Redding Planning Commission
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1028
MINUTES
Special Meeting
Tuesday, August 13 2019
7:00 p.m. – Old Town House
Present: Toby Welles; Chairman; Chuck Cilo; Steve Gagnon; Anda Cumings; James Bacon, Alt.; Dan Barrett, Alt., seated for R. O’Brien.
Absent: R. O’Brien
Also present: Aimee Pardee, Town Planning Director
John Hayes, Town Planning Consultant
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
-Meeting of 7/9/19; -Meeting of 7/23/19 Cancelled
On the motion of C. Cilo and the second of D. Barrett, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 7/9/19 Meeting Minutes.
II. ADMINISTRATIVE
1. Referral from Zoning, 37 Lonetown Road, Town of Redding Community Center, Town of Redding (owner), Redding Police Union (applicant). To discuss request for a Limited Duration Special Use Permit to hold a “Country Fair” on October 19, 2019.
A. Pardee briefly described the proposal to hold a fair on 10/19/19 from 3:00-9:00 p.m. The Chairman noted no conflicts with the Town Plan of Development and the Commission concurred that a positive recommendation be forwarded to the Zoning Commission.
2. Referral from Zoning, 220 and 224 Umpawaug Road, William W. and Robin C. Bishop, Trustees, Maxwell Associates, Inc. (agent). To discuss request for a Special Permit for Earth Moving in excess of 300 cubic yards.
Ann Schmitt, ASLA, Ross Nazzaro, and Gene Nazzaro were present for the applicant and presented the plans to the Commission. The Chairman noted that the plans were before the Commission as a referral from the Zoning Commission but that he had, in response to the referral, reviewed the original subdivision approval that created the two lots. He stated that he had found that the subdivision conditions contained prohibitions regarding the alteration of interior stone walls and cutting of trees over 18” in diameter, both of which are proposed in the subject application.
There was a question as to whether the subject alteration would require an amendment to the overall subdivision approval, or whether they could be addressed with a lot development amendment for 220 and 224 Umpawaug Road. A. Pardee will consult Commission Counsel Peter Olson.
Mr. Welles also noted concern regarding damage to the edge Umpawaug Road: a designated Scenic Road. He requested a temporary reinforcement of the driveway apron where it meets the road; Mr. Nazzaro stated that he could either do a stone apron or provide metal plates to protect the road edge.
Another issue raised was concern regarding traffic and road impact. Information from Highway Superintendent Jeff Hanson is pending re: heavy truck traffic. G. Nazzaro reported an estimated 140 loads of fill over two weeks totaling 2700-2800 cubic yards. The fill will be delivered in the proposed driveway location.
Discussion was tabled pending new information from Jeff Hanson and Atty. Peter Olson.
Emily Asen and Kathleen Braja of 216 Umpawaug Road informed the applicant that Ray Schaer of the W. Redding Fire Department has visited the site re: proximity of dry hydrant to easements and possible obstruction of hydrant access by fencing.
III. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
No items.
IV. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/DISCUSSION
Toby Welles briefly reviewed a list of additional roads to be designated as proposed Scenic Roads on the town plan map. J. Baker questioned if there is any disadvantage to the designation. Mr. Welles replied only if the road lacked the required attributes.
On the motion of A. Cumings and the second of C. Cilo, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:22 p.m.
Submitted by: Kristi C. Reilly