Redding Zoning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes
October 10, 2018 – 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall Hearing Room
100 Hill Road, Redding, Connecticut
Present: Gerry Casiello, Chairman; Amy Atamian, Secretary; Commissioner Matt Lecher; Commissioner Ted Ogonek; Commissioner Paul Scholl.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer; applicants.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. All regular members were seated.
PUBLIC HEARING: 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. Received September 12, 2018: Public Hearing October 10, 2018.
Ms. Atamian read the call for the hearing; on the motion of Mr. Ogonek and the second of Mr. Lecher, the commission voted unanimously to accept the call and open the public hearing.
The applicant’s architect, Peter Coffin, presented the application. He reviewed the plan to add an 800 square foot apartment on to the back of an existing three-car garage and to add a carport to the side of the garage. The Chairman reviewed the requirements for an accessory apartment; he also read correspondence from Aquarion Water Company and from the Planning Commission.
After a brief discussion, the Chairman opened the hearing to public comment. Hearing no comments, Ms. Atamian moved that the hearing be closed. Mr. Ogonek seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously closing the hearing at 7:40 p.m.
The Chairman opened the regular meeting at 7:40 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING:
1. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting Minutes of September 12, 2018.
On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Mr. Lecher, the commission voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the September 12, 2018 meeting.
2. 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. If public hearing is closed, for discussion/action.
After a review of the regulations regarding accessory apartments, Mr. Lecher moved that the commission approve Application #18-17Z with the condition that the septic system be approved by the Health Department. Ms. Atamian seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
3. 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. Continuation of discussion.
Denise Brevza was present for the applicant. She stated that stone has been installed where the parking lot is proposed, but it has not yet been paved. The Chairman noted that the area where the stone has been installed does not meet the front yard setbacks and that DNKL needs to either obtain a variance for the setback, or not pave closer to the front line than 50’. Ms. Brevza asked if pedestrians can use that area, and she also discussed pedestrian access to the building. The commission reviewed section 5.6.5 (p) and discussed the size of the property and the amount of the property that is preserved.
Ms. Atamian moved that Application #18-16Z be approved with the condition that the parking meet the 50’ front setback. Mr. Lecher seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
4. Application #18-18Z – 12 Old Mill Road (Assessor’s Map #46 & Lot 190) – Owner Giavincenzo Marcili; Agent Al Marsili. Request for a Site Plan Amendment to convert a portion of second floor commercial space into a single apartment. For receipt/discussion/action.
Mr. Marsili spoke to the commission. He stated that he has had trouble renting out the second floor of the building at 12 Old Mill Road for commercial uses and that he would like to convert the second floor to several apartments. Ms. Pardee noted that Mr. Marsili had only applied for one apartment. The Chairman reviewed the regulations and noted that no more than 30% of the building can be residential without a variance to the regulations.
The commission reviewed the regulations and the plans for the apartment. Ms. Atamian noted that the change in use would require approval from the Water Pollution Control Commission.
On the motion of Mr. Lecher, and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the commission voted unanimously to approved Application #18-18Z for one 900 square foot apartment with the condition that WPCC approval be obtained.
5. Discussion
Per the request by Doug Hartline, Health Official, a discussion of the possible addition of outdoor wood burning furnaces to Section 3.4: “Noxious Activities Prohibited”.
Ms. Pardee shared information from Mr. Hartline regarding other towns that have limited the use of outdoor wood burning furnaces. After a discussion, the commission decided they would like to learn more about this issue and suggested that Ms. Pardee invite Mr. Hartline to a future meeting.
6. Future Agenda Items
Further discussion regarding outdoor wood burning furnaces.
7. Communication
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
8. Adjournment
On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the commission voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:07 p.m.
Submitted by: Aimee Pardee