Redding Planning Commission
MINUTES
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
7:30 p.m. – VIA ZOOM
Present: Toby Welles, Chairman; Dan Barrett; Steve Gagnon; Regina O’Brien.
Absent: A. Cumings; C. Cilo, Alt.; James Bacon, Alt.
Also present: Aimee Pardee, Land Use Director
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Meeting of September 22, 2020
On the motion of D. Barrett and the second of R. O’Brien, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 9/22/20 Meeting Minutes.
II. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONTINUE:
Application #528, 130 Topstone Road, Roger Lancaster & Carolyn L. Johnson Lancaster (owners), Curt Lowenstein/LANDTECH (agent). Proposed subdivision of 13.6 acres into 4 Lots. Received 8/25/2020. Public Hearing open 9/8/20 – completion date unknown pending possible reissue of executive orders. Continued 9/22/2020.Mr. Lancaster was present via ZOOM in addition to Michael Ungerer, and Robert Pryor and Curt Lowenstein from LandTech.
Chairman Welles reviewed his discussion with Commission Counsel Peter Olson regarding a proposed two-part solution. The proposed solution is to combine the land proposed to be open with the existing designated Lot #3 allowing for a re-subdivision at a future time. Under PA490 and the preservation of farm, forest, or open space, there could be minimal tax implications. Land Use Director A. Pardee stated that there is a 10-year requirement for PA490 protection.
Mr. Welles stated that the family exemption to open space presupposes that the land will remain in the family. Prior to signing the subdivision map, a stipulation needs to be agreed upon. Town Counsel and the attorney for Mr. Lancaster will work on the language for such a stipulation as the second part of the proposed solution.
Mr. Lancaster asked how the open lot would be affected if he died. Mr. Welles stated that an exemption for open space allocation for family transfer may be allowable however, it may be an estate matter if it is sold outside the family. Mr. Lancaster was referred to his attorney for further clarification.
The map needs to be redrafted so that the land to remain open is part of Lot #3 noting the provisional lines for a future re-subdivision. A covenant on maintaining as a family set of properties needs to be written and agreed by Commission and applicant Counsel.
Mr. Lancaster questioned the status of the application. A. Pardee stated that the driveway maintenance agreement is needed. C. Lowenstein stated that he is working on a process aggregate material for the driveway that will be similar to the material presently on Topstone Road.Discussion will continue at the next meeting.
III. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/DISCUSSION
T. Welles spoke to Nick Trabka, WestCOG re: mapping process. A. Pardee will ask Glenn Chalder to step in to assist in finishing the requirements for the Town Plan of Conservation & Development.
On the motion of S. Gagnon, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly