Commission on the City Plan

MINUTES COMMISSION ON THE CITY PLAN Tuesday, December 16, 2014 – 7:00 PM 23 UNION STREET NORWICH CONNECTICUT LOWER LEVEL MEETING ROOM REGULAR MEETING AGENDA ITEMS A, B & C – CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, DETERMINATION OF QUORUM: Ralph Page, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Commission Members Present: Ralph Page, Michael Lahan, Les King, John Mathieu and Daniel Daniska. A quorum was present. Absent: Art Sharron, Frank Manfredi Also Present: Peter Davis, Director and Deb Delaporta, recording secretary D: APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Upon motion by Michael Lahan and seconded by John Mathieu, the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE the minutes of the July 15, 2014 Regular Meeting and the October 15, 2014 Special Meeting. E: COMMUNICATIONS: None F. PUBLIC HEARINGS: SUB #424-35 - Gifford St- Application of Michael J Bennett, L.S., for a 3-lot Re Subdivision in an R-40 zoning district and owned by Eric A Arlia + Crystal Howard-Arlia. Peter Davis presented the application by Michael Bennett submitted on behalf of Eric A Arlia + Crystal Howard- Arlia to re-subdivide 35 Gifford Street, a 5.4 acre lot into 3 lots-one existing lot with a house on it and 2 building lots. The zoning for this area is R-40. All proposed lots would be conforming. Mr. Davis then read the exhibit list, and explained that a revised map had been presented before the start of the meeting, based on recommendations from the City Engineer, Pat McLaughlin. Peter explained that on the revised plan, the driveway location on lot 3 was moved, and an area between lots 2 and 3 was designated as a conservation area which would not be filled. The building lots would have municipal water and septic systems with pumps. The lots comply with all subdivision requirements. No one was present to speak in favor of the project. Abutter John Gambeski and his son, Steve Gambeski, both of 21 Gifford St. expressed concerns about the accumulation of water and issues which may cause water to back up onto their property. They presented pictures (now Exhibit O) of the water taken earlier in the week in the depression between lots 2 + 3. Steve Gambeski explained that it was water that runs off of their property. Michael Lahan asked Mr. Bennett about grading on the proposed sites, and Mr. Bennett presented the revised map and explained elevations, soil and perc tests. Peter then asked questions and made recommendations about possible regrading, and then he and Mr. Bennett discussed options to redirect the water. One solution would be to put a pipe under the driveway, as well as other regrading measures. The Gambeskis asked if this area was ever designated as wetlands, and Peter Davis advised them that it was not. At this point, Mr. Davis made a suggestion to table the application until the next meeting. That would give Mr. Bennett time to further revise the plan, and the City Engineer could review the changes. Mr. Bennett proposed meeting with the Gambeskis to address their concerns. Les King made a motion to table the application until the next meeting, John Mathieu seconded with all in favor. G. OLD BUSINESS: None 1 H: NEW BUSINESS: SUB #424-35 - Gifford St- Application of Michael J Bennett, L.S., for a 3-lot Re Subdivision in an R-40 zoning district and owned by Eric A Arlia + Crystal Howard-Arlia. I. EXTENSIONS: None J: BOND RELEASES: None K: ZOING MATTERS: None L: OTHER BUSINESS: None M: ADJOURNMENT: Upon motion by Les King, and second by John Mathieu, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 PM. 2