Redding Zoning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2017 – 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall Hearing Room
100 Hill Road, Redding, Connecticut
Present: Gerry Casiello, Chairman; Commissioner Matt Lecher; Commissioner Paul Scholl; Alternate Gary Miyashiro.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer; 2 applicants.
PUBLIC HEARING: Application 17-13Z – Owner: Town of Redding; Applicant: Jennifer Hunt on behalf of Haven Hunt. 72 Topstone Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 27 – 67). Request for a Limited Duration Special Use Permit in accordance with Section 5.11.2 of the Redding Zoning Regulations to hold a . “Redding Hive Event” on Sunday May 14, 2017 with a rain date Saturday May 20, 2017 at Topstone Park, Redding CT. Received April 26, 2017: Public Hearing May 10, 2017.
The Chairman seated Mr. Miyashiro for Commissioner Amy Atamian; he then read the call for the public hearing. Mr. Lecher moved that the commission accept the call and open the public hearing. Mr. Scholl seconded the motion and the commission voted unanimously to open the hearing at 7:30 p.m.
The Chairman asked the applicant to come forward and describe the proposed event. Haven Hunt explained that, while on vacation, she had attended a community festival that highlighted local food and craft vendors, while also having performances by local musicians. She said that she hoped to bring a similar community event to Redding. She approached Park and Rec. regarding a location and she said that she currently has 15 craft vendors interested in the event, as well as a couple of bands. She said that she still hopes to find food vendors.
The Chairman stated that he applauds the applicant’s industriousness in trying to pull together the event however he stated his concern regarding parking and parking control. Ms. Hunt reviewed the available parking, said that she had volunteers to manage the parking lot, and also said that a person from Park and Rec. would be there to help manage the site. Mr. Miyashiro asked about bathroom facilities; Ms. Hunt said that the Topstone bathrooms would be open for public use. Mr. Lecher asked for clarification as to the location of vendors; Ms. Hunt explained that the vendors would be in the area of the basketball court, and the bands would be nearer the beach. The commission then returned to discussion of parking. Ms. Hunt noted that Park and Rec. will provide cones for the demarcation of emergency access. Jennifer Hunt spoke and further noted that the event will be four hours long and they feel that attendance will be staggered across the four hours.
Hearing no further discussion, and no comments from the public, Mr. Lecher moved that the public hearing be closed. Mr. Scholl seconded the motion and the commission voted unanimously to close the hearing at 7:40 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING:
The Chairman seated Mr. Miyashiro for Commissioner Amy Atamian, and opened the regular meeting at 7:40 p.m.
- Approval of Minutes:
Regular Meeting of March 22, 2017
The Chairman noted that only two of the commissioners present were present at the March 22nd meeting so discussion of the minutes was tabled until the next meeting.
Regular Meeting of April 26, 2017.
On the motion of Mr. Scholl and the second of Mr. Lecher, the commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting of April 26, 2017.
- Application 17-13Z – Owner: Town of Redding; Applicant: Jennifer Hunt on behalf of Haven Hunt. 72 Topstone Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 27 – 67). Request for a Limited Duration Special Use Permit in accordance with Section 5.11.2 of the Redding Zoning Regulations to hold a “ Redding Hive Event” on Sunday May 14, 2017 with a rain date Saturday May 20, 2017 at Topstone Park, Redding CT. If public hearing is closed, for discussion/action.
The commission discussed the event and the parking arrangements. They noted that this is a one-time approval and that, should the applicant wish to hold the event again, any issues with parking would be subject to their review.
Mr. Lecher moved that the commission grant Limited Duration Special Use Permit 17 – 13Z. Mr. Scholl seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
- Application 17-14Z – 81 Sunset Hill Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 9-45 ): Owner: Michele Holmes. Request for a Special Use Permit for an accessory apartment in accordance with Section 5.12 of the Redding Zoning Regulations. For receipt/ to set public hearing.
The Commission briefly reviewed the application, asking the Zoning Officer if the proposed apartment was within an existing dwelling; she replied that it is.
Mr. Lecher moved that the commission accept the application and set a public hearing for June 14, 2017. Mr. Miyashiro seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
- Application 17-15Z and 16Z – 26 Goodsell Hill Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 42 – 100) and 30 Goodsell Hill Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 42 – 150): Owner: Thira LLC, Representative Tom Quinn P.E.. Request for a Special Use Permit for earth moving in excess of 300 Cubic Yards. For receipt/to set public hearing.
The Zoning Officer stated that, although the applicant’s agent had intended to have this application ready for consideration, no materials had been received. The commission tabled discussion of this item.
- Application 17 – 17Z – Mark Twain Library Association c/o 37 Lonetown Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 21 – 42A). In accordance with Section 5.11.2 of the Redding Zoning Regulations, request for a Limited Duration Special Use Permit to hold the “57th Annual Book Fair” at the Redding Community Center on September 1st through 4th, 2017. Previously held September 2nd through 5th, 2016. For discussion/action.
Mr. Casiello noted that this event is held every year and is very well run. On the motion of Mr. Lecher and the second of Mr. Scholl, the commission voted unanimously to grant Limited Duration Special Use Permit 17 – 17Z.
Additional Item:
The Chairman noted that the commission has received a request to vote the following item on to the agenda:
Application 17 – 18Z – DNKL, 30 Putnam Park Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 8 – 22). In accordance with Section 5.11.2 of the Redding Zoning Regulations, request for a Limited Duration Special Use Permit to hold the annual “Blessing of the Animals” on June 3, 2017. Previously held on May 14, 2016.
On the motion of Mr. Scholl and the second of Mr. Lecher, the commission voted unanimously to add this item to the agenda.
The Chairman noted that this event has been held for several years without concern. On the motion of Mr. Lecher and the second of Mr. Scholl, the commission voted unanimously to grant Limited Duration Special Use Permit No. 17 – 18Z.
- Discussion
The Zoning Officer distributed the final draft of a letter from the Planning Commission to the Town of Ridgefield Planning and Zoning Commission regarding a little league field proposed for property adjoining the Town of Redding located at the corner of Simpaug Turnpike and Route 7. The commission reviewed the letter and agreed that it raised the same points that were reviewed and endorsed at a previous meeting. The Chairman asked the Zoning Officer to communicate the Zoning Commissions endorsement of the letter to the Redding Planning Commission and the Ridgefield Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Future Agenda Items
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
- Communication
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
- Adjournment
On the motion of Mr. Lecher, and the second of Mr. Miyashiro, the commission voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:55 p.m.
Submitted by Aimee Pardee