Regular Meeting No. 958
Present - T. Lentz, Chairman C. Jefferson, ZEO
L. Annino, Jr.
S. Morgan
J. Adametz
P. Stull
D. Gross (non-voting alternate)
P. McGuinness (seated for E. Hayash)
J. O'Brien (non-voting alternate)
1. Call to Order
T. Lentz called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM.
2. Minutes of Regular Meeting No. 957 Held May 5, 2009
Motion by Stull, second by Annino, to approve May 5, 2009 Minutes as presented. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Visitors
(a) Attorney Jane Marsh - discussion regarding Gene Garguilo's building at 257 Route 80
Attorney Jane Marsh noted she was present to discuss the neglected Pharmedica building and the possibilities for what could be done with it. It has been listed with ORL for quite some time and there have been no takers. Attorney Marsh reviewed her attempts to see if there were any State grants available for affordable housing. She explained the State applications for this were very complicated and was basically told the State is not interested in working with anyone who is not already involved in these types of projects.
Attorney Marsh then reviewed the possibility of turning this building into rental units for people maybe between the ages of 55 and 62 or 65 and 70. They would not be condominiums nor assisted living units. The building could be converted into maybe 19 or 21 units to be rented at full market value.
Attorney Marsh noted both the Pharmedica buildings are high maintenance buildings. The owner has estimated it would take about $1 million to rebuild the interior of the building into apartments.
Attorney Marsh noted she was before the Commission this evening to see whether it would be receptive to such an idea of rental units as this is a valuable unused resource in Town.
Chairman Lentz noted this type of housing you are describing has value in certain places but there would be enormous objection to it in Killingworth. The Town Plan doesn't have anything in it regarding multi family housing. Affordable housing is allowed on smaller lots. The Town also allows two family houses and accessory apartments. The whole thrust of the Town Plan is to preserve the rural character of Killingworth.
Chairman Lentz noted in order to do this the Zoning Regulations would have to be changed. There was discussion on how there could be a Zoning Regulation that would address just that one building.
Chairman Lentz noted the Commission would love to find a use for that building and hopefully it would fit within the present regulations.
Mr. Annino noted he agreed with Chairman Lentz. This proposal provides nothing to the Town. The Zoning Regulations already provide for accessory apartments. Annino also noted sewer avoidance is a key component in the Town Plan. He also noted there is a vision for commercial development and it doesn't include residential development such as being proposed in a commercial district. This proposal is inconsistent with the Town Plan.
Attorney Marsh noted the building could either be torn down or foreclosed.
Chairman Lentz noted if the owner could find a use that is compatible with the Town Plan, this Commission would be for it. Using the building for small businesses would work.
Attorney Marsh noted she would report back to the building owner that this isn't something that should be pursued. The Commission wants the building to stay commercial.
4. Communications and Bills
(1) Board of Selectmen Notice of Vote from May 11, 2009 Meeting.
(2) Board of Selectmen Minutes from Special Meetings of May 6 and May 18, 2009.
(3) Letter from Cathie S. Jefferson to Charles Edwards dated 5/8/09 Re Commercial Vehicles.
(4) Two invoices from Howard & McMillan for legal services in the amounts of $3,864.10 and $3,641.86.
(5) Letter from Town of Deep River Planning & Zoning Commission dated May 8, 2009 Re Proposed Amendments to Zoning Regulations and Town Plan of Conservation and Development.
(6) Letter from Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist, dated May 7, 2009 to Paul Lambert Re White Pines Subdivision.
(7) Letter from Connecticut Water Company to Catherine Jefferson dated May 12, 2009 Re White Pines Subdivision, 65 Parker Hill Road Ext.
(8) The following letters were all from R. E. Leighton, Code Official to:
a. Connecticut DEP, dated May 7, 2009, Re U/G Storage Tank, Killingworth Fire Department Property, Response to Concern.
b. Waldo & Associates, dated May 12, 2009, Re Killingworth Commons, Proposed Site Plan Comments.
c. Killingworth Planning & Zoning Commission, dated May 12, 2009, Re June's Outdoor Pub, Site Plan Review & Comment.
d. Debra E. Tyler, dated May 12, 2009, Re Proposed Dwelling, 119 Roast Meat Hill Road, Outstanding Permit Application.
(9) Letter from R. E. Leighton, Building Official, to Connecticut Dept. of Public Safety, dated May 11, 2009, Re 140 Roast Meat Hill Road, Modification Request for Accessory Stairway.
(10) Letter from Killingworth Land Conservation Trust, Inc. to Killingworth Planning & Zoning Commission (no date), Re Milano Subdivision Open Space.
(11) Copy of Conservation Easement between Patricia F. Davidson and Killingworth Land Conservation Trust.
5. Old Business
(a) Subdivision Application #312 White Pines - 6 Lot Conservation Subdivision - Michael & Karen Milano, 65 Parker Hill Road Ext.
Chairman Lentz read the letter from the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust (no date) into the record. Mr. Milano proposed splitting it into two pieces, but wasn't able to agree with the Land Trust relative to this matter. The Commission then suggested Mr. Milano approach the Town to see if it would accept the Open Space. Lentz explained the Land Trust feels the 60+ acre parcel cannot be divided in any way. They are against what the Commission had suggested which was to split part of it off and grant it in fee. The Land Trust declined. Mr. Milano spoke to First Selectman Cabral relative to the Town accepting the Open Space and Cabral was going to review it with the Town Attorney. Lentz noted the Land Trust would agree if the Milanos gave the whole 67 acre piece to the Town. They object to the splitting of the piece. C. Jefferson will contact Mr. Milano and advise him of this discussion. Chairman Lentz also noted there still were drainage issues with the Town Engineer and problems with the septic design. The time for this application runs out on June 11, 2009.
6. Zoning Enforcement Officer's Report
C. Jefferson noted she drove by True Value and they have planted everything. They have not asked for a Certificate of Occupancy yet. The sign has been put in perpendicular to the road and not parallel to the road. It was also noted none of this has been approved yet as they have not submitted an application.
C. Jefferson noted there is timber harvesting going on at Cockaponsett. This was approved by the State DEP and DPUC and the Town has nothing to say about it.
C. Jefferson noted the State Fee for Land Use applications will double as of July 1st.
C. Jefferson noted the Town is still waiting for the $20,000 from the State relative to the preparation of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development. It was supposed to have been paid in either January or April of this year.
C. Jefferson noted she has been having discussions with Commission Attorney Bill Howard relative to possible recommendations for two pending lawsuits.
C. Jefferson noted the accessory apartment at the Buttendorf property is a pre-existing use.
The Permit Log for the last month was distributed.
8. Report of Officer's and Subcommittees
Paul McGuinness noted he, Tom Lentz, Cathie Jefferson and Judy Brown reviewed the Commission's files in the vault. A review will be made to see what, if anything, can be disposed of. An attempt will also be made to get things in a more orderly fashion so they are not in various locations of the vault but all together. McGuinness noted the Town may be getting some grant money to have a better storage filing system. The firm that did the "records analysis" indicated there were 20 filing cabinets for Planning & Zoning, but in fact there are only 4, the rest belong to other boards and commissions but were mistaken for P&Z.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.
L. Annino, Jr.
S. Morgan
J. Adametz
P. Stull
D. Gross (non-voting alternate)
P. McGuinness (seated for E. Hayash)
J. O'Brien (non-voting alternate)
1. Call to Order
T. Lentz called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM.
2. Minutes of Regular Meeting No. 957 Held May 5, 2009
Motion by Stull, second by Annino, to approve May 5, 2009 Minutes as presented. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Visitors
(a) Attorney Jane Marsh - discussion regarding Gene Garguilo's building at 257 Route 80
Attorney Jane Marsh noted she was present to discuss the neglected Pharmedica building and the possibilities for what could be done with it. It has been listed with ORL for quite some time and there have been no takers. Attorney Marsh reviewed her attempts to see if there were any State grants available for affordable housing. She explained the State applications for this were very complicated and was basically told the State is not interested in working with anyone who is not already involved in these types of projects.
Attorney Marsh then reviewed the possibility of turning this building into rental units for people maybe between the ages of 55 and 62 or 65 and 70. They would not be condominiums nor assisted living units. The building could be converted into maybe 19 or 21 units to be rented at full market value.
Attorney Marsh noted both the Pharmedica buildings are high maintenance buildings. The owner has estimated it would take about $1 million to rebuild the interior of the building into apartments.
Attorney Marsh noted she was before the Commission this evening to see whether it would be receptive to such an idea of rental units as this is a valuable unused resource in Town.
Chairman Lentz noted this type of housing you are describing has value in certain places but there would be enormous objection to it in Killingworth. The Town Plan doesn't have anything in it regarding multi family housing. Affordable housing is allowed on smaller lots. The Town also allows two family houses and accessory apartments. The whole thrust of the Town Plan is to preserve the rural character of Killingworth.
Chairman Lentz noted in order to do this the Zoning Regulations would have to be changed. There was discussion on how there could be a Zoning Regulation that would address just that one building.
Chairman Lentz noted the Commission would love to find a use for that building and hopefully it would fit within the present regulations.
Mr. Annino noted he agreed with Chairman Lentz. This proposal provides nothing to the Town. The Zoning Regulations already provide for accessory apartments. Annino also noted sewer avoidance is a key component in the Town Plan. He also noted there is a vision for commercial development and it doesn't include residential development such as being proposed in a commercial district. This proposal is inconsistent with the Town Plan.
Attorney Marsh noted the building could either be torn down or foreclosed.
Chairman Lentz noted if the owner could find a use that is compatible with the Town Plan, this Commission would be for it. Using the building for small businesses would work.
Attorney Marsh noted she would report back to the building owner that this isn't something that should be pursued. The Commission wants the building to stay commercial.
4. Communications and Bills
(1) Board of Selectmen Notice of Vote from May 11, 2009 Meeting.
(2) Board of Selectmen Minutes from Special Meetings of May 6 and May 18, 2009.
(3) Letter from Cathie S. Jefferson to Charles Edwards dated 5/8/09 Re Commercial Vehicles.
(4) Two invoices from Howard & McMillan for legal services in the amounts of $3,864.10 and $3,641.86.
(5) Letter from Town of Deep River Planning & Zoning Commission dated May 8, 2009 Re Proposed Amendments to Zoning Regulations and Town Plan of Conservation and Development.
(6) Letter from Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Connecticut State Archaeologist, dated May 7, 2009 to Paul Lambert Re White Pines Subdivision.
(7) Letter from Connecticut Water Company to Catherine Jefferson dated May 12, 2009 Re White Pines Subdivision, 65 Parker Hill Road Ext.
(8) The following letters were all from R. E. Leighton, Code Official to:
a. Connecticut DEP, dated May 7, 2009, Re U/G Storage Tank, Killingworth Fire Department Property, Response to Concern.
b. Waldo & Associates, dated May 12, 2009, Re Killingworth Commons, Proposed Site Plan Comments.
c. Killingworth Planning & Zoning Commission, dated May 12, 2009, Re June's Outdoor Pub, Site Plan Review & Comment.
d. Debra E. Tyler, dated May 12, 2009, Re Proposed Dwelling, 119 Roast Meat Hill Road, Outstanding Permit Application.
(9) Letter from R. E. Leighton, Building Official, to Connecticut Dept. of Public Safety, dated May 11, 2009, Re 140 Roast Meat Hill Road, Modification Request for Accessory Stairway.
(10) Letter from Killingworth Land Conservation Trust, Inc. to Killingworth Planning & Zoning Commission (no date), Re Milano Subdivision Open Space.
(11) Copy of Conservation Easement between Patricia F. Davidson and Killingworth Land Conservation Trust.
5. Old Business
(a) Subdivision Application #312 White Pines - 6 Lot Conservation Subdivision - Michael & Karen Milano, 65 Parker Hill Road Ext.
Chairman Lentz read the letter from the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust (no date) into the record. Mr. Milano proposed splitting it into two pieces, but wasn't able to agree with the Land Trust relative to this matter. The Commission then suggested Mr. Milano approach the Town to see if it would accept the Open Space. Lentz explained the Land Trust feels the 60+ acre parcel cannot be divided in any way. They are against what the Commission had suggested which was to split part of it off and grant it in fee. The Land Trust declined. Mr. Milano spoke to First Selectman Cabral relative to the Town accepting the Open Space and Cabral was going to review it with the Town Attorney. Lentz noted the Land Trust would agree if the Milanos gave the whole 67 acre piece to the Town. They object to the splitting of the piece. C. Jefferson will contact Mr. Milano and advise him of this discussion. Chairman Lentz also noted there still were drainage issues with the Town Engineer and problems with the septic design. The time for this application runs out on June 11, 2009.
6. Zoning Enforcement Officer's Report
C. Jefferson noted she drove by True Value and they have planted everything. They have not asked for a Certificate of Occupancy yet. The sign has been put in perpendicular to the road and not parallel to the road. It was also noted none of this has been approved yet as they have not submitted an application.
C. Jefferson noted there is timber harvesting going on at Cockaponsett. This was approved by the State DEP and DPUC and the Town has nothing to say about it.
C. Jefferson noted the State Fee for Land Use applications will double as of July 1st.
C. Jefferson noted the Town is still waiting for the $20,000 from the State relative to the preparation of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development. It was supposed to have been paid in either January or April of this year.
C. Jefferson noted she has been having discussions with Commission Attorney Bill Howard relative to possible recommendations for two pending lawsuits.
C. Jefferson noted the accessory apartment at the Buttendorf property is a pre-existing use.
The Permit Log for the last month was distributed.
8. Report of Officer's and Subcommittees
Paul McGuinness noted he, Tom Lentz, Cathie Jefferson and Judy Brown reviewed the Commission's files in the vault. A review will be made to see what, if anything, can be disposed of. An attempt will also be made to get things in a more orderly fashion so they are not in various locations of the vault but all together. McGuinness noted the Town may be getting some grant money to have a better storage filing system. The firm that did the "records analysis" indicated there were 20 filing cabinets for Planning & Zoning, but in fact there are only 4, the rest belong to other boards and commissions but were mistaken for P&Z.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.
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