Planning & Zoning Commission

Chair Stephen Devoto (’21) Middletown Vice-Chair Vice-Chair Secretary Nicholas Nicholas Fazzino Thom Fazzino (’21) (’21) Secretary Thom Pattavina Pattavina (’23) (’23) Planning and Zoning Members Members Richard Pelletier (’23) Richard Pelletier (’23) Catherine Marcus Marcus Fazzino Fazzino (’21) (’23) Catherine Johnson Johnson (’23) (’23) Vacant (’21) James O’Connell (’21) Commission Alternates Alternates Kellin Kellin Atherton Shanay Atherton (’23) Shanay Fulton (’23) Fulton (’23) (’23) James O’Connell (’21) Quatina Frazer (’21) Ex- Ex- Officio Officio Mayor Mayor Ben Ben Florsheim Florsheim William Russo, Director of Public Works Staff Marek Kozikowski, AICP, Director REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- REVISED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021 7:00 P.M. The meeting was held virtually. Members of the public had access via https://webex.com, the WebEx application, and via telephone. Start: 7:05 PM End: 8:13 PM 1. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was made. 2. Roll Call Present: Commissioner Stephen Devoto Commissioner Nicholas Fazzino Commissioner Thom Pattavina Commissioner Richard Pelletier Commissioner Catherine Johnson Commissioner James O'Connell Commissioner Marcus Fazzino Commissioner Kellin Atherton (Alternate) (seated for item 8.1 only) Commissioner Quatina Frazer (Alternate) Absent: Commissioner Shanay Fulton (Alternate) Staff: Marek Kozikowski, Director of Land Use Public: Five members of the public logged into the meeting. 3. Items removed from the Agenda Director Kozikowski reported that item 6.1 was postponed and extended to November 10 th by the applicant to provide more time to prepare and submit a proper subdivision map. Item 6.2 was postponed to October 27th so proper legal notice is published. 4. Public comment on items on the agenda which are not currently scheduled for a public hearing None. 5. Confirmation that all hearing signs have been properly posted Page 1 of 4 Director Kozikowski reported that the public hearing sign required was properly posted. 6. Public Hearings 6.1. Request for a subdivision to create 16 lots, open space, and a road currently known as Military Road. Applicant/agent The Middletown Housing Partnership Trust, Inc./David E. Rosenberg, Esq. S2021- 2 (Postponed and extended to November 10, 2021) No discussion. 6.2. Petition for zoning map amendment to correct mapping errors for properties located at 720, 816, 833, and 834 Long Hill Road (Wesleyan Hills) by rezoning them from R-30 zone to PRD zone. Applicant/agent City of Middletown/Land Use Dept. Z2021-9 (Postponed to October 27, 2021) No discussion. 6.3. Request for a re-subdivision creating two lots from a 5.23 ac property located at 88 Preston Avenue in the R-60 zone. Applicant/agent Roger and Marylou Spurr/Pat Benjamin P.E. S2021-3 Pat Benjamin, of Bascom & Benjamin, LLC described application including a description of the two-lot subdivision and the associate site plan to construct a new single-family house, driveway, septic system, new well, and drainage on a new lot that will have its frontage on Carmela Drive. Joe Drescher, 64 Carmela Drive, inquired whether the proposal is consistent with the zoning code. Liz Crooks, 125 Preston Avenue expressed concern about the conditions of the road and increased traffic. She also expressed concerns with drainage along the road. Pat Benjamin noted that the plan confirms the proposal is consistent with the R-60 regulations. He discussed the onsite drainage, which will flow towards the catch basin in Carmela Drive. There will be silt fencing and a construction entrance. There will be no activity on Preston Avenue. Motion to close the public hearing Moved by O’Connell, seconded by Pattavina Voting in favor: Devoto, N. Fazzino, Pattavina, Pelletier, Johnson, O’Connell, M. Fazzino Passed 7-0 Motion to approve the re-subdivision Moved by Pattavina, seconded by O’Connell Voting in favor: Devoto, N. Fazzino, Pattavina, Pelletier, Johnson, O’Connell, M. Fazzino Passed 7-0 Chairman Devoto supported it because it conforms to the zoning code, has a regular shape, and fills in housing in the area. Commissioners O’Connell and Pattavina supported the proposal noting a good presentation. 7. Old Business 7.1. Discussion on activity at Map-Lot 03-0229 Country Club Road. Director Kozikowski reported that the last blasting permit expired on September 30 th. Revised as-built plans were submitted and are being reviewed by City Staff. Page 2 of 4 Chairman Devoto expressed concerns about the expected duration of the project and inquired if there were opportunities to improve the zoning code to provide more oversite on projects with excavation. Commissioner O’Connell expressed concern and responsibility to neighbors in situations like this. 8. New Business 8.1. Schedule public hearing for a site plan review of the construction of a new science building, renovations to the Shanklin Building and other associated site improvements located primarily on 265 Church St but includes the entire block bounded by Church St, High St, Lawn Ave and Pine St in the ID zone. Applicant/agent Wesleyan University/Rod Szwelicki, PE, VHB SPR2021-151 (Suggested date: October 27, 2021) Chairman Devoto and Commissioner Frazer recused stating that Wesleyan University is their employer. N. Fazzino assumed the chairman role of the meeting. Commissioner Atherton was seated for Devoto. Motion to schedule a public hearing for October 27, 2021 Moved by R. Pelletier, seconded by M. Fazzino Voting in favor: N. Fazzino, Pattavina, Pelletier, Johnson, O’Connell, M. Fazzino, Atherton Passed 7-0 O’Connell noted that there is a proposed reduction of the width of the road and noted previous problems with the Fire Department in a similar situation in the past. Director Kozikowski noted that the Fire Marshal was part of a pre-application meeting, and was routed plans for review. He will also further discuss the issue with the Fire Marshal. 9. Public comment on topics which are not or have not been subject of a public hearing Chairman Devoto resumed his seat and chair of the meeting. No public comment. 10. Minutes, Staff Reports, and Commission Affairs 10.1. Minutes of the September 22, 2021 regular meeting Motion to approve the minutes of the September 22 nd meeting Moved by N. Fazzino, seconded by O’Connell Voting in favor: Devoto, N. Fazzino, Pelletier, Johnson, O’Connell, M. Fazzino Abstained: Pattavina Passed 6-0 10.2. RiverCOG Report Commissioner Atherton reported that on September 27 th, the RiverCog Executive Board approved the adoption of the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development. Presentations of document will be made to each of the local Planning and Zoning Commissions to discuss how they can use the plan. RiverCog held a listening session on the regional housing plan this week. There was discussion on developing a regional bike and pedestrian plan. Lastly, there was discussion on the inclusion of the Connecticut River in the National Estuary Research Reserve. Page 3 of 4  10.3. Staff Reports Director Kozikowski reported that the ZBA approved a variance application for a “tiny home” at 1200 Washington Street. The ZBA will be holding a public hearing in November for a variance of front and side yards to provide a handicap ramp at 13 Wall Street, Prayer Mission Church of God. He reported that Jim Sipperly is expected back in the office on Thursday. Interviews are being conducted for the Administrative Assistant position this week. The application period for the Assistant Planner position closes on Friday. 10.4. Commission Affairs Chairman Devoto noted that the Return to the Riverbend master planning effort had a public input session on Tuesday. The consultant is analyzing the input and will report back. Commissioner Atherton noted that the event was well executed for such a large amount of participation on the zoom platform but maybe efforts are a little over the top. Commissioner O’Connell inquired about the need given the cost of the display in the main street market space. Chairman Devoto noted it was free and provides opportunity for public input. A grand opening of the space is scheduled for October 16 th at 10:00am. Commissioner Johnson expressed the desire to hold a planning workshop for the Commission. The Commission held a discussion on the format for next meeting. Motion to hold the October 27th and future meetings in a hybrid format Moved by Pattavina, seconded by N. Fazzino Voting in favor: Devoto, N. Fazzino, Pattavina, Pelletier, Johnson, O’Connell, M. Fazzino Passed 7-0 Motion to table discussion on holding a workshop Moved by O’Connell, seconded by Pelletier Voting in favor: Devoto, N. Fazzino, Pattavina, Pelletier, O’Connell, M. Fazzino Abstained: Johnson (No vote recorded, technical difficulties) Passed 6-0 11. Adjournment Motion to adjourn Moved by N. Fazzino, seconded by Pattavina Voting in favor: Devoto, N. Fazzino, Pattavina, Pelletier, O’Connell, M. Fazzino Abstained: Johnson (No vote recorded, technical difficulties) Passed 6-0 Page 4 of 4