Planning & Zoning Commission

REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MIDDLETOWN CONNECTICUT SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 1. Pledge of Allegiance Chairman Devoto called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. Roll Taking Present: Commissioner Stephen Devoto Commissioner Nicholas Fazzino Commissioner Richard Pelletier Commissioner Elizabeth Emery Commissioner Tyrell Brown Commissioner Molly Salafia (arrived late) Commissioner Christopher Sugar (seated for Commissioner Rossiter) Absent: Commissioner Joyce Rossiter Commissioner Steven Kovach Commissioner Thom Pattavina Staff: Director Joseph Samolis Public: Two (2) members 3. Items removed from the agenda and why None 4. Public comment on items on agenda which are not currently scheduled for a public hearing None 5. ZEO Certification that all public hearing signs have been properly noticed (when scheduled) None 6. Public Hearings (when scheduled) None 7. Old Business 1) Proposed six (6) self-storage facilities (over 60,000 sq. ft.) located at 815 Newfield Street. Applicant/agent Middletown Development Partners, LLC/  James P. Cassidy SPR2018-123 (Date of receipt 8/8/18; scheduled September 12, 2018) James Cassidy, Professional Engineer and Principle with Hallisey, Pearson & Cassidy introduced the application he gave a detailed description of the project and the site plan. There will be a total of 6 buildings for self-storage. It will be fenced in and there will be an automatic gate at the entrance with a card reader. Anyone who does not have a card would have to go to the office to get one. They have already gone through and were approved by the Inland Wetlands Agency. Commissioner Devoto said that he does not think self-storage units are allowed in the zone because it notes that they are allowed as an accessory to a hardware store. Director Samolis explained why this was an allowed use. It could be considered warehousing or retail use. This Commission has already approved storage facilities down the road on Newfield Street, one on Pameacha Avenue and the newest one on Saybrook Road. Within all these areas and all these zones, retail business and warehousing are permitted. Commissioner Pelletier had questions regarding the sign. Mr. Cassidy said that there is room on the Tractor Supply sign for future tenants and it would go there. Director Samolis stated that he spoke to the Superintendent with Keigwin School and they did not have any issue with this proposal. Commissioner Sugar is hesitant because the Zoning Codes are vague in defining storage facilities. Commissioner Pelletier thinks this is a great use for this lot. With the wetland surrounding it, there is not going to be any further intrusion on the wetlands. Commissioner Sugar moves for approval for a six (6) self-storage facilities (over 60,000 sq. ft.) located at 815 Newfield Street. Commissioner Emery seconds the motion. The chair calls for the vote. The Chair states the matter carried with 6 affirmative votes, and one in opposition by Commissioner Devoto. 8. New Business 1) Request for a favorable G.S. § 8-24 Review for the purchase and lease-back of two properties at Thomas Street (Map/Lot 25/0007) and 66 Thomas Street (Map/Lot 25/0008) to have a public safety garage that would service and maintain its fleet of public safety and emergency vehicles and provide additional parking for the Butternut Hollow Park. Applicant/agency City of Middletown G.S. 8-24 2018-9 Chris Holden, Deputy Director of Public Works represented the application. He explained that it would provide additional parking for Butternut Hollow Park and the City is looking to expand the maintenance for the public safety vehicles. Director Samolis explained that the Public Works Dept. has been looking to expand their increased fleet but did not want to spend millions of dollars. This property became available as an option to purchase which is substantially less expensive. A discussion ensued with the Commission and Chris Holden. Commissioner Devoto questioned the lease-back of the property. Mr. Holden explained that it will take the City some time to be able to develop the plans and come up with a budget to pay for the improvements, so there may be a period of time where the current operator will still be operating the facility until the City is able to make the improvements. Commissioner Fazzino moves for a favorable G.S. § 8-24 Review for the purchase and lease- back of two properties at Thomas Street (Map/Lot 25/0007) and 66 Thomas Street (Map/Lot 25/0008) to have a public safety garage that would service and maintain its fleet of public safety and emergency vehicles and provide additional parking for the Butternut Hollow Park. Commissioner Pelletier seconds the motion. The chair calls for the vote. The Chair states the matter carried with 6 affirmative votes and 1 in opposition. 9. Public comment on topics which are not or have not been the subject of a public hearing None 10. Minutes of the Regular Meeting, Transcripts, Staff Reports and Commission Affairs 10.1 Minutes of August 8, 2018 Commissioner Pelletier moves for approval of the minutes of August 8, 2018. Commissioner Emery seconds the motion. The chair calls for the vote. The Chair states the matter carried with 6 affirmative votes and 1 abstention. 10.2 Other Commission Affairs a. River-Cog Report There was no meeting so there is no report. Director Samolis explained the timeframe for the Plan of Conservation and Development. There are five (5) Commissioners that have expressed interest in serving on the POCD Sub- Committee. He said a new planner will be hired and hopefully start around Thanksgiving. He would like to have a meeting in October with the sub-committee. He would also like to set up meetings around town so the public may give their input on what they would like to see in Middletown. 11. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM Respectively submitted Joseph Samolis Director of Planning, Conservation and Development