Zoning Board of Appeals

Chair 2nd Vice-Chair Nicholas Ficaro Members Vice-Chair Linda ReilFazzino (’21) Nicholas Kevin Brignole Secretary Vacant Thom Pattavina (’23) Alternates Andrew Santaniello, Sr. Vacant Middletown Members Ex- Officio Richard Pelletier Mayor BenJohnson Catherine (’23) Florsheim (’23) Marcus Fazzino (’21) Vacant (’21) Staff Thomas Hazel, CZEO (’23) Zoning Enforcement Officer Zoning Board of Appeals Alternates Kellin Atherton Shanay Fulton (’23) James O’Connell (’21) Ex- Officio Mayor Ben Florsheim ZBA MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY DECEMBER 7, 2023 Council Chambers 5:30 P.M. The meeting was held in-person. 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 5:30pm. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call Present: Nicholas Ficaro Linda Reil Kevin Brignole Andrew Santaniello Staff: Tom Hazel, Zoning/Blight Enforcement Officer 4. Public Comment None. 5. Approval of Minutes 5.1. Special Meeting of November 2. 2023 Motion to approve the minutes of the November 2, 2023 as presented Moved by Reil, Seconded by Brignole Voting in favor: Santaniello, Ficaro, Brignole and Reil, Passed 4-0-0 6. Old Business None. 7. New Business None. 8. Public Hearing 8.1. Appeal of a decision by the Zoning Enforcement Officer’s issuance of a Cease and Desist Order for an unlawful use of land and structure by leasing/renting residential units in the front Page 1 of 3  building located at 465 Middlefield Street in the I-2 zone which prohibits residential occupancy. Applicant/Agent: Savage Mill Associates/Richard Sweet. V2023-12 The Applicant submitted a letter of request to ask for a 65 day extension in order to hear the appeal to the January 4, 2023 meeting. The request was read into the record. 8.2 Request for a variance of section 2.4.3 for the proposed addition of a 590 square foot two car garage within the minimum side yard setback located at 6 Round Hill Road in R-45 zone. Applicant/Agent: Glenn Swanson V2023-14 The applicant presented the garage to be built on an existing slab that previously held a Structure. They looked to try and move the proposed garage back to meet the setbacks, however the septic is located right behind the existing slab. So close that they were required to have a state health board review of the proposal. The commission asked if they had looked at other locations on the property that may conform to the regulations. The applicant stated that they were restricted not only by the septic tank but also the leach field and if they tried to use South Main Street to access a garage they have a guard rail and a drainage swale in the way. Motion to close the public hearing Moved by Reil, Seconded by Brignole Voting in favor: Santaniello, Ficaro, Brignole, and Reil Passed: 4-0-0 Motion to approve application V2023-14 Moved by Brignole, Seconded by Reil Voting in favor: Santaniello, Reil Ficaro and Brignole. Approved: 4-0-0 8.3 Request for a variance of section 4.18 and 4.8 for the proposed new sign on the front lawn located at 67 Round Hill Road in the R-45 zone. Applicant/Agent: Robert Neth/Connecticut Signcraft. V2023-15 The applicant wants to replace the existing sing do to the fact that the existing sign is difficult to see from the road. This being the location of a church daycare they wanted something. easy to read for clients and for emergency responders in the case there was need for assistance. The applicant stated that the size is larger than the allowed in a residential zone but that they were keeping the sign a basic blue and white and in such a large lawn area it would not be overwhelming to the passer by. Staff also included that the sign would not be illuminated. Motion to close the public hearing Moved by Brignole. Seconded by Reil Voting in favor: Santaniello, Ficaro, Brignole, and Reil Motion to approve application V2023-15 Moved by Brignole, Seconded by Reil Voting in favor: Brignole, Reil, Santaniello, Ficaro Approved: 4-0-0 Page 2 of 3  8.4 Request for a variance to section 2.1.3 for the proposed addition of an 8 ft by 10 ft upper level. deck within the minimum rear yard setback located at 180 East Ridge Road in the RPZ zone Applicant/Agent: Sal Saraceno/Garofalo & Saraceno. V2023-16. The applicants proposal for a second story deck was presented for the ability to make use of a rear yard that slopes down aggressively. They would like to provide the deck to have some outdoor access to the first floor since the slope of the yard creates a walk out basement. A public comment letter opposing the deck was read into the record. The letter was submitted by the neighbor at 90 East Ridge Road. The letter raised concerns for privacy, noise and obstruction of sunlight. As well as possible impacts to wildlife. Motion to close the public hearing Moved by Brignole, Seconded by Reil Voting in favor: Santaniello, Reil, Brignole, Ficaro Motion to approve application V2023-16 Moved by Brignole, Seconded by Reil Voting in favor: Santaniello, Reil, Brignole, Ficaro Approved:4-0-0 9. Adjournment Motion to adjourn Moved by Brignole, Seconded by Reil Voting in favor: Santaniello, Ficaro, Brignole, and Reil Passed 4-0-0 The meeting adjourned at 6:08 PM. Submitted, Thomas Hazel, Zoning/Blight Enforcement Officer Department of Land Use Page 3 of 3