Minutes
Present: Gerry Casiello, Chair; Ben Gordon, Michael Hoffman (7:33 pm), Ted Ogonek, and alternates, Amy Atamian, Matthew Lecher and Gary Miyashiro
Also present: Robert M. Flanagan, CZEO and Rob Blick, Director of Park & Recreation Dept.
Mr. Lecher was seated for Mr. Ventricelli.
Ms. Atamian was seated for Mr. Hoffman
Mr. Casiello called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.
Mr. Hoffman was then seated as a regular member by the Chairman, arriving at 7:33 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 13, 2013 as submitted. Gordon, Atamian. Approved unanimously
Mr. Hoffman arrived at 7:33 pm and was seated.
APPLICATION 13-05Z-Owner/Agent: Town of Redding, 72 Topstone Road (Map 27 & Lot 67)
The application is for review and discussion of an amendment to the Site Plan for Topstone Park to include additional parking and relocation of entry gate.
Mr. Miyashiro recused himself from the discussion of this item and left the hearing room.
Mr. Flanagan stated that the site amendment allows for an increase in the number of parking spaces at the entry point of Topstone Park. The Conservation Commission reviewed the application and has approved the change. The work will be performed by the Town’s Highway Department, with Mr. Flanagan monitoring the work.
Mr. Blick, Director of Park & Recreation Department, explained that the safety is the primary reason to increase the number of parking spaces. The current configuration, for six cars, is limited and cars are parking on Topstone Road causing safety concerns. Those parking at the entry are typically using the park for hiking and/or dog walking. The Topstone entry gate is closed during the winter months and at times when the beach/waterfront is not staffed with lifeguards. The proposed plan moves the existing gate further down the entry drive, but is still visible from the road for police patrol needs.
Mr. Casiello stated that the first order of business was to determine is a public hearing was needed for the proposed site amendment. Mr. Flanagan recommended that a public hearing would not be needed since the change is a minor in relation to the overall park area.
Motion: move that the Zoning Commission consider the change in Site Plan for Topstone Park to be a minor one and deem a public hearing not to be necessary. Gordon, Ogonek. Approved unanimously.
Motion: move that the Zoning Commission approve Application 13-05Z for a minor change in the Site Plan for Topstone Park. Ogonek, Hoffman. Approved unanimously.
APPLICATION 13-06Z- New Pond Farm, 101 Marchant Road (Assessors Map 12 & Lot 79)
This application is for review and discussion of the renewal of a Limited Duration Special Permit for the “Founders May Fair” to be held on May 18, 2013 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm with a rain date 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Mr. Flanagan noted that the event was held last year on May 19, 2012 and no problems have occurred with the event.
Motion: move that the Redding Zoning Commission approve Application 13-06Z, a Limited Duration Special Permit for the New Pond Farm “Founders May Fair” event on May 18, 2013. Ogonek, Gordon. Approved unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF PRELIMINARY DRAFT FOR APPLICATION REGARDING INCENTIVE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Flanagan stated that Mr. John Hayes, the Town’s Planning Consultant, was unable to be at the meeting to discuss the draft application letter for the creation of an Incentive Housing Development plan to be submitted to the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). Mr. Flanagan added that the Zoning Commission, at their June 14, 2012, endorsed the Planning Commissions Incentive Housing Plan. He noted that Town Attorney Michael Lavelle has reviewed and approved the application letter.
Mr. Casiello suggested that the Zoning Commission not take action on this item until Mr. Hayes is able to attend a meeting for further review and discussion.
SEMINAR
Mr. Flanagan informed commission members of an upcoming seminar on (TOD) Transit Oriented Development. He will attend the two-day seminar at Bridgeport City Hall (April 4 and May 9, 2013) and encouraged other board members to attend.
COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Casiello and Mr. Flanagan attended a FOI (Freedom of Information) seminar recently. Mr. Casiello noted that FOI regulation prohibit the chair and vice chair of a board or commission, if of differing political parties, from meeting privately. All meetings between the chair and vice chair of a board or commission must be noticed as a public meeting. The regulation allows members of a board or commission of the same political party to meet privately for discussions.
Adjournment
Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. Gordon, Hoffman. Approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm
Respectfully submitted
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary