Redding Planning Commission
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, Connecticut 06875-1028
MINUTES
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
7:30 p.m. – VIA ZOOM
Present: Toby Welles, Chairman; Dan Barrett; Chuck Cilo, Alt.; Anda Cumings; Steve Gagnon; Regina O’Brien; James Bacon, Alt.
Also present: Aimee Pardee, Land Use Director
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Meeting of September 8, 2020
On the motion of D. Barrett and the second of R. O’Brien, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 9/8/20 Meeting Minutes.
II. PUBLIC HEARING- TO CONTINUE
Application #528, 130 Topstone Road, Roger Lancaster & CJ Lancaster (owners), Curt Lowenstein/LANDTECH (agent). Proposed subdivision of 13.6 acres into 4 Lots. Received 8/25/2020. Public Hearing opened 9/8/20 – To continue.
Mr. Lancaster was present via ZOOM in addition to Michael Ungerer, and Robert Pryor and Curt Lowenstein from LandTech.
Toby Welles noted receipt of new submissions including a map depicting three separate driveways as required by subdivision regulations and updated site plans. A response from Commission consultant Milone & MacBroom is pending.
Site walk Minutes are pending. Notes will be submitted by A. Pardee.
Chairman Welles noted that Topstone is a designated Scenic Road. The asphalt apron at the end of the driveway is on the town right-of-way and concern was noted re: drainage onto a dirt road. A. Pardee stated that per zoning regulations, the first 20 feet of a driveway is required to be paved unless a variance is obtained. Mr. Lancaster confirmed that he would like to keep the driveway as natural as possible. T. Welles will confer with Zoning to find a solution in concert with LandTech for an alternate impervious material.
Planning Consultant Glenn Chalder is working on a draft document regarding the remaining southerly parcel. The Chairman noted concern about a possible open space parcel. It was noted that other towns add a 10-year waiting period before land can be sold to a non-family member.
The number of lots needs to be documented properly re: three or four lots. If four lots are identified, the fourth lot would need to be developed in the application.
A legal response regarding the fourth parcel is pending. R. Pryor from LandTech addressed the letter from Glenn Chalder, Planimetrics. He stated that the map should be clear if the fourth parcel is not identified as a building lot on the map. Mr. Pryor will verify access to the lot and confirmed that the intent is to leave the parcel undeveloped. He will seek a workable approach that respects the desires of both the applicant and the town.
Questions from neighbors re: habitat were noted.
On the motion of A. Cumings and the second of D. Barrett, the Commission voted unanimously to continue the Public Hearing to the next meeting, October 13, 2020.
III. ADMINISTRATIVE
1. Kathlene Tracey, 163 Sunset Hill. Alteration to Driveway Location. Discussion 9/8/20.
Mrs. Tracey was present via ZOOM. Land Use Director A. Pardee reviewed her inspection of the sight lines. In order to achieve 250 feet, brush on the open space to the north of the driveway needs to be cleared. The Board of Selectmen will need to approve shrub removal.
On the motion of D. Barrett and the second of A. Cumings, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend that if the Conservation Commission approves the other changes proposed by the applicant, the Planning Commission would recommend in favor of moving stone walls to permit adequate sight lines and pending an agreement that the Selectmen approve.
Mrs. Tracey was instructed to contact the Selectmen’s office for next steps.
IV. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/DISCUSSION
Chairman Welles reported that the Connecticut Supreme Court voted in favor of the town re: GLDC. Lien holders are now deemed subordinate to the town. Mr. Bacon questioned if there is a time period in which to take action.
On the motion of A. Cumings, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly