Redding Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 12, 2018 – 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall Hearing Room
100 Hill Road, Redding, Connecticut
Present: Chairman Gerry Casiello; Secretary Amy Atamian; Commission Matt Lecher; Commissioner Ted Ogonek; Commissioner Paul Scholl; Alternate Gary Miyashiro; Alternate William Whitehead.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
All regular members of the Commission were seated.
1. Approval of Minutes: Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes of June 27, 2018.
On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the Commission voted by majority to accept the minutes as written. Mr. Scholl abstained from the vote.
2. Application #18-16Z – 30 Putnam Park Road (Assessor’s Map #8 & Lot #22) – DNKL Tibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace– Request for a Site Plan Approval for new parking area. For receipt/discussion.
The applicant was not present so Ms. Pardee briefly reviewed the application. She stated that DNKL has put down a base in anticipation of paving a parking lot but had been stopped from further work as the parking lot had never been approved by the Commission. She reviewed the map of the existing conditions and noted that the parking lot does not meet the front setbacks. It also does not seem to meet the requirements for pedestrian access. She also questioned whether drainage would be needed.
The Commission reviewed the application. They also discussed whether a public hearing should be required. Mr. Scholl moved that the Commission not require a public hearing; Mr. Lecher seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
The Commission discussed the layout of the parking spaces and pedestrian access. They decided to table further discussion until those issues are addressed by the applicant.
3. Application #18-17Z – 135 Limekiln Road (Assessor’s Map #7 & Lot #26) – Matthew A. Lugar & Sandra A. Bridges. Request for a Special Use Permit for a detached accessory apartment. For receipt/schedule public hearing.
The Commission briefly discussed the application. On the motion of Mr. Lecher and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the Commission voted unanimously to accept the application and set a public hearing date of October 10, 2018.
4. Discussion
– Discussion regarding interpretation of the Redding Zoning Regulations regarding cemeteries and family burial plots.
Ms. Pardee stated that a town resident had approached her about having a family burial plot on their property. In reviewing the Zoning Regulations, she had not found a clear answer regarding whether this is or is not a permitted us. She stated that she had discussed this issue with the State Department of Public Health, Town Counsel, other Zoning Officers, and an engineer who is working on this issue in another town. She said that, in accordance with Section 6.7 of the regulations, she was asking for the Commission’s interpretation regarding whether this is a permitted use.
The Commission discussed permitted uses and also Section 3.3 of the regulations. They also discussed the State Department of Public Health requirements. They noted that the regulations do speak to cemeteries as a use, and it was their interpretation that, in the eyes of the current regulations, there is no distinction between a cemetery and a family burial plot. They suggested that the property owner who wishes to be buried on their property could propose an amendment to the regulations if they do not have sufficient land for a cemetery, or they could request a variance.
5. Future Agenda Items
-Continuation of discussion of 30 Putnam Park Road parking area.
-Public Hearing regarding 135 Limekiln Road proposed apartment.
6. Communication
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
7. Adjournment
On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Mr. Lecher, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:02 p.m.
Submitted by:
Aimee Pardee