Redding Zoning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes
March 10, 2021 – 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.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. seating Ms. Carlino-Coffey.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Application #21 – 01Z: Commission initiated proposal to amend Section 5.12 of the Redding Zoning Regulations.
Ms. Atamian 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.
The Commission discussed the proposed changes to the regulations. Ms. Carlino-Coffey raised concern about keeping language throughout the regulations consistent, particularly in terms of application notifications.
Hearing no further comments, Ms. Carlino-Coffey moved that the hearing be closed. Mr. Ogonek seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously, closing the hearing at 7:45 p.m.
2. Application #21 – 02Z: 28 Blackrock Turnpike (Assessor’s Map and Lot #39 – 21) – Jennifer Davies (owner); Joe LaValle (Agent). In accordance with Redding Zoning Regulations Section 5.12, request for a Special Use Permit to add an accessory apartment to an existing dwelling.
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 at 7:45 p.m.
Mr. LaValle reviewed the application with the Commission.
Steve Elliot, of 16 Blackrock Turnpike, asked if the apartment would be used as a rental. Jennifer Davies replied that the apartment would be occupied by her mother.
Thomas Madden, of 30 Blackrock Turnpike, asked if the apartment could be rented in the future; the Commission clarified that the apartment could be rented to a non-family member. There was a general discussion regarding rental apartments.
Ms. Atamian asked about the size of the proposed apartment. She reviewed the submitted drawing and expressed concern that the apartment would be over the allowed 800 square feet of living area. Mr. LaValle said that he could submit revised drawings. The Chairman suggested that the Commission leave the Public Hearing open until the next meeting of March 24th.
REGULAR MEETING:
The Chairman called the regular meeting to order at 8:15 p.m., again seating Ms. Carlino-Coffey.
1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2021.
On the motion of Mr. Ogonek and the second of Ms. Atamain, the Commission voted unanimously to accept the minutes as written.
2. Application #21 – 01Z: Commission initiated proposal to amend Section 5.12 of the Redding Zoning Regulations.
The Commission again discussed language inconsistencies regarding hearing notification but decided that this could be addressed with future amendments.
On the motion of Ms. Atamian and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the changes to Section 5.12 of the Redding Zoning Regulations.
3. Application #21 – 02Z: 28 Blackrock Turnpike (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 39 – 21) – Jennifer Davies (Owner); Joe LaValle (Agent). In accordance with Redding Zoning Regulations Section 5.12, request for a Special Use Permit to add an accessory apartment to an existing dwelling.
Discussion under this agenda item was tabled as the Public Hearing remains open.
4. Application #21 – 04Z: 100 Redding Road (Assessor’s Map and Lot No. 47 – 3) – Redding Lifecare LLC (Owner); Michael Stein RA/Brian McMahon PE (Agents). Request for Site Plan Approval to add new enclosed walkway as part of project to convert existing living space into assisted living and memory care units.
Michael Stein, the project architect, discussed the proposed project. He stated that the proposal is to renovate the bottom two floors of the “Spruce Building”, converting independent living areas into assisted living rooms and common space. The new enclosed walkway would connect this area to the main building. He said that any conversion of apartments into memory care units would be in the future.
There was a discussion regarding parking at the facility. Mr. Stein said that there are currently 517 spaces at the facility; neither the Commission nor Ms. Pardee were aware of how the Commission had arrived at that number when the facility was originally approved. After additional review of the parking, the Commission generally agreed that there is adequate parking on site.
On the motion of Mr. Ogonek and the second of Ms. Atamian, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the Site Plan Amendment.
The Commission further discussed the Meadow Ridge property and suggested that reviews of original approvals be completed before the property owner returns to the Commission for the future changes that had been discussed.
5. Discussion
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
6. Future Agenda Item
Continuation of the Public Hearing for application #21-02Z.
7. Communication
There was no discussion under this agenda item.
8. Adjournment
On the motion of Mr. Ogonek, and the second of Ms. Carlino-Coffey, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:12 p.m.
Submitted by,
Aimee Pardee