Regular Meeting Minutes
November 10, 2020 – 7:30 P.M.
via Zoom
Present: Toby Welles, Chairman; Regina O’Brien, Secretary; Commissioner Daniel Barrett; Commissioner Steve Gagnon; Alternate Chuck Cilo.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Land Use Director; Applicant Sean Keating; members of the public.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., seating Mr. Cilo for Commissioner Anda Cummings.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Meeting of October 27, 2020
On the motion of Mr. Barrett and the second of Mr. Cilo, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes as written.
II. ADMINISTRATIVE
Reference Subdivision App’l #513, 52 Mountain Road: Sean Keating, owner. Request to build a studio outside of the building construction and restriction line. Discussion 10/27/2020. Site Walks on an individual basis.
Mr. Welles noted that several members of the Commission had visited the subject property to observe the location of the proposed studio. He stated that the proposed studio did not seem to impact the natural features that had been identified for preservation during the subdivision process.
Mr. Cilo asked about visibility from neighboring properties. Mr. Welles noted that, although that is not a criterion for approval, he felt the proposed studio was likely not in the viewscape of either neighbors to the northeast of the property, nor the adjacent open space property. Mr. Welles further noted that the application proposes a studio with a half bath, thereby limiting occupation of the building.
Hearing no further comments, Mr. Gagnon made the motion that the Commission accept the modification to the Building Restriction Line at 52 Mountain Road to permit the construction of a detached studio with a half bath as shown on the submitted development plan. Ms. O’Brien seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
Mr. Welles noted that the revised Site Development Plan would need to be rendered on non-fading mylar, submitted to the Planning Office for sign-off by the Chairman, and filed with the Town Clerk. Once filed, the revision would be effective.
III. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/DISCUSSION
The Chairman said that he will be meeting with Glen Chalder of Planimetrics this week to work on finalizing details of mapping associated with the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).
He also raised the suggestion that, by the December meeting of the Commission, a discussion could be held regarding moving forward on recommendations in the POCD. He asked the Commissioners to think about priorities for actionable items in the POCD.
Ms. Pardee informed the Commission that two applications will be on the agenda for the November 11, 2020 Zoning Commission meeting; both will be referred to the Planning Commission. Of note is an application to tear down the Ridgefield Motor Inn and replace it with a new hotel.
Hearing no further discussion, Mr. Gagnon moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was carried unanimously, closing the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Submitted by,
Aimee Pardee