Minutes
Present: Gerry Casiello, Chairman; Mike Hoffman, Vice Chairman; Commission Ben Gordon; Commissioner Ted Ogonek; Alternate Gary Miyashiro; Alternate Paul Scholl.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer; Bennett Pardee, Applicant.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Chairman opened the hearing/meeting and seated Mr. Scholl for Commissioner Amy Atamian.
- Application #2015 – 25Z – Bennett and Suzanne Aimee Pardee, 60 Greenbush Road (Map #38, Lot #2). In accordance with Section 5.12 of the Redding Zoning Regulations, request for Special Use Permit for accessory apartment in detached garage. Received July 22, 2015.
Mike Hoffman read the call for the hearing.
Motion: to accept the call of the meeting. Motion made by Mr. Ogonek, seconded by Mr. Gordon, and carried unanimously.
Applicants Bennett Pardee and Suzanne Aimee Pardee were present. Discussion centered around the lot being within the required size of three acres. Ms. Pardee clarified with Mr. Casiello the orientation of the lot and the setbacks of the building where the apartment is proposed. The commission discussed the need for a septic system separate from the system that serves the existing dwelling on the property; the chairman noted that the Pardees had obtained a state waiver to use the existing septic system for both the house and the apartment, which is allowed by the regulations.
Motion: to close the public hearing. Motion made by Mr. Ogonek, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, and carried unanimously.
- Item #2015 – 23Z – Proposed amendment to the Redding Zoning Regulations regarding “Self-Service Storage Facilities”. Amendment to Sections 4.3.2 (a) and 4.3.3 (a); addition of Section 8.1.220: new definition of “Self Service Storage Facilities” to allow this use within the SB Zone. Received June 24, 2015, Public Hearing Opened August 12, 2015.
Mr. Casiello opened the discussion, noting that the Route 7 corridor is the logical place for this use as it is in keeping with the uses already allowed in that zone. Mr. Casiello mentioned that, because the regulations were written in 1986, storage facilities were not included as a permitted use only because they were not in existence at that time. Mr. Hoffman asked if there were any applications for this use; Ms. Pardee informed him that there had been a few real estate agents looking in the property containing the former Dapco building.
The Commission reviewed correspondence from the Planning Commission; the correspondence endorsed the use, but asked for the Commission to exclude parcels that are subject to the incentive housing overlay zone. Ms. Pardee expressed concern that this would be, in effect, spot zoning, as it would treat a portion of the zone differently from the rest of the zone. Mr. Casiello agreed however Mr. Hoffman expressed concern about parties being interested in the land targeted for housing if self storage facilities are allowed. Mr. Scholl suggested that the incentive housing may be more beneficial and profitable than a self storage facility. Ms. Pardee noted that the two parcels of concern and currently owned by the state and it is her understanding that the town would have priority if the state decided to sell the parcels. Mr. Hoffman asked if Planning should be asked for clarification; the Commission reviewed the memo submitted to Planning from John Hayes and noted that the Town’s Planning Consultant endorsed the change to the regulations.
Motion: to close the public hearing. Motion made by Mr. Ogonek, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, and carried unanimously.
REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting commenced at 7:52 p.m. The Chairman noted that Mr. Scholl would still be seated for Commissioner Amy Atamian.
- Approval of Minutes:
Public Hearing of August 12, 2015
Motion: to approve the minutes of the August 12, 2015 Public Hearing. Motion made by Mr. Ogonek; seconded by Mr. Hoffman and carried unanimously.
Regular Meeting of August 12, 2015
Motion: to approve the minutes of the August 12, 2015 Regular Meeting. Motion made by Mr. Ogonek; seconded by Mr. Hoffman and carried unanimously.
- Application #2015 – 25Z – Bennett and Suzanne Aimee Pardee, 60 Greenbush Road (Map #38, Lot #2). In accordance with Section 5.12 of the Redding Zoning Regulations, request for Special Use Permit for an accessory apartment in a detached garage. Received July 22, 2015, Public Hearing September 9, 2015. If hearing closed, for discussion/action.
The Commission reviewed the requirements for an accessory apartment and determined the plan meets all the required findings.
Motion: to approve Application #2015-25Z: Motion made by Mr. Hoffman; seconded by Mr. Ogonek and carried unanimously.
- Item #2015 – 23Z – Proposed amendment to the Redding Zoning Regulations regarding “Self-Service Storage Facilities”. Amendment to Sections 4.3.2 (a) and 4.3.3 (a); addition of Section 8.1.220: new definition of “Self Service Storage Facilities” to allow this use within the SB Zone. Received June 24, 2015, Public Hearing Opened August 12, 2015 and continued to September 9, 2015. If hearing closed, for discussion/action.
The Commission reviewed the proposed regulations and decided that the SB Zone was a logical place to locate self storage facilities; the change in the regulations must be for the entire SB zone.
Motion: to adopt regulations in Item #2015 – 23Z: Motion made by Mr. Hoffman, seconded by Mr. Ogonek and carried unanimously.
- Discussion:
Ms. Pardee has been in touch with UConn and they are willing to come to the town and do some training sessions on two Thursdays night. Because commissioners have expressed concern that they will be too busy before the election, she is hoping to schedule the session after the election. She will keep the commission posted as the dates are narrowed down.
- Future Agenda: there was no discussion under this agenda item.
- Communications: Ms. Pardee has received copy of the letter from the town to the state regarding the next incentive housing grant.
- Adjournment
Motion: to adjourn. Motion made by Mr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, and carried unanimously. The Commission adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Submitted by Katherine Stauffer