Redding Zoning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
Via ZOOM
Present: Matt Lecher, Chairman; Amy Atamian, Secretary; Commissioner Ted Ogonek; Commissioner Bill Whitehead; Alternate Diana Carlino-Coffey; Alternate Gary Miyashiro.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer; Applicants Walter Czudak, Anthony Mussachio, and Andrew Bartollota; members of the public.
Mr. Lecher called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m., seating Ms. Carlino-Coffey for the vacant seat on the commission.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Application #20 –06Z: 100 Blackrock Turnpike (Assessor’s Map and Lot # 32-66): Regional School District No. 9, Walter Czudak (agent). Request for a Site Plan Revision to install storage shed at Joel Barlow High School. Received 11/11/2020.
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 hearing.
Mr. Czudak presented the application, explaining that the request is to have a 12’ x 16’ shed near the school gym. After a brief discussion, Ms. Carlino-Coffey moved that the hearing be closed. Mr. Ogonek seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
REGULAR MEETING:
Ms. Carlino-Coffey was again seated for the vacant seat on the commission.
1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of November 11, 2020.
On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Mrs. Ogonek, the commission voted unanimously to accept the November 11, 2020 minutes as written.
2. Application #20 –06Z: 100 Blackrock Turnpike (Assessor’s Map and Lot # 32-66): Regional School District No. 9, Walter Czudak (agent). Request for a Site Plan Revision to install storage shed at Joel Barlow High School. If hearing closed, for discussion/action.
After a discussion, Ms. Atamian moved that the commission approve Application 20-06Z. Ms. Carlino-Coffey seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
3. Application #20-07Z: 296 Ethan Allen Highway (Assessor’s Map and Lot #35 – 92): Ridgefield Motor Inn. Alex Patel (Owner); Anthony Mussachio, Mussachio Architects (Agent). Request for Site Plan Approval to demolish existing structures and redevelop property with new “Home2 Suites by Hilton” including 71 guestrooms, manager living quarters, restaurant, and redesigned/expanded parking. Discussion.
Ms. Pardee stated that the application has been referred out and that responses have not been received yet. She said that the State DOT has requested that Mr. Mussachio contact them; she told Mr. Mussachio that she would provide him with the contact information.
The commission tabled further discussion until the next regularly scheduled meeting.
4. Application #20-08-20: 32 Lee Lane (Assessor’s Map and Lot #37-79): Owner: Alexander Cooper & Nicole Jacoby. (Agent) Andrew Bartolotta, StudioBartolotta LLC. Request for a Special Use Permit for an Accessory Apartment in accordance with Section 12 of the Redding Zoning Regulations. To receive: set public hearing date.
Mr. Bartollota briefly reviewed the application: he stated that the owners of the property wish to add guest quarters in an existing structure on their property. Mr. Ogonek moved that the commission accept the application and set the public hearing for January 13, 2021. Ms. Atamian seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
- Discussion.
Mr. Lecher asked Ms. Pardee about changes that had previously been discussed regarding the accessory apartment regulations.
- Future Agenda Items
Applications #20-07Z and #20-08Z.
- Communication
First Selectman Julia Pemberton attended the meeting and gave an update regarding the former Gilbert and Bennett property. She stated that the town is hoping to take title to the property in March with relief from liability through the Municipal Liability Relief Program. She said that the town is exploring the state of grants that had been issued to complete the expansion of river walls and the completion of the Route 7/Main Street intersection. She said that, at the Board of Selectmen meeting on December 21st, Mark Lewis, of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, will be speaking regarding the property.
- Adjournment
On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Aimee Pardee