Redding Zoning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall Hearing Room
100 Hill Road, Redding, Connecticut
Present: Gerry Casiello, Chairman; Matt Lecher, Vice Chairman; Amy Atamian, Secretary; Commissioner Paul Scholl; Commissioner Ted Ogonek; Alternate Gary Miyasiro.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer; applicants.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.; he noted that Mr. Scholl had not been present when both hearings were opened, so he seated Mr. Miyashiro for Mr. Scholl.
Application #19-6Z – 37 Lonetown Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 21-42A); Town of Redding Community Center, Town of Redding (owner), Redding Police Union (applicant). Request for Limited Duration Special Use Permit to hold a “country fair” on October 19, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Received July 10, 2019: Public Hearing August 14, 2019: Public Hearing continued to September 11, 2019.
Ms. Pardee stated that she had spoken to Officer Anthony Signore earlier in the day and that Officer Signore stated that he is withdrawing this application.
On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the Commission voted unanimously to close the public hearing.
Application #19 – 7Z – 220 & 224 Umpawaug Road (Assessor’s Map #20 and Lots #45 & #60) – Owner William W. & Robin C. Bishop Trustees; Agent Maxwell Associates Inc. – Request for Special Use Permit for Earth Moving in excess of 300 cubic yards in accordance with Zoning Regulation Section 5.5.3. Received July 10, 2019: Public Hearing August 14, 2019. Public Hearing continued to September 11, 2019.
Ross Nazzaro, the project excavation contractor, spoke for the applicant. He stated that, since the hearing opened, Planning has approved the project and the highway department has issued a memo regarding the project. The Chairman read into the record the decision made by the Planning Commission and the memo from Jeff Hanson. Mr. Nazzaro stated that they would address Mr. Hanson’s comments by installing a tracking pad and sweeping if necessary. Max Soper, of Maxwell Associates, added that there would be dust control measures on site. The Chairman asked about the upcoming paving of Umpawaug Road. Mr. Nazzaro stated that it is his understanding that the paving will end just south of 220 and 224 Umpawaug Road and that it is his intention to access the properties from the north end of Umpwaug Road.
Hearing no further discussion, Mr. Ogonek moved that the hearing be closed. Ms. Atamian seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously, closing the hearing at 7:35 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING:
The Chairman noted that Mr. Miyashiro would still be seated for Mr. Scholl.
1. Approval of Minutes: Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2019.
On the motion of Mr. Ogonek and the second of Ms. Atamian, the Commission voted unanimously to accept the minutes as written.
2. Application #19 – 6Z: 37 Lonetown Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 21-42A); Town of Redding Community Center, Town of Redding (owner), Redding Police Union (applicant). Request for Limited Duration Special Use Permit to hold a “country fair” on October 19, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. If public hearing is closed, for discussion/action.
The Chairman noted that this application has been withdrawn.
3. Application #19 – 7Z: 220 and 224 Umpawaug Road (Assessor’s Map #20 and Lots #45 & #60) – Owner William W. & Robin C. Bishop Trustees; Agent Maxwell Associates Inc. – Request for Special Use Permit for Earth Moving in excess of 300 cubic yards in accordance with Zoning Regulation Section 5.5.3. If public hearing is closed, for discussion/action.
The Chairman noted that the applicant had agreed to address all issues raised by Jeff Hanson in his memo of August 21, 2019. After a brief discussion, Mr. Lecher moved that the application be approved. Mr. Ogonek seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
Item added to the agenda:
On the motion of Mr. Ogonek and the second of Ms. Atamian, the Commission voted unanimously to add a discussion of the use of 15 Main Street to the agenda.
Jennifer Bellizzi was present to speak to the Commission. She stated that she has leased 19 Main Street and intends to continue the use of the property as a restaurant and event space. She stated that she is also negotiating the purchase of 15 Main Street. This property once contained a shop on the first floor with dwellings on the second floor. The building was demolished and all that remains is a cement slab.
Ms. Bellizzi stated that she wishes to use the property for outdoor seating for the restaurant and would like to install a fire pit. She said she would also like to have occasional special events that might be holiday themed. She asked if it would be possible to put up a temporary tent on the property.
The Commission discussed the proposed uses and decided that they are in keeping with the allowed uses for Main Street. The Chairman reviewed the “streetscape” project done by the town several years ago and how that applies to parking. Ms. Bellizzi said that she is looking in to the parking situation and that she may provide valet parking.
Ms. Bellizzi asked about bringing in a food truck to the site. The Chairman noted that parking a food truck in the street would be under the jurisdiction of the Health Department and the Police Department but he wasn’t sure how the other businesses would feel about parking spaces being taken up by a food truck
4. Discussion.
Ms. Pardee briefly updated the Commission regarding several lawsuits against the town.
5. Future Agenda Items
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
6. Communication
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
7. Adjournment
On the motion of Mr. Lecher, and the second of Ms. Atamian, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Submitted by Aimee Pardee