Redding Zoning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
Via ZOOM
Present: Matt Lecher, Chairman; Amy Atamian, Secretary; Commissioner Ted Ogonek; Commissioner Paul Scholl; Commissioner Bill Whitehead; Alternate Diana Carlino-Coffey; Alternate Gary Miyashiro.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer; Applicant Albert Knapp; Attorney Neil Marcus for Applicant Dr. Knapp.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Application #20 – 2Z: 280 Ethan Allen Highway (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 35 – 93): Arianit Krasniqi (owner). Request for Site Plan Approval, in accordance with Section 5.2, for demo of existing dwelling, construction of new commercial buildings, and expansion of parking area. Received January 22, 2020: Public Hearing Opened February 26, 2020.
The Chairman reviewed which commissioners were present at the opening of the hearing and stated that he, Mr. Scholl, Mr. Ogonek, and Ms. Atamian would be seated to continue the hearing.
The Chairman noted that this hearing was opened on February 26, 2020 and that State Statutes allow for a hearing to be open for 35 days, after which an extension needs to be granted by the Applicant. This duration has now been extended by an Executive Order by Governor Lamont which has allowed the hearing to remain open, however the applicant has been asked to confirm an extension and he has not communicated with the Commission or the Zoning Office. Mr. Lecher also noted that no new information has been received from the applicant.
Hearing no further questions or comments, Ms. Atamian moved that the hearing be closed. Mr. Ogonek seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously by the four seated commissioners.
Application #20 – 4Z: Sanfordtown Road Partners LLC, Albert Knapp & Ruth Oratz Knapp (applicant), Neil Marcus Esq. (agent). Request to amend the Redding Zoning Regulations as they relate to ground-mounted solar arrays. Received February 26, 2020: Public Hearing April 22, 2020.
The Chairman noted that all regular commissioners would be seated for this hearing.
Ms. Pardee read the call for the hearing. On the motion of Mr. Ogonek and the second of Ms. Atamian, the commission voted unanimously to accept the call and open the public hearing.
Attorney Neil Marcus spoke to the commission explaining that the wording he has chosen for this regulation comes from the wording in the current Zoning Regulations regarding satellite dish antennas. He also explained that he included the phrase “effectively screened” so as to give the Zoning Officer discretion in the particular screening needed. Mr. Ogonek and Mr. Scholl questioned visibility from about street level and also reflectivity of the installations.
The Chairman stated that, because of the Covid 19 Pandemic, the Planning Commission had not been able to meet and discuss this proposed revision to the regulations. He said that he felt the hearing should be held open so that the commission could receive Planning’s input.
On the motion of Mr. Ogonek, and the second of Ms. Atamian, the commission voted unanimously to continue the Public Hearing to May 13, 2020.
REGULAR MEETING:
1. Approval of Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2020.
The Chairman noted that all regular members of the commission, except Mr. Whitehead, would be seated for the first two items.
On the motion of Mr. Ogonek and the second of Mr. Scholl, the seated members of the commission voted unanimously to accept the minutes as written.
2. Application #20 – 2Z: 280 Ethan Allen Highway (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 35 – 93): Arianit Krasniqi (owner). Request for Site Plan Approval, in accordance with Section 5.2, for demo of existing dwelling, construction of new commercial buildings, and expansion of parking area. If public hearing is closed: for discussion/action.
The Chairman noted the insufficient contents of this application as outlined in memos from both Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer, and John Gilmore, P.E., bot dated February 26, 2020. Ms. Atamian moved that the application be denied as it is incomplete. Mr. Ogonek seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
3. Application #20 – 4Z: Sanfordtown Road Partners LLC, Albert Knapp & Ruth Oratz Knapp (applicant), Neil Marcus Esq. (agent). Request to amend the Redding Zoning Regulations as they relate to ground-mounted solar arrays. If public hearing is closed: for discussion/action.
Discussion of this application was tabled pending completion of the Public Hearing.
4. Discussion.
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
5. Future Agenda Items
Public Hearing regarding Application 20-4Z to amend the Redding Zoning Regulations to allow ground mount solar arrays as accessory to a dwelling.
6. Communication
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
7. Adjournment
On the motion of Ms. Atamian, and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Submitted by:
Aimee Pardee