Planning & Zoning Commission

Chair Thom Pattavina (’23) Middletown Vice-Chair Vice-Chair Secretary Nicholas Fazzino(’23) Marcus Fazzino (’21) Thom Pattavina (’23) Secretary Shanay Fulton (’25) Planning and Zoning Members Members ers Richard Pelletier (’23) Richard Pelletier (’23) Catherine Marcus Fazzino (’21) Hillary Thompkins (’25) Catherine Johnson Johnson (’23) (’23) Vacant (’21) Sebastian Giuliano (’25) Commission Alternates Alternates Kellin Atherton (’23) Kellin Atherton (’23) Shanay Fulton (’23) James O’Connell (’21) Kelly Sweeney (’23) Vacant (’25) Ex- Ex- Officio Officio Mayor Mayor Ben Ben Florsheim Florsheim Christopher Holden, Acting Director of Public Works Staff Marek Kozikowski, AICP, Director of Land Use REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 Council Chambers, City Hall & Virtual on WebEx 7:00 P.M. The meeting was held both virtually and in -person. Members of the public had access via https://webex.com, the WebEx application, and via telephone. Start: 7:01 PM End: 9:00 PM 1. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was made. 2. Roll Call Commissioner Johnson was secretary for the meeting. Present: Commissioner Thomas Pattavina Commissioner Catherine Johnson Commissioner Richard Pelletier Commissioner Sebastian Giuliano Commissioner Marcus Fazzino Commissioner Hillary Thompkins Commissioner Kellin Atherton (Alternate) (Seated for Fulton) Commissioner Kelly Sweeney (Alternate) Absent: Commissioner Shanay Fulton Staff: Marek Kozikowski, Director of Land Use Public: Six members of the public attended into the meeting. 3. Items removed from the Agenda None. 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 Director Kozikowski noted that no public hearing signs were required. Page 1 of 3 6. Public Hearings None. 7. Old Business None. 8. New Business 8.1. Request for a GS 8-24 review for new leases for Get Fresh Barber Shop and Celtic Cavern at 180 Johnson Street. Applicant/Agent: City of Middletown/E&CD. GS 8-24 2022-9 Joseph Samolis, Director of Economic and Community Development presented the application. They are two new 5 year leases with a 5 year renewal. The entire first floor of the building will be occupied with these new tenants. Motion to grant an affirmative GS 8-24 Report Moved by Giuliano, seconded by Pelletier Passed unanimously, 7-0 8.2. Request for a GS 8-24 to renew leases for 8 tenants: Brown & Wimler, Coughlin Services, David Lenz Landscaping, ID Mail, Joe LaBella, MD Lawncare, Stacy Stucco, and Whey Station. Applicant/Agent: City of Middletown/E&CD. GS 8-24 2022-10 Joseph Samolis, Director of Economic and Community Development presented the application. They are all 5 year lease renewals. Motion to grant an affirmative GS 8-24 Report Moved by Giuliano, seconded by Fazzino Passed unanimously, 7-0 8.3. Presentation and Discussion on the progress and next steps on the Riverfront Master Plan by Cooper Robertson. Joseph Samolis, Director of Economic and Community Development introduced the project. Mike Aziz, Cooper Robertson presented. He provided an overview of the riverfront master planning project, detailed the public engagement conducted in preparation of the plan, described design concepts, and outlined the future zoning. A discussion with the Commission ensued. 8.4. Discussion on upcoming zoning code and zoning map amendments. Director Kozikowski discussed upcoming zoning text amendments which includes the following sections: overall re-adoption of the zoning code with standardization of formats and numbering schemes; mixed use zones MX, TD, B-3, IM; riverfront zone; park land zone; stormwater management regulations; planned residential development zone; interstate office park zone; accessory apartments; accessory structures; site plan review; special exception findings; outdoor dining; use schedules; and residential business pursuits. A discussion with the Commission ensued. 9. Public comment on topics which are not or have not been subject of a public hearing None. Page 2 of 3 10. Minutes, Staff Reports, and Commission Affairs 10.1. Minutes of the April 13, 2022 regular meeting Motion to approve the minutes Moved by Giuliano, seconded by Johnson. Passed unanimously, 7-0 10.2. RiverCOG Report Commissioner Johnson reported on three topics discusses at the last RiverCOG meeting. 1) Legislation on cannabis cultivation and retail sales, 2) The creation of fair rent boards; and 3) Zoning codes protecting stone walls. 10.3. Staff Reports Director Kozikowski reminded the Commission of the upcoming Arbor Day celebration to be held on April 29th. Furthermore, he provided a copy of the May 11th legal notice and a draft copy of the Middletown Affordable Housing Plan. He read a report from the Zoning Enforcement Officer. Lastly he thanked Joseph Samolis, Director of Economic and Community Development Director on his second to last day for his service to the City. 10.4. Commission Affairs None. 11. Adjournment Motion to adjourn Moved by Johnson, seconded by Fazzino. Passed unanimously, 7-0 Submitted, Marek Kozikowski, AICP Director of Land Use Page 3 of 3