendment to the rules and regulations of the Commission. A
MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER MAJEWSKI; SECONDED by COMMISSIONER
WOOD to add to the next meeting agenda item 9a commission to modify the closing times of their
meetings. Voice vote. 7-0 All in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
`
ADJOURN: Commissioner Wood made a motion to adjourn. . The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy A. LaRose
Recording Secretary
A COMPLETE RECORD OF THE MEETING IS ON CASSETTE TAPES ON FILE IN THE MONTVILLE
TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE