MINUTES
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
7:30 p.m. – Old Town House
Present: Toby Welles; Chairman; Chuck Cilo; Anda Cumings; Steve Gagnon; Regina O’Brien; Dan Barrett, Alt.
Also present: Aimee Pardee, Town Planning Director
John Hayes, Town Planning Consultant
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. Welles welcomed Dan Barrett as an alternate and Regina O’Brien as a full member.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Meeting of 3/26/19
-Meetings of 4/9/19, 4/23/19, 5/14/19 Cancelled
On the motion of S. Gagnon and the second of R. O’Brien, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 3/26/19 meeting Minutes.
II. ADMINISTRATIVE
1. Reference Application #504, “Mountainside Estates” -34, 36,38, 40 Mountain Road, Jay Keillor and Greg Kamedulski (agents). Discussion re proposal of donating one lot to the Town. Discussion 2/26/19. Revision of Land Development Plan for 38 Mountain Road.
Aimee Pardee reviewed the lot line revision between 38 and 40 Mountain Road, noting that the revision negates the need of an easement.
On the motion of C. Cilo and the second of S. Gagnon, the Commission voted unanimously to accept the lot line revision as shown on the map.
2. Discussion re establishing W. Redding as an attractive Cultural Center.
Toby Welles noted receipt of correspondence from concerned residents.
Dottie Deluca spoke to the safety issues re: state railroad project. She noted the diminished sight lines as a result of large bushes. Other concerned residents noted the lack of maintenance of the shrubs. T. Welles stated that the maintenance is a Selectmen’s issue. Mr. Welles stated that he attended the state meetings regarding the project and proposed alternate gate configuration. He continued that the next phase of the project will likely eradicate the shrubs of concern.
It was noted that public information is not being spread well due to the lack of a town newspaper. Sharon Hoverman stated that the Ridgefield Press may consider a Redding section.
Dottie Deluca would like the center to be more user friendly, specifically sidewalks and crosswalks. Ms. Deluca also stated that there should be stop signs at the intersection and possibly benches. Better signage was also discussed. T. Welles stated that transit-oriented development grants have available funds.
Danielle Caldwell stated that residents want a sense of community and would support a town center. John Hayes stated that the Town Plan of Conservation & Development is looking at the possibility of a village district designation.
T. Welles suggested creating a working group that will touch base with Planning and Selectmen. He will write a letter to Julia Pemberton and will enumerate the issues along with a request to be on an upcoming agenda.
3. Discussion re possible additions to the Town Plan Map.
Toby Welles and John Hayes met with Nick Trabka of WestCOG. The meeting was reviewed, and John Hayes reviewed his recommendation to add proposed Scenic Roads to the Town Plan Map.
Toby Welles will draft a paragraph to be added to Chapter 5 re: village district. Studying suitable locations for pedestrian/bicycles will be added to the recommendations section.
On the motion of T. Welles and the second of R. O’Brien, the Commission voted that the Town Plan as currently drafted be amended to incorporate additional Scenic Roads as desired improvements to Redding’s preservation as outlined on the new Town Plan Map and in the case of state roads, seek in certain identified areas to have them designated by the state as Scenic Roads as well. In addition, we seek to add Village District designations to four locations in town as areas of historical significance architecturally: the area of Route 58 and Redding Ridge; W. Redding; Redding Center; and the village area of Georgetown. In addition, we recommend the study of areas where pedestrian and bicycle traffic patterns can be enhanced by protected lanes or paths.
The motion was carried with a majority vote.
4. Referral from Wilton. To discuss request for Special Permit to establish a parking and vehicle storage area in conjunction with an existing automotive sales and service facility at 10 North Main Street.
A. Pardee stated that the proposal had been previously reviewed by Planning during the initial zone change referral and that all neighbors in Redding had been notified of the proposal. No comments had been received from the neighbors. T. Wells said there would likely be minimal impact to Redding due to the topography of the property.
5. Changes to IHZ overlay zone on Old Mill Road.
A. Pardee noted that this has been pending for some time and asked what changes were being considered. T. Wells said he would sketch a map and give it to A. Pardee for consideration by the Zoning Commission.
6. Scenic Road Monitoring: revise list of assignments.
Scenic Road assignments were confirmed with the re-assignment of Nancy King’s roads to Dan Barrett, and several other changes. The revised list will be forwarded to Commissioners.
III. PENDING
1. Draft Driveway Easement & Maintenance Agreement. Received 7/11/17. J. Bacon has provided comments. Referred to Peter Olson, Esq.
2. IHZ Status. N. King report regarding list of members of commission.
3. Cul de Sac Design and Sight Lines, Subdivision Regulations, Section 4.3 and Road Regulations. Meeting of Planning and Zoning designees with Highway Superintendent needed per Meadow Edge problem 3/22/16. Discussion re new dimensions.
IV. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
A location for Jo-an Brooks’ tree has been determined. Mr. McNamara will notify the Land Use Office when the tree is planted.
On the motion of N. King, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m.
Submitted by: Kristi C. Reilly