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Minutes of Zoning Commission, 03/24/2021

AGENDA: Zoning Commission

RECEIVED 03/25/2021 9:34am
Kathleen R. Miserendino - Redding Deputy Town Clerk

Redding Zoning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2021 – 7:30 p.m.
Via ZOOM

 Present:  Matt Lecher, Chairman; Amy Atamian, Secretary; Commissioner Ted Ogonek; Altermate Diana Carlino-Coffey; Alternate Gary Miyashiro.
Also Present: Aimee Pardee, Zoning Officer; Applicants.

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 seating Ms. Carlino-Coffey for Bill Whitehead.

PUBLIC HEARING:

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.  Hearing continued from March 10, 2021.

The Chairman briefly reviewed the application and noted that new plans had been received.  Joe LaValle stated that the new plans showed a calculation of the square footage of the apartment.  He also noted that the existing bedroom had been slightly changed to include a closet.  Ms. Atamian commented that the plan now shows that the apartment does not exceed 800 square feet and that the new plan also shows access to the main house from the apartment would be closed off, which the Chairman stated was required.

Hearing no further discussion, Ms. Atamian moved that the hearing be closed.  Mr. Ogonek seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously, closing the hearing at 7:33 p.m.

REGULAR MEETING:

  1. Approval of Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2021.

On the motion of Mr. Ogonek and the second of Ms. Atamian, the Commission voted unanimously to accept the minutes as written.

  1. 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.

Ms. Carlino-Coffey stated that the commission’s concerns regarding this application had been resolved by the revised plans.

On the motion of Mr. Ogonek and the second of Ms. Atamian, the commission voted unanimously to approve Application #21 – 02Z.

  1. Discussion

There was a discussion regarding the requirement to not allow access to an in-house apartment from the main house.  Mr. Ogonek expressed concern that this could limit access for caregivers.  Mr. Lecher noted that having access could create situations where apartments were effectively much larger than the allowed 800 square feet.

  1. Future Agenda Item

Ms. Pardee stated that she is expecting applications to renovate the former “Dapco” building at 241 Ethan Allen Highway, and also an application to demolish and re-build the Redding Ridge Fire Department at 186 Blackrock Turnpike.  She said that she has not gotten an indication when the Ridgefield Motor Inn will be returning with an application to replace their building.

Ms. Carlino-Coffey asked about an amendment to the regulations to make the wording of notification requirements consistent.  Ms. Pardee expressed concern over the cost of regulation amendments in light of the possible expiration of the Governor’s Executive Orders in April, which would bring back the need for running costly legal notices of the amendments in the local newspaper.  She stated that funds may not be available for this fiscal year.  She also noted that such amendments could not be completed before the expiration of the executive orders due to the requirement of a 35 day notice to the councils of government.  She suggested the proposed changes be combined with other changes the commission may seek, in order to keep costs as low as possible.

  1. Communication

There was no discussion under this agenda item.

  1. Adjournment

On the motion of Ms. Atamian, and the second of Mr. Ogonek, the commission voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:42 p.m.

Submitted by:
Aimee Pardee