Redding Zoning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes
March 9, 2022 – 7:30 p.m.
Via ZOOM
Present: Matt Lecher, Chairman; Amy Atamian, Secretary; Commissioner William Miller; Alternate Diana Carlino-Coffey.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer; Applicant and Members of the Public.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m., seating Ms. Carlino-Coffey for Commissioner Bill Whitehead.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Application #22-02Z – 32 Portland Avenue (Assessor’s Map and Lot 46 – 13): Owner Salvatore Pilato – Agent Wade Roese. Request for Zoning Map Amendment to change the zone designation of 32 Portland Avenue from BC to RV.
Ms. Pardee read the call for the Public Hearing. On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Ms. Carlino-Coffey, the commission voted unanimously to accept the call and open the hearing.
Wade Roese, Agent for the applicant, spoke to the commission. He explained that the applicant would like to change the zone designation for this property so that he can convert the existing commercial building into a residential building. He noted that the property is bounded by the RV Zone to the north.
Ms. Atamian asked if the property would be proposed to be multi-family; Mr. Roese stated that the existing 7500 square foot building would be proposed to be converted into 4 residential apartments. Ms. Atamian asked about sewer and water service to the building; Mr. Roese said the the existing septic is adequate for the residential use and that the building currently has water service.
The Chairman opened the hearing to public comment. Ellen Grunsell, a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, asked if the applicant intended to change the footprint of the existing building. Mr. Roese stated that the apartments would be accommodated within the existing building.
Ms. Atamian asked about parking for the proposed use; Mr. Roese said that the property’s previous use as a pre-school required considerable parking and that the existing parking would more than meet the needs of a proposed residential use.
Hearing no further comments, Ms. Carlino-Coffey moved that the hearing be closed. Ms. Atamian seconded the motion and the commission voted unanimously to close the Public Hearing at 7:37 p.m.
Application #22-06 – 486 Redding Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot #21-95) – John Read Middle School, JRMS PTA (Applicant) – Request for A Special Use Permit to hold a Craft Fair May 7, 2022.
Ms. Pardee read the call for the hearing. On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Ms. Carlino-Coffey, the commission voted unanimously to accept the call and open the Public Hearing at 7:38 p.m.
Ms. Pardee noted that the applicant could not be present for the hearing. The commission discussed the event, parking at JRMS, and possible traffic issues.
Hearing no further comments, Ms. Atamian moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Ms. Carlino-Coffey seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously, closing the hearing at 7:42 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING:
1. Approval of Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes of February 23, 2022.
On the motion of Mr. Miller and the second of Ms. Atamian, the commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the February 23, 2022 minutes as written.
2. Application #22-02Z – 32 Portland Avenue (Assessor’s Map and Lot 46 – 13): Owner Salvatore Pilato – Agent Wade Roese. Request for Zoning Map Amendment to change the zone designation of 32 Portland Avenue from BC Zone to RV Zone.
The commission discussed the proposed zone change; they also discussed the desirability of adding to a more affordable housing stock in town.
On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Ms. Carlino-Coffey, the commission voted unanimously to approve application 22-02Z for an amendment to the Zoning Map to change 32 Portland Avenue from a BC Zone to an RV Zone.
3. Application #22-06 – 486 Redding Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot #21-95) – John Read Middle School, JRMS PTA (Applicant) – Request for A Special Use Permit to hold a Craft Fair May 7, 2022.
The Commission reviewed the application. Ms. Atamian expressed concern regarding traffic control.
Ms. Atamian moved that Application #22-06Z be approved, but with the condition that the event also be approved by the police department. Mr. Miller seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
4. Application #22-07Z – 106 Peaceable Street (Assessor’s Map and Lot #42-166) – Owner: Jonathan & Jennifer Cutler –In accordance with Section 5.12: request for a Special Use Permit for an accessory apartment with garage.
Mr. Cutler was present to speak to the commission. He explained that he hopes to construct a small cottage on his property, with a garage bay, for his in-laws.
Ms. Carlino-Coffey moved that the commission accept the application and set a public hearing date for April 13, 2022. Ms. Atamain seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously. Ms. Pardee noted that the commission would likely move to in-person meetings by April.
5. Application #22-04Z – 296 Ethan Allen Highway (Assessor’s Map and Lot #35-92): Ridgefield Motor Inn. Alex Patel (Owner): Request for Site Plan Approval to demolish existing structures and redevelop property with new “Home2 Suites by Hilton” .
Ms. Pardee noted that replies have not been received yet from the town consultants reviewing this application. The commission decided to table further discussion.
6. Discussion
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. Carlino-Coffey and the second of Ms. Atamian, the commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:54 p.m.
Submitted by,
Aimee Pardee