RECEIVED December 13, 2010 @ 8:35 a.m.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
ZONING COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
December 8, 2010
Present: G. Casiello, Chair; J. Shaban, J. Ventricelli, B. Gordon, M. Sanford and alternates G. Miyashiro and T. Ogonek
Also present: R. Flanagan, ZEO and ten members of the public
Mr. Casiello called the Public Hearing to order at 7:30 pm.
Public Hearing: Continuation of Special Permit and Site Plan Review for Community Center Athletic Field.
Mr. Gordon was not present for the initial Public Hearing, but he listened to the recording of the Hearing.
Mr. Casiello noted the receipt of a letter from Milone & MacBroom Engineers dated 12/8/10 and a set of associated changes and revised plans. Also received was a petition from neighbors in the area of the Community Center opposing the proposed changes. The petition was signed by 29 individuals.
Barry Blades of Blades and Goven addressed the Commission regarding the issues raised by Milone & MacBroom.
- Additional survey data, including the 100’ perimeter of the field was provided. Mr. Blades explained the modifications to the drainage plan and these have been incorporated in the revised plan. Milone & MacBroom suggest exposing one drainage outlet to grade rather than the proposal to have the outlet drain into a gravel trench as designed. Either method is acceptable.
- Blasting: Mr. Blades asked for approval of blasting if it found to be necessary. Typically the contractor handles blasting if needed. The local fire marshal has been consulted and would oversee the blasting. Mr. Blades suggested blasting as opposed to hammering the rock away. The hammering process takes longer and is more disruptive to neighbors. Mr. Blades added that the need for blasting will be determined once the project has begun.
- Items R6, R11, R14, R15, & R16 have been resolved.
Mr. Casiello read the petition from neighboring property owners into the record. The petition addressed the issue of noise for the neighbors, suggested use of the field be limited to Monday-Saturday, 9an-5 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 12 noon, asks that exterior lamination not be included.
Mr. Takacs responded to the issues raised. No lights are requested or planned for the project. He restated the need for the artificial surface field to increase available playing/practice time for the youth and adults of the community. The field will only be used during daylight hours.
Members of the public were asked to comment
Farouk Rhymaun, 9 Gallows Hill Extension, commented that his quality of life would be severely impacted by the noise. He expressed concern about the impact of drainage on neighboring properties, and the potential of damage to his well as a result of blasting. His primary concern is for the increase in amount of noise from the playing field. He further suggested the addition of a berm or berms, plus plantings to act as a sound barrier.
Gil Consolini, 7 Gallows Hill Road, commented that he spoke with an acoustical engineer and was told that a berm would be effective as a sound barrier. He also commented that the eastern slope is planned to act as stadium seating for spectators which he believes will increase noise levels. He also believes there is an erosion problem with the slope. Mr. Blick of Park and Recreation responded that the existing field has a slope that is used for spectator seating, the proposed slope will be the same, just moved back 30 feet.
Mr. Blades, responding to some of the comments, noted that the existing field is only being moved to the east by 30 feet. The existing school and neighboring homes are more than 500 feet from the field, and the field is set lower than the level of the school and homes. He added that a berm and plantings could be effective, but that is difficult to measure.
Mr. Casiello asked if the applicant was requesting an extension tonight. If an extension was not requested the Zoning Commission would close the hearing and have 65 days to make a decision. That time would allow the Commission to determine what conditions would be added to the approval.
The applicant requested a short recess to discuss the potential request for an extension.
A brief recess followed.
Mr. Casiello called the public hearing back to order. The applicant formally requested a 35-day extension.
Motion: move that the Zoning Commission accept the applicants request for a 35-day extension. Casiello, Sanford. Approved. Unanimous.
Mr. Casiello concluded the public hearing at 8:45 pm
Respectfully submitted
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
| 
