Minutes
Present: Gerry Casiello, Chair; Amy Atamian, Ben Gordon, Ted Ogonek, Mike Hoffman and alternate Matthew Lecher
Also present: Aimee Pardee, ZEO, and ten members of the public
Mr. Casiello called the regular meeting to order at 7:38 pm.
All regular member of the Commission were seated.
REGULAR MEETING
- Approval of Minutes: Motion: move to accept the minutes of the Public Hearing of April 9, 2014 as submitted. Atamian, Ogonek. Approved unanimously
- Approval of minutes: Motion: move to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 9, 2014 as submitted. Atamian, Ogonek. Approved unanimously.
- Application #14-11Z – Applicants: Todd and Wendy Kaufman, 27 Great Meadow Road
(Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 16 – 162) In accordance with Section 5.12 of the Redding Zoning Regulations, application for a Special Use Permit to construct a residential apartment within existing dwelling.
The Public Hearing was closed on this application and the Chairman noted that the apartment conforms to the requirements in the regulations.
Motion: move that the Redding Zoning Commission approve Application #14-11Z as submitted. Atamian, Hoffman. Approved unanimously.
- Application #14-14Z–Applicant: New Pond Farm Education Center, 101 Marchant Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 12 -79) In accordance with Section 5.2 of the Redding Zoning Regulations, application for Site Plan Amendment for installation of free-standing solar array.
The Public Hearing was closed on this application. The issue with the change to include fencing was discussed. Mr. Hoffman also asked to see the planting plan, and stated that he did not feel that the screening was sufficient as the shrubs chosen are deciduous. Ms. Taylor stated that they were leaning away from evergreens as they felt that they might draw the eye to them more in the winter, and suggested that the layered branches of the shrubs might be sufficient. Mr. Hoffman had suggestions regarding the layering and the Chairman suggested that a new plan might be brought in incorporating suggestions from Mr. Hoffman.
Motion: move that the Redding Zoning Commission approve Application #14-14Z contingent upon submission of a revised planting plan. Hoffman, Ogonek. Approved unanimously.
- Application #14-15Z –Pursuant to the Connecticut Housing for Economic Growth Program, and in accordance with CGS 8 – 13 (m – x) Commission initiated proposal to amend the Redding Zoning Regulations to adopt Incentive Housing Zone regulations.
The Commission asked the Zoning Enforcement Officer about the proposed incentive housing regulations and she explained that the regulations had been drafted as part of the town’s incentive housing application to the state and that actually adopting the regulations was the next step for the town.
Motion: move that the Zoning Commission set a date of June 25, 2014 for a Public Hearing on amending the Redding Zoning Regulations to adopt Incentive Housing Zone regulations. Casiello, Gordon. Approved unanimously.
- Application #13-04Z–Thira LLC, 26 and 30 Goodsell Hill Road (Assessor’s Map and Lots No. 42 – 100 & 150). Discussion of failure to comply with conditions no. 4 & 14 of permit.
Mr. Casiello reviewed the issue. The Land Management Plan, applied for in response to a violation, was approved in early 2013, with plantings to be done early in that year. They were not done, and the Commission granted an extension to fall of 2013. To date, the plantings have not been done and the contractor for the property had stated to the Chairman and the previous Zoning Officer that the owner did not intend to do the plantings. This is a violation of the land management plan and the Zoning Enforcement Officer has suggested revoking the permit.
Motion: move that the Redding Zoning Commission revoke the permit for the Land Management Plan for 26 & 30 Goodsell Road. Casiello, Gordon. Approved unanimously.
- DISCUSSION: Mr. Casiello suggested the Commission discuss the issue of potential applications for medical marijuana dispensaries to be located in Redding and the establishment of a1-year moratorium for such applications. The Zoning Office received an application for a medical marijuana dispensary in the Georgetown area and, although it was subsequently withdrawn, the associated discussion regarding state and federal regulations, as well as interest from the public, suggested that the Commission should consider a temporary moratorium as a way in which to give the Commission time to research and better understand this issue.
AGENDA ADDITION
Motion: move to add to the agenda Discussion and Action on a Proposed Amendment for a 1-year Moratorium for Medical Marijuana Dispensaries. Gordon, Ogonek. Approved Unanimously.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON PROPOSED AMENDMENT FOR 1-YEAR MORATORIUM FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES AND GROWING FACILITIES.
Mr. Casiello stated that the Zoning Enforcement Officer had drafted a proposed amendment to the Redding Zoning Regulations regarding a one-year moratorium for the approval of medical marijuana dispensaries and growing facilities and also definitions of those facilities. He suggested the issue be scheduled for a Public Hearing. This will allow the issue to be explored further.
Motion: move that the Zoning Commission schedule a Public Hearing on June 25, 2014 to discuss, and possibly adopt, a proposed amendment for a 1-year moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries and growing facilities and their definitions. Hoffman, Ogonek. Approved unanimously.
- FUTURE AGENDA:
June 25th public hearings.
- COMMUNICATIONS: Referral from the City of Danbury: Petition of Gera Danbury LLC d/b/a The Matrix Corporate Center to amend Sections 6.A.2.a (11) & 6.B.2.a (9) of the Zoning Regulations.
Mr. Casiello noted that this requires no discussion or action.
- Adjournment
Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. Gordon, Ogonek. Approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:27 pm
Respectfully submitted
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
________________________________________________________________________________
PUBLIC HEARING
Present: Gerry Casiello, Chair; Amy Atamian, Ben Gordon, Ted Ogonek, Michael Hoffman, and alternate Matthew Lecher
Also present: Aimee Pardee, ZEO, and ten members of the public
All regular members of the Commission were seated.
Mr. Casiello called the Public Hearing to order at 7:30 pm.
- Application #14-11Z
Mr. Gordon read the call of the meeting. Application #14-11Z – Applicants: Todd and Wendy Kaufman, 27 Great Meadow Road, (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 16 – 162) In accordance with Section 5.12 of the Redding Zoning Regulations, application for a Special Use Permit to construct a residential apartment within existing dwelling.
Motion: move to accept the Call of the Meeting as read. Atamian, Ogonek. Approved unanimously.
Mr. & Mrs. Kaufman were present and explained their request to enable the renting of an existing apartment within their home that was previously occupied by their mother. The Chairman reviewed the requirements for an accessory apartment and stated that the apartment meets all the requirements.
Motion: move to close the Public Hearing. Hoffman, Ogonek. Approved unanimously.
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:32 pm
- Application #14-14Z
Mr. Gordon read the call of the meeting. Application #14-14Z – Applicant: New Pond Farm Education Center, 101 Marchant Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 12 – 79) In accordance with Section 5.2 of the Redding Zoning Regulations, application for Site Plan Amendment for installation of free-standing solar array
Motion: move to accept the Call of the Meeting as read. Ogonek, Hoffman. Approved unanimously.
Ann Taylor, New Pond Farm, was present to review the application. She stated that, since the original application was received, it was decided to add fencing around the solar array. The Commission asked about the visibility of the array from Umpawaug Road, noting that, with the fence, it will be 64’ x 73’, and a maximum of 8’ tall. Ms. Taylor stated that New Pond Farm has been working on a screening plan using native shrubs. She gave the Commission a copy of the preliminary screening plan.
Henry Merritt of the Redding Land Trust asked if any of the project would be on Redding Land Trust property. Mrs. Taylor assured Mr. Merritt that the entire project would be on New Pond Farm land.
Motion: move to close the Public Hearing. Hoffman, Atamian. Approved unanimously.
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:37 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday Recording Secretary