Redding Planning Commission
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1028
MINUTES
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
7:30 p.m. – Old Town House
Present: Toby Welles; Chairman; Chuck Cilo; Steve Gagnon; Regina O’Brien; Dan Barrett, Alt.
Absent: A. Cumings
Also present: Aimee Pardee, Town Planning Director
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. Mr. Barrett was seated for Ms. Cumings.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Meeting of 5/28/19; -Meetings of 6/11/19, 6/25/19 Cancelled
Approval tabled pending receipt of the 5/28/19 Minutes by Commissioners.
II. ADMINISTRATIVE
1. 224 Umpawaug Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 20-45), Owner William and Robin Bishop Rev. Trust, William and Robin Bishop, Trustees. In accordance with the Scenic Road Ordinance, request for alteration of a scenic road to construct a curb cut, stone wall and install fencing at the edge of the town right-of-way.
Janice Parker of Janice Parker Landscape Architects was present in addition to the property caretaker. T. Welles reviewed his inspection of the sample walls.
Ms. Parker reviewed the proposal accompanied by drawings. She noted that a gate has not yet been chosen by the applicant.
T. Welles noted his concerns re: vertical face and even stone height. Mr. Welles reviewed the stone wall guidelines that request a random stone height and no use of mortar.
The sample wall will remain on site during the project for reference.
On the motion of T. Welles and the second of C. Cilo, the Commission voted unanimously to approve proceeding with the wall with uneven height and a batter. A request was made to use the wall to the south as a model. An inspection will be scheduled after notification that a large section is completed.
2. 163 Umpawaug Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 28-42), Owner Edward J. Killian III. In accordance with the Scenic Road Ordinance, request for alteration of a scenic road to restore previously existing curb cut through stone wall at the edge of the town right-of-way.
Aimee Pardee reviewed the mapping. A recommendation will be made to move the Old Redding Road curb cut further from the intersection. Per T. Welles, no formal action is required.
3. Referral from the City of Danbury: Proposed amendments to the Danbury Zoning Regulations regarding the Planned Neighborhood Development Overlay Zone to allow for adaptive reuse of the former Union Carbide Corporate Headquarters, a.k.a. The Matrix Center.
The proposal was reviewed and noted that while it is proposed town-wide, it only applies to buildings over 750,000 sq. feet.
The property does not abut Redding and no further discussion is needed.
4. Update: regarding tree planting and potential gathering to honor Jo-an Brooks.
T. Welles will check with Jo-an for a possible Sunday date.
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
Toby Welles reported that the Board of Selectmen is hiring Milone & MacBroom to facilitate a survey re: town outreach. Mr. Welles will be meeting with Mike Zuba to discuss the survey. S. Gagnon stated that residents had the opportunity to attend meetings over the last year while the Town Plan was being worked on.
Nancy Burton is suing Eversource re: trees on Scenic Roads. The Planning Commission will not participate since it is a powerline issue.
T. Welles received an email from Dottie DeLuca asking why the recommendations set forth in the 2008 Town Plan of Conservation & Development weren’t followed re: W. Redding. Mr. Welles stated that it is largely due to town financial constraints. C. Cilo noted the current ineffective sign placement.
Moving the sign and creating a direct pathway from the train station to businesses were discussed.
On the motion of S. Gagnon, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Submitted by: Kristi C. Reilly