Redding Zoning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Agenda
May 13, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
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Present: Matt Lecher, Chairman; Amy Atamian, Secretary (7:35); Commissioner Ted Ogonek; Commissioner Paul Scholl; Alternate Diana Carlino; Alternate Gary Miyashiro.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer; Applicant Albert Knapp; Attorney Neil Marcus.
PUBLIC HEARING:
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30, seating Ms. Carlino for Commissioner Amy Atamian, and Mr. Miyashiro for Commissioner Bill Whitehead.
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: Public Hearing May 13, 2020.
The Chairman briefly reviewed the application, then noted that the Planning Commission had sent a letter stating that the proposed amendment to the regulations is in accordance with the Town Plan of Development.
Attorney Marcus spoke to the Commission. He said that he had attended the Planning Commission where the amendment was discussed and characterized their endorsement as enthusiastic. He spoke to the screening of ground mount solar arrays and said that he had provided Ms. Pardee with a plan to screen his client’s proposed array at 8 Sanfordtown Road; he also had provided an article about a solar array in New Canaan that appeared in an article in Connecticut Home and Garden magazine. He also spoke regarding an initiative called “Solarize Redding” that he been promoted several years ago.
Hearing no further comments from the applicant, public, or commissioners, the Chairman suggested that the hearing be closed. Mr. Ogonek made the motion, Ms. Carlino seconded it, and it was carried unanimously, closing the hearing at 7:43.
REGULAR MEETING:
The Chairman noted the arrival of Ms. Atamain and unseated Ms. Carlino for the regular meeting.
1. Approval of Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes of April 22, 2020.
Ms. Atamian pointed out an error in the third paragraph under the hearing for Application 20-4Z. The last sentence should read: “Mr. Ogonek and Mr. Scholl questioned visibility from above street level and also reflectivity of the installations.”
On the motion of Mr. Ogonek and the second of Mr. Scholl, the Commission voted unanimously to accept the minutes as corrected.
2. 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.
Mr. Ogonek expressed his concern about the screening of ground mounted solar arrays and questioned if allowing them by Special Use Permit might be better than having the permit issued by the Zoning Officer. Mr. Scholl spoke in favor of the amendment as written. The Chairman explored both options and asked Ms. Pardee about permitting processes. Mr. Miyashiro and Ms. Atamian spoke in favor of the amendment and suggested that Ms. Pardee could bring any concerns to the Commission as they arose.
Mr. Scholl moved that the Commission adopt the amendment to the regulations as written in application #20-4Z. Ms. Atamian seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
3. Discussion.
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
4. Future Agenda Items
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
5. Communication
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
6. Adjournment
On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Submitted by:
Aimee Pardee