Present: Frank Taylor; Chairman, Gerry Casiello; Vice Chairman, Joe Ventricelli, Ben Gordon, Amy Atamian and John Shaban
Absent: Marshall Sanford and Gary Miysahiro
Also Present: Tom Gormley, ZEO
PUBLIC HEARING
Parker Coates-Amendment to the Zoning Regulations Section 4.2 by adding 4.2.8 in the R-2 Zone for Active Adult Residential Villages.
MOTION: Mr. Casiello made a motion to open the public hearing for Parker Coates, amendment to the Zoning Regulations Section 4.2 by adding 4.2.8 in the R-2 Zone for Active Adult Residential Villages. Mr. Gordon seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
Ms. Atamian was seated for Mr. Sanford.
A fourth grade resident addressed the Commission and presented a petition signed by residents who are opposed to this application. She explained that their opposition is due to potential water pollution and crowding.
Mr. Coates, applicant, explained that his proposal, which includes 15-30 houses on ten acres, is due to a need for over 55 housing. This would be an advantage to the Town to have cluster housing so that people could have a community effort and recreational area. He reviewed the Zoning changes in surrounding Towns.
The proposed change would not create additional school costs, no increase road costs and it would create a tax revenue.
Mike D’Agostino of Glen Hill Road questioned why the process started with the Zoning Commission as he understood that the subdivisions were handled by the Planning Commission. He further stated that the Zoning Commission had suggested that the public write to Hartford regarding Section 8-30g on affordable housing and he feels that this is something that should be done by Town Officials. He indicated that he was not pleased with the process in which this application was handled.
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Robert Dean, Planning Commission representative, was present and read his report to the public and submitted a copy to the Commission which included the report from the Planning Commission Consultant. He explained that the Planning Commission felt that this proposal would have a negative impact on the Town of Redding. There is also the potential for the age restriction requirement to be overturned. Additionally, Aquarion indicated that higher density developments should not be within the drinking water water-shed area.
Tina Miller, Redding Board of Selectmen, read a letter which she submitted to the Commission stating that the Board of Selectmen are opposed to this proposal as it goes against the Town Plan of Conservation and Development. There is potential harm to the character of the Town as well as the Green Belt. It will increase density and development in unsuitable areas. This will not benefit the Town.
David Pattee, Redding Conservation Commission, also submitted a report to the Commission which indicates the Conservation Commission’s opposition to the proposal.
Tom Flagg, Old Stage Coach Road, stated that the pressure will not be decreased in the schools as the homes which are being sold in town in order to purchase a home in this development, will have families with children. This will not solve the problems within the schools.
Mr. Van Ostenburg stated that he left Georgetown as it was too crowded. He and his family like Redding the way it is; rural.
Mr. Jere Ross of Apache Road stated that Mr. Coates has no studies, reports or statistics to substantiate his initial premise. It is not proven to be valid. There are no redeeming qualities to this proposal.
Dick Klein of 31 Sunset Hill Road stated that Mr. Coates does not have numbers or facts. Mr. Coates indicated that the roads will not be impacted as they will be used less and Mr. Klein feels that this is inaccurate. He also stated that he is over 65 and does not want to downsize. Mr. Klein feels that this proposal is based on assumptions.
Toby Wells of the Planning Commission presented statistics from the Consultant.
Kathleen Joyce of Redding Road is concerned with the water protection and where Redding will be in ten years if this proposal is permitted.
Mike Elliot of Dayton Road stated that he moved to Redding for it rural character. He explained that he owns a Market Research Firm and feels that the appropriate research was not conducted to obtain the appropriate data.
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Robert Singewald of 38 Glen Hill Road had submitted a letter to the Commission and requested that the Commission deny this proposal.
Jill Calloway asked that the Commission reject this proposal.
Roy Kosonen of 16 Apple Lane stated that he likes the town as it is and would not like to see further expansion.
A resident of 35 Orchard Drive stated that she does not want to see the Town change. She also indicated that she has no plans of downsizing in the future. She would like to see the character of the Town of Redding remain. She would like to see nature preserved.
Raymond D’Angelo of the Preservation Society stated that there is a portion of the population over 55 which would like to downsize, but they would want to live in true villages and not cluster type housing. Cluster housing will increase the population and it will hamper the efforts to continue the tradition for Redding and will decrease the ability to purchase open space. He asked that the Commission keep consistent with the Town Plan of Development and deny the application.
Bob Willis of 59 Orchard Drive also requested that the Commission deny the application.
Judson Scruton of 14 Dorothy Road feels that Redding is a remarkable place and should be kept as it is.
Sharon Coates, wife of the applicant, stated that Mr. Coates is not a big time developer and they are not wealthy people. This idea came from conversations they have had with their friends. They too love this community.
Frank DeSalvo of Mountain Road stated that he moved here because of the kind of town it is and knowing he would retire here. He also asked that this be denied.
The following correspondence was in the file:
· Georgetown Fire District
· State DEP regarding the Plan of Conservation and Development and the protection of the water shed area.
· Aquarion Letter regarding the protection of the water she and water supply areas
· A resident of Motwon Road
· The Talber’, of Orchard Road
· The Carpen’ of Dayton Road
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· The Britkowski’s of Orchard Road
· The See’s of Orchard Road
· The Montano’s of Glen Hill Road
· The Town Attorney pointing out numerous potential problems with the proposal as it is worded.
Mike D’Agostino of Glen Hill Road questioned the Commission on the time frame in which they must act. Mr. Taylor explained that the Commission has 65 days to make a decision.
MOTION: Mr. Casiello made a motion to close the public hearing for Parker Coates, amendment to the Zoning Regulations Section 4.2 by adding 4.2.8 in the R-2 Zone for Active Adult Residential Villages. Mr. Gordon seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously.
Filed Subject to Approval,
Respectfully Submitted,
Dorothy Torres, Clerk
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