Commission on the City Plan

MINUTES COMMISSION ON THE CITY PLAN Tuesday, March 18, 2014 – 7:00 PM 23 UNION STREET NORWICH CONNECTICUT SECOND FLOOR MEETING ROOM AGENDA ITEMS A, B & C – CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, DETERMINATION OF QUORUM: Ralph Page, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Commission Members Present Ralph Page, Frank Manfredi, John Mathieu, Les King, Michael Lahan, Daniel Daniska. A quorum was present. Absent: Arthur Sharron Also Present: Peter Davis, Director, Linda Smith Recording Secretary, Deb Delaporta D. COMMUNICATIONS: Approval of Minutes Upon motion by John Mathieu and second by Frank Manfredi, the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE the minutes of February 4, 2014 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES and February 25, 2014 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Peter Davis stated there were two communications received. NCDC on Municipal Development Plan for 152 Salem Tpke and City Council bond ordinance referral for Norwich Ice Rink F. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None E. OLD BUSINESS: None H. NEW BUSINESS: 1. SDP #1029 – 539 Norwich Ave. – Application of NPB Assets, LLC for conversion of 12,000 sq. ft former mill space into 8 live/work units in accordance with Sec.7.3 of the zoning regulations including a waiver of the Site Plan application requirements and a waiver of parking requirements. Located in the Industrial Zone. Peter Davis stated the proposal entails space in the southern most building of Ponemah Mills, where Ortronics and Sound Manufacturing were once located. Jason Vincent from NCDC has been working with Mr. Breglio and gave brief presentation about the proposed units. Frank Manfredi asked for an explanation of what Live/Work Units are. Peter Davis explained that the space was similar to what was approved in the larger Ponemah Mill complex some years ago. Space includes living space and work space within the same unit. . Michael Lahan asked about potential retail use and Peter stated there could be a separate place in the mill for that, but the units themselves could not be used for retail. Having the 1 public come into units would then bring up fire code, ADA and building code issues. Les King asked where entrance would be. Jason Vincent explained there would be one main entrance next to loading dock. Units would be 1500 sq ft with kitchen, bath and loft space. Upon motion by Frank Manfredi, second by Les King the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE SDP #1029, including the request for waiver of site plan application and parking requirements. I: EXTENSIONS: None J: BOND RELEASES: None K: ZONING MATTERS: None L: OTHER BUSINESS: 1. NCDC referral for advisory report relative to a Municipal Development Plan for the hotel project at 152 Salem Tpk. Peter Davis stated CCP only responsible for review of proposal relative to consistency with the Plan of Conservation and Development as required by City ordinance and State Statutes. Commission has a very narrow scope of review in this instance and must provide an advisory report to City Council. Jason Vincent provided an executive summary of the plan which in part, includes City financial assistance with the project. Michael Lahan had a list of questions prepared, but acknowledged they were not relative to the purview of the Commission. Les King stated he wanted to make sure the Council knows the committee is only reviewing relative to the proposal being consistent with the POCD, not whether or not board members are in favor of the City’s financial participation. Mr. Davis stated that the advisory report to Council would make that clear. Upon motion by Michael Lahan, seconded by Frank Manfredi a motion to forward a FAVORABLE advisory report was unanimously approved. The Commission found that the proposal was consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development as the completion of the project supports the City’s overall economic development effort and will assist in addressing the current blighted condition of the property. 2. City Council referral for advisory report relative to a proposed Bond Ordinance for Norwich Ice Rink replacement chiller and other improvements. Peter Davis again stated the Commission has a very narrow scope of review. The Commission has the responsibility to review the proposed project for consistency with the Plan of Conservation and Development and it is understood the vote is again not an endorsement of the project. Frank Manfredi made a motion to forward a FAVORABLE advisory report. Michael Lahan seconded. Committee voted unanimously to approve. The Commission found that the proposal was consistent with the Plan of Conservation & Development, in that the ice rink provides additional recreational opportunities for the community and the bond appropriation would allow for required maintenance of existing community facilities. 3. Peter Davis provided an update on the Comprehensive Plan Project. City Council is going to be asked to appoint a subcommittee for broader representation. The Council has subcontracted with NCDC to help facilitate the project. Peter stated the subcommittee would consist of two Council members, two CCP members, one Redevelopment Agency member, one Harbor Commission member and they will also reach out to the Chamber of Commerce. Hopefully all will be in place for the subcommittee to begin to meet in May. Michael Lahan suggested Daniel Daniska as one committee member, which he accepted and Frank 2 Manfredi and Ralph Page also volunteered. Peter and Jason felt that there would not be an issue with three members from the CCP. Jason is working on a time line of meeting dates, with the work thought to be completed in eighteen months, but Jason and Peter stated they would like to accelerate the schedule and would hope to complete the project within a year if possible. M: ADJOURNMENT: Upon motion by Les King, and second by John Mathieu, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 pm. 3