MINUTES
March 11, 2008
7:45 p.m. - Old Town House
Present: Diane Taylor, Chairman, Robert Dean, Nancy King, Don Stroetzel, Mike Bakanas, Toby Welles, Jerry Sarnelle, alt. and Tom Flagg, alt., who left the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Also present: Jo-an Brooks, Land Use Coordinator, John Hayes, Town Planning Consultant
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:49 p.m.
The Commission agreed to move Item II to first on the agenda.
I. Kierran Broatch, Coordinator of the Endangered Lands Coalition, CT Fund for the Environment. Presentation. Membership in the Endangered Lands Coalition is supported by Natalie Ketcham, the Redding Land Trust and the Garden Club. They are supporting the Riverfront protection Act and a bill to control density in watershed areas. They would send e-mail updates regularly to the Land Use address to be disseminated to affected Town agencies. The Commission agreed to join and
cooperate.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Meeting of 2/26/08
Corrections to the Minutes of 2/26/08 include: Page 3, item 2): the word “will” replaced with “should be restored and lowered to”. Page 3, item 3) “replaced” should be “restored”. Page 4, paragraph 1, last line, “original poles” should be “current and original sign”.
On the motion of D. Stroetzel and the second of R. Dean, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the 2/26/08 Meeting Minutes.
A letter from Thomas Ryder of Land-Tech Consultants, Inc. dated 3/11/08 was read into the record stating Subdivision Application #515, Charles Tyler owner, 130 Topstone Road, was being withdrawn.
III. PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED.
Subdivision Application #516, Frank Marini, owner, 417 Rock House Road. Proposed subdivision of 14.19 acres into two lots. Received 12/11/07. Presentation 1/8/08. Site Walk 1/12/08. Public Hearing opened 1/22/08, 2/12/08 canceled for snow, 2/26/08. Extension granted. Deadline to close 3/25/08.
The following new letters and reports were noted and read into the record:
-2/27/08 e-mail from Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheimer
-2/29/08 letter from Robert Dean to Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheimer
-3/10/08 e-mail from Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheimer
-3/3/08 letter from Ochman and Assoc.
-3/5/08 memo from Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheimer
-3/6/08 and 3/8/08 emails from Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheimer
-3/11/08 resume received on David Murphy, P.E.
Minutes 3/11/08
Page 2
In answer to the Oppenheimers’ question Town Map #4271 shows #417 Rock House Road contains 14.19 acres as applied for. Online information states 17.79 acres according to the Oppenheimers. Jo-an Brooks will discuss with the Assessor.
R. Ochman stated the septic system shown on the plans meets minimum recommendations of the Health Code. The State Dept. of Health has not been consulted.
There are two separate driveways planned, which enter in Easton. The sightline Easton requires has been met. A permit has been received from Easton for a common driveway but one for the two separate driveways required by Redding has to be approved before the Commission can approve the application. John Hayes will review the Easton driveway ordinance for compliance.
W. Oppenheimer read a 3/11/08 letter with attachments discussing water issues. R. Ochman stated that an 18,000 gallon fire tank is part of the new plans, but the Fire Dept. has not responded to this application as yet. The Public Hearing will continue at the 3/25/08 meeting.
IV. ADMINISTRATIVE
1. Scenic Road Complaint: 26 Side Cut Road, Larry Liebowitz, M.D. Road traffic issues. Report from Toby Welles re traffic calming methods.
T. Welles sent for a DOT traffic study on calming methods used in Europe. He recommended the Commission wait until he gets the report and reviews it before further discussion.
2. Town Plan of Conservation & Development, John Hayes. Parcel Base Map, Land Use Map, Chapter 2 Natural Resources, Chapter 3 Land Use, Chapter 4 Population, Chapter 5 Cultural Resources. Discussion.
It was suggested that a map be included, possibly on the last page, similar to the Redding Trail map as a road guide. Chapters 2, 3 and 4 will be e-mailed to all Commissioners and they will send back any comments. Chapter 5 will be ready by the next meeting. There will be a delay in the base map from Fuss and O’Neil because of a discrepancy in the town line between Redding and Easton. On the Land Use map and all other records the town line passes through the center of North Park Ave.. Fuss and O‘Neil maintains it is a straight line as depicted in a very old map. Using their town line would mean several lots now in Easton would fall partially in Redding.
3. Road Regulations. Section on maintenance including dirt roads for Redding Planning Commission final review. Toby Welles. Sign changes were proposed by Milone and MacBroom. A discussion ensued whether different road widths for different road types in town should be implemented. The Commission decided negatively. A format in the new regulations should be made on the width of ditches.
4. Sign at Diamond Hill Road and Umpawaug Road intersection.
It was determined the road sign is too low, possibly even low enough to be hit by a panel truck. The Highway Dept. should be sent a letter reminding them that large signs are only mandated when the speed limit is over 25 mph. The street sign should be removed from the island and placed on Umpawaug Road. A letter will be written.
5. Referral from Zoning: 166 – 170 Portland Avenue, Temple B’nai Chaim. New Sanctuary Building. To Vote.
A report was read by J. Hayes. The Temple already has a Wilton permit.
Minutes 3/11/08
Page 3
On the motion of R. Dean and the second of D. Stroetzel, the Commission voted unanimously to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission.
V. PENDING
1. Reference Application #424, Lot #2 3 Charlie Hill Road. Paul Garavel owner. Redding Planning Commission letter sent 5/07/07. Presentation 7/10/07. Timetable for remediation requested. Work not yet completed. Letter sent 1/11/08.
No Discussion
2. Pending: Scenic Road Alteration, 77 Marchant Road, Anne and Robert Green. Request to restore crumbled section of stone wall, remove white wooden gate fencing and replace with additional stone wall, pillars and lights. Replace apron with Belgium block.
No Discussion
3. Pending: Scenic Road Monitoring. Reports including signs.
No Discussion
VI. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
1. Act 490, discussion.
T. Welles stated that the main goal is to protect open land. Redding should encourage people with over two acres to donate the development rights to the Redding Land Trust. In turn, they should receive a tax reduction. The description of Open Space on Act 490 could be expanded.
2. A letter dated 3/7/08 from Nancy Kaye of 280 Umpawaug Street was received describing the deterioration of the road due to all the recent rain. The Commission decided to refer the letter to the Highway Dept. and ask them to get in touch with the Kayes and resolve the situation to everyone’s satisfaction.
3. On the motion of M. Bakanas and the second of D. Stroetzel, the Commission voted unanimously to endorse and to join the Endangered Lands Coalition, CT Fund for the Environment.
On the motion of M. Bakanas, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 p.m.
Submitted by:
Susan Henderson
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