Redding Planning Commission
MINUTES
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
7:30 p.m. – VIA ZOOM
Present: Toby Welles, Chairman; Dan Barrett; Chuck Cilo, Alt., seated for R. O’Brien; Anda Cumings; Steve Gagnon.
Absent: Regina O’Brien
Also present: Aimee Pardee, Land Use Director
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES– May 26, 2020
On the motion of D. Barrett and the second of A. Cumings, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 5/26/20 Minutes.
II. ADMINISTRATIVE
Reeda Harsche (owner), Frank Harsche (agent): 626 Redding Road. Discussion regarding possible subdivision in to two lots.
Mr. Harsche, and his daughter Diane Harsche, were present via Zoom. T. Welles reviewed a letter requesting waiving subdivision application requirements for a second lot that is not presently proposed to be developed. Mr. Welles stated that if land is being subdivided, it must meet certain standards so the remaining lot would conform to Planning & Zoning Regulations. He continued that non-conformity could make the lot unusable for a purchaser.
Mr. Barrett noted that the applicant’s request was reviewed in January and at that time Mr. Harsche was requested to submit the applicant correctly with all requested items. Mr. Barrett noted his concern about setting a precedent.
The Chairman noted that the line items are pretty simple and there is no way to consider the subdivision without completion of all items. T. Welles stated that the regulations require treatment as if it is a full subdivision and that it is considered an official lot regardless of the current proposal. He continued that the items listed in the regulations must be delineated and whether there are current plans at this time has no bearing on whether the procedure has to be followed.
Mr. Harsche requested confirmation that there is a regulation to that effect and Mr. Welles confirmed that the requirements are outlined in the Subdivision Regulations. Mr. Harsche stated that he is not asking for a building lot on the second lot. He noted that his wife owns a house on 14 acres which he proposes to subdivide into two lots with no plans to develop the vacant portion. He noted that a Phase II archaeological study of the property was quoted at $27,000. Diane Harsche questioned if the application could be handled differently if there were a provision to gift the vacant land or give it away at a future date. Mr. Welles stated that the land could be gifted at any time but that the commission does not take a future gift into consideration with a current application.
Toby Welles concluded that the Commission is not empowered to offer solutions outside of the Regulations.
Referral from First Selectman: Steap (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) Grant Application for Phase II of Georgetown Streetscape Plan. Discussion
The Commission reviewed the referral, as well as the section of the Town Plan of Development that addresses Georgetown.
On the motion of C. Cilo and the second of A. Cumings, the Commission voted unanimously to send a letter in support of the Steap Grant Application for Phase II of Georgetown Streetscape Plan, including a statement that the proposal is supported by the Town Plan of Development.
III. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/DISCUSSION
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
On the motion of C. Cilo, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly