Present: Frank Taylor; Chairman, Gerry Casiello; Vice Chairman, Marshall Sanford, John Shaban, Joseph Ventricelli and Amy Atamian
Absent: Ben Gordon and Gary Miyarshiro
Also Present: Tom Gormley, Zoning Enforcement Officer and Attorney Robert J. Sitkowski
PUBLIC HEARING
Georgetown Land Development, Main Street Georgetown
MOTION: Mr. Sanford made a motion to reconvene the public hearing for the application
submitted by Georgetown land Development at 8:15 p.m. Mr. Casiello seconded the motion and
it was carried unanimously.
Richard Gibbons was present. He explained that the Declaration has been revised and distributed
a copy to the Commission. Some of the amendments include the revision to Section 5.2 for the
changes to maintenance of the infrastructure, which was keyed into the Village Residential Zone,
Suburban Resident Zone and Business Center Zone. Section 5.3.2 had the word “motorized”
added to it. Prohibition on leasing was removed and the definition of “Lot” was changed.
John Shaban questioned the possibility of adding the wording “Town of Redding or its
appropriate Board or Commission to Section 8.3.
Mr. Gibbons explained that the only changes to the affordability plan were mathematical changes.
Forty of the units will be aged restricted.
Attorney Bob Sitkowski submitted a letter to the Commission of a summary of the meeting
dated March 21, 2006.
There was also a letter from Doug Hartline, R.S.
Terry Gallagher was present and discussed the demolition plans. New plans were submitted to
the Commission and the file. The brick and concrete will remain on the site. Demolition will
begin at building E24 and they will gradually work over toward Portland Avenue. The slab over
the river will remain. All metal will be removed from the site. A silt fence and haybale barrier
was added to the plans.
Redding Zoning Commission 3-22-06
Minutes Page 2
Frank Taylor recommended staging and sequencing the demolition.
Kara Morgan was present and explained that she works at the Preschool on Portland Avenue and
she is concerned with the noise, pollutants, and soil contaminants. Mr. Gallagher explained that
the asbestos will be removed prior to the demolition. The goal is to keep the dust level low.
Mr. Gibbons added that all proper procedures will be adhered to as they are concerned for the
safety of the surrounding properties.
Ms. Morgan questioned if the neighboring property owners will be given a schedule. Mr.
Gibbons recommended that she contact Scott Harrison regarding site development. Mr. Gibbons
also added that there will be some re-routing of traffic for improvements, but is unsure for how
long.
John Shaban questioned if it has been determined that the remaining slab that is safe to hold a
truck and/or crane. Terry Gallagher stated that he is unaware if it is at this time, however a
review will be done.
Susan Robinson of Smith Street requested that she be noticed of future work. She also stated that
she has similar concerns for the other side of the site.
Scott Harrison stated that the intent is for the bobcats to go over the slab and there will be no
heavy equipment on the slab.
Richard Gibbons stated that Aquarion has indicated that there are 44,500 gallons of available
water for this site. This is not enough for the site, but it is enough to get started. This letter was
submitted to the Commission. A certification regarding the public water supply status was also
submitted to the Commission. Frank Taylor stated that he does not feel that they should build
until they have the adequate water supply.
Nicole Bernham, of Milone and MacBroom, was present and outlined her letter of March 17,
2006 with the Commission.
Terry Gallagher distributed copies of the Haley and Aldrich reports to the Commission as well as
a copy of HEC II reports and a report by Mr. Gallagher. Mr. Gallagher explained that they will
be working with the Town and FEMA to do accordingly and in accordance with the regulations.
Susan Van Benschoten submitted revisions to the plans for the gas station and vet. All revisions
are subject to review by DOT. She explained that they are trying to make it safer than it is today.
She feels that she has addressed the safety issue for this area. Off street parking has been
provided for the vet.
Ms. Van Benschoten also explained that the curb line coming North in the development has been
modified. Traffic control signs will be used and modified plans were submitted. Kate Place is
now a one way street.
Redding Zoning Commission 3-22-06
Minutes Page 3
Robert Gilchrest stated that there are two raised crosswalks which are part of the pedestrian
corridor. The rest are flush. All the crosswalks are at the midblock.
Susan Robinson of Smith Street questioned the traffic ratings for Church Street and Smith Street.
Ms. Van Benschoten explained that she would suggest the widening the mouth or a signal but the
signal would not be warranted on a side street. Ms. Robinson explained that it is difficult pulling
out of Smith Street now.
Ralph Bosch is concerned about the impact form the widening of the road to his existing building.
Ms. Van Benschoten explained that all plans must go through the DOT.
Attorney Gibbons submitted a Construction Cost Estimate to the Commission.
Mr. Gibbons also explained that they are running into issues with the Fair Housing Market with
respect to their commitment to age restricted housing. They still need to iron these out.
Attorney Bob Sitkowski stated that he is concerned with the Commission approving this without
the approval by the Federal and State approval with respect to the age restricted housing.
Mr. Casiello added that this is a major issue as it will change the tax base in town.
Mr. Gibbons stated that he is aware that they would need to come back to the Commission with a
revision to the Master plan.
John Matteo of Fairfield 2000 sated that their non profit organization constructed a development
in Darien years ago in which ½ of the units they constructed were age restricted units. They did
go through CHFA and the State. The Fair Market plan was approved by the state. A specific
plan needs to be submitted. Mr. Gibbons added that for this development they will submit the
40% age restricted units.
Pete Greco of Portland Avenue asks that the portion of walk behind his property not be approved.
He has requested this previously. Mr. Taylor explained that this was approved in the Master Plan
for the site. The only change made since then is that the lights have been removed. Mr. Greco
explained that he is concerned with safety and noise. He added that a petition was submitted and
contained 36 signatures. Mr. Greco also added that he has spoken to realtors and they have
indicated that this walk would decrease the property value on his home.
Additional submissions include the letter from Nicholas Bellantoni, University of Connecticut,
Connecticut Archaeology Center, Connecticut State Museum of Natural History. A letter from
Kathleen von Jean, Architectural Advisor to the Redding Planning Commission.
Bill Penn, Georgetown Land Development, stated that the demolition has been approved and he
does not see how this could affect the designation of the district. Documentation was submitted
Redding Zoning Commission 3-22-06
Minutes Page 4
with the Master Plan.
A Robinson and Cole letter was received and distributed to the Commission regarding the
Affordability Review.
There has been no report from the Planning Commission at this time.
Richard Gibbons stated that they are prepared to grant an extension of the public hearing and asks
that it be limited to the receipt of the Planning Commission input.
MOTION: Mr. Casiello made a motion to continue the public hearing on the application
submitted by Georgetown Land Development, Main Street, Georgetown for a site plan approval
until the next regularly scheduled meeting in the Town Hall Hearing Room in order to receive
information from the Planning Commission. Mr. Sanford seconded the motion and it was carried
unanimously.
MOTION: Mr. Sanford made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:22 p.m. Mr. Casiello
seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
Filed subject to approval,
Respectfully Submitted,
Dorothy Torres, Clerk
| 
