Redding Zoning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Agenda
June 23, 2021 – 7:30 p.m.
Via ZOOM
Present: Matt Lecher, Chairman; Amy Atamian, Secretary; Commissioner Ted Ogonek; Alternate Gary Miyashiro.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer; Applicants.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30. Mr. Miyashiro was seated for the open seat on the commission.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Application #21-05Z – 186 Blackrock Turnpike (Assessor’s Map and Lot #23-72) – Owner: Redding Fire District No. 1 – Agent: Frank Scinto Esq. In accordance with Redding Zoning Regulations Section 5.2 request for a Site Plan approval to demolish existing firehouse and construct a new Firehouse, with associated site work.
The Chairman noted that this hearing has been open for several meetings. He asked the applicant about soil testing that had been scheduled with Doug Hartline, Health Director. Rob Frangione, P.E. stated that soil testing had been completed and that approval for the proposed septic system had been obtained from both the local and state health officials.
The Chairman reviewed the latest correspondence from the Town Engineering Consultant, Todd Ritchie, P.E. Mr. Frangione shared a manufacturers cross section of the product proposed to be used for a retaining wall that is part of the project. He stated that he felt this cross section reinforces his assertion that the installation of the wall and associated drainage, as proposed, is appropriate.
Phyllis Magnussen, Fire District No. 1 Commissioner, spoke regarding access to the proposed wall from the neighboring property. She recounted conversation she has had with the neighbor, and also reviewed text of deeds and easements relating to the Fire District No. 1 property.
Hearing no further comment, Mr. Ogonek moved that the hearing be closed. Ms. Atamain seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously, closing the hearing at 7:38 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING:
1. Approval of Public Hearing Minutes and Regular Meeting Minutes of June 9, 2021.
Ms. Atamian noted that, in the adjournment motion stated in the minutes, she is referred to as “Mr. Atamian”. She moved that the minutes of the meeting be accepted with the correction to “Ms. Atamian”. Mr. Miyashiro seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
2. Application #21-05Z – 186 Blackrock Turnpike (Assessor’s Map and Lot #23-72) – Owner: Redding Fire District No. 1 – Agent: Attorney Frank Scinto. In accordance with Redding Zoning Regulations Section 5.2 request for a Site Plan approval to demolish existing firehouse and construct a new Firehouse, with associated site work.
The Commission discussed the application. Ms. Atamian stated that she did not feel that the Commission needs access authorization from the neighboring property owner as the neighbor provided the land for part of the project and had been notified of the Public Hearing. The Chairman agreed. The Commission then discussed the exchange between the design engineer and the peer review engineer regarding the proposed retaining wall. The commissioners agreed that review by the Building Department prior to construction would provide the needed extra review to insure that the wall is built appropriately.
Ms. Atamian moved that the application be approved conditioned upon the approval of the retaining wall by the Building Department and the receipt of a signed and sealed topographic survey. Mr. Ogonek seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
3. Application #21-06Z – 614 Redding Road (Assessors’ (Map #13 and Lot #81) – Brett Stafford, owner – In accordance with Redding Zoning Regulations Section 5.10: request for a Site Plan Approval for a Residential Home Enterprise within existing accessory building approval for a well pump and water treatment service company.
Ms. Pardee noted that she has not heard from the applicant, nor has she received additional materials from the applicant. Mr. Miyashiro moved that the application be denied as it is incomplete. Ms. Atamian seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
4. Application #21-07Z – 241 Ethan Allan Highway (Assessor’s Map #35 and Lot #63) – Owner Dominick A. Pagano – Agent: Andy Soumelidis/Landtech, 518 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT. In accordance with Redding Zoning Regulations Section 5.2 request for a Site Plan approval for renovation and addition onto existing building.
The Chairman reviewed the content of this application and the commission discussed whether they felt there is a need to hold a public hearing regarding this proposed project.
Mr. Miyashiro noted that the project calls for one less curb cut than is existing, and that the traffic study suggested that the proposed use will have less traffic impact than the previous factory use. The commission also reviewed the proposed changes to the building footprint.
On the motion of Mr. Miyashiro and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the commission voted unanimously to waive the option of holding a Public Hearing.
5. Discussion
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
6. Future Agenda Items
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
7. Communication
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
8. Adjournment
On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Mr. Miyashiro, the commission voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:52 p.m.
Submitted by:
Aimee Pardee