Commission on the City Plan

MINUTES COMMISSION ON THE CITY PLAN July 18, 2017 -7:00 P.M. 23 UNION STREET NORWICH CONNECTICUT LOWER LEVEL MEETING ROOM REGULAR MEETING-Revised* A. CALL TO ORDER: Art Sharron, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. B. ROLL CALL AND SEATING OF ALTERNATES: Present: Art Sharron, Michael Lahan, Les King, Swarnjit Singh Bhatia, Kathy Warzecha, Daniel Daniska* and Jason Arndt- A quorum was present. Absent: Frank Manfredi Others Present: Deanna Rhodes, City Planner and Debra Delaporta, recording secretary C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Michael Lahan to approve the minutes from June 20th, 2017. The motion was seconded by Swarnjit Singh Bhatia. The motion was approved by the members in attendance, with the exception of Kathy Warzecha and Les King who abstained as they did not attend the June 20th meeting. D. COMMUNICATIONS: Notification from Preston regarding re-subdivision within 500 feet of shared boundary. Deanna Rhodes explained that the Commission on the City Plan was being notified by the Town of Preston of a Re-Subdivision on Brickyard Rd. Kathy Warzecha, Town Planner from Preston and member of the CCP, confirmed the location was within 500 feet of Corning Rd, located in Norwich. Ms. Warzecha stated this plan was only creating one extra lot, and notifying the City of Norwich is required because of the vicinity in relation to Norwich. No concern was noted and no response to Preston will be made. E. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None F. OLD BUSINESS: None G. NEW BUSINESS: 1. SDP #1010A – 1001-1710 River View Lane (formerly known as 285 Taftville-Occum Rd)- Modifications to Plan SDP #1010-Hills at Riverview LLC to include changes to project phasing, building footprints, parking islands, retaining walls, recreation areas, clubhouse configuration, and minor drainage and utility improvements. Property is owned by The Hills at River View, LLC. Assessor’s Map 39 Block 1 Lot 1, Zone MF Deanna Rhodes explained this is a request to modify SDP #1010, and introduced engineer Kevin Grindle from Anchor Engineering Services Inc. to present the modified plan. Kathy Warzecha asked if Deanna could give a little background on the project, because some members were new and not familiar with the original plan. Ms. Rhodes explained that Developer Darwin Gebbie, of The Hills at River View, LLC had come before the Commission in October, 2016 to ask for an extension until 2025 to complete the project. That request was granted. She then turned the presentation over to Mr. Grindle, who began by handing out pictures of the property and copies of maps depicting proposed changes to the original plan. Mr. Grindle explained the project modifications which include a change to the original phasing, location of recreation areas, and location of the clubhouse. He stated the project is currently at phase 5, which includes building 9 (which is complete) and buildings 10 and 11 which are under construction. The next would be phase 6, which includes buildings 12 and 13, and the clubhouse with pool and recreation areas to include a small dog park and playscape. Kevin Grindle stated that phase 7 included buildings 14 and 16, while phase 8 would be buildings 15 and 17. He explained the modification would consist of moving the clubhouse and pool area to a higher elevation, using materials from the excavation of foundation work from buildings 12 and 13. Michael Lahan questioned the modification, and asked why the clubhouse was not going to be completed before buildings 12 & 13 are constructed as per the original plan. He stated that he had driven up to the site, and was concerned about the lack of recreation areas particularly, as it was shown on the original plan and that so many buildings had already been constructed. Mr. Grindle stated the clubhouse was slated to be moved higher up to provide a better view of the Shetucket River, and that excavation materials were needed to do that would come from the site work for constructing buildings 12 and 13. That construction was expected to begin as soon as possible, and construction on the clubhouse would begin in spring 2018. Art Sharron and Kathy Warzecha also expressed their concerns over lack of recreation area. Mr. Grindle then went on to explain other requested changes from to the approved project. These included increasing the size of a several buildings by 10 feet on each end to accommodate larger units and the removal of non-landscaped islands for ease of snow plowing. A discussion then ensued about fencing relative to the steep slopes on the site with particular concern about children and access to the hill. Additionally, fencing in the pool area and playground areas were discussed. Mr. Grindle confirmed for Ms. Rhodes that with the exception of the two small recreation areas near Buildings 14 through 17, all others would be completed in phase 6. Kathy Warzecha recommended a condition that the City evaluate the existing bond to ensure that is sufficient to cover 100% of the costs of installing the recreational areas. Les King asked about adding a bus stop at the other two driveways with sidewalks down to them. Mr. Gebbie explained that due to the steep terrain, safety would be an issue. After a brief discussion the Commission members decided this would not be possible. Being no further questions, Deanna Rhodes then read her memo and an engineering memo, prepared by Pat McLaughlin’s which had specific recommendations regarding the project. Ms. Rhodes stated that she has spoken with Mr. Grindle about her review comments before the meeting. She then stated her recommendation conditions for the Commission’s consideration. Kathy Warzecha made a motion to APPROVE SDP#1010A with the following conditions that are integral to this approval as recommended by the City Planner: 1. That Items #1, 2 and 3 of the City Engineer’s memo, dated 07/12/17, be addressed and submitted for review and approval. 2. That Items #1, 2, 4, 6, 7 & 8 of the City Planner’s memo, dated 07/14/17, be addressed and submitted for review and approval. 3. That the pool will require approval from the State of CT Department of Health as per the Uncas Health District Director of Health. 1. That all original conditions of approval and all improvements depicted on the site plan for SDP#1010, which are not being modified under this proposal, will remain in effect. These items include, but are not limited to, bonding, erosion and sediment control measures, compliant exterior lighting, drainage, grading, driveways, landscaping, building design and location, etc. 4. That the required signature block and the letter of approval be placed on the final revised plan set. 5. That 6 paper copies of the final revised set of plans and two sets of mylars be submitted to the Planning Department for endorsement by an officer of the Commission. The endorsed mylar set shall be filed on the Land Records by the applicant within 90 days. 6. That after the filing of the mylars, a zoning permit shall be issued for each phase (6, 7 & 8) to ensure compliance with this approval. 7. That any modifications to the approved plan shall be reviewed by the Zoning Enforcement Officer prior to occurring and may require additional review and approval by the Commission. 8. That the extension granted October 13, 2016 by the CCP to extend the site plan approval to March 15, 2025 for completion of all improvements associated with the Hills at Riverview Project is still valid. The approval of this modification does not extend the development time frame further. 9. That the City evaluate the need for additional fencing in the recreational areas. 10. That the City evaluate the existing bond to ensure that is sufficient to cover 100% of the costs of installing the recreational areas. 11. That the pool fencing be a decorative style that complies with all the applicable codes. Michael Lahan seconded the motion. All members voted in favor.  2. City Council Referral- AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $5,000,000 FOR THE CITY OF NORWICH INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (2017) AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $5,000,000 BONDS OF THE CITY TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE Deanna Rhodes read the City Council Referral request. Jason Arndt asked about the specific projects the City was looking to do and at what locations. A discussion then ensued. Michael Lahan explained the Commission on the City Plan has a very limited role in these matters, and that it is required by the City Charter to refer these requests to the Commission. Ms. Rhodes stated that she’ll request a list of projects from the Public Works Department that would be funded by the $5M bond, if approved. Mr. Lahan then made a motion to send a FAVORABLE recommendation to the City Council, as it is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development to provide for adequate infrastructure to meet the community needs and support desired growth patterns. The motion was seconded by Les King, with all members in favor of a favorable recommendation. H. EXTENSION REQUESTS: None Kathy Warzecha then made a motion to amend the agenda, so that guest speaker Anne Stockton could address the Commission before they took care of the bond releases. Michael Lahan seconded the motion, with all members in favor. I. OTHER BUSINESS: Guest: Anne Stockton with United Way for Working Cities Challenge Grant Deanna Rhodes introduced Anne Stockton, from the United Way. Ms. Stockton addressed the Commission on the Working Cities Challenge, a competition to secure grants to reduce poverty over a ten year period by increasing the number of financially stable households. The City of Norwich was recently awarded $15,000 to strategize and create a plan to tackle this issue. The next step would be to apply for a $300,000 - $500,000 Boston Fed grant to implement the plan. Several Commission members asked questions about the program and enthusiastic. Les King offered up many contacts who may be able to assist the Committee with various aspects of their plan. Both Ms. Stockton and Deanna Rhodes are on the Committee, and Deanna asked the Commission if they would be willing to answer some questions that had been sent out by Ms. Stockton before the meeting. She asked that they email their responses within the next two weeks. J. BOND RELEASES: 1. SDP#1032-220 West Town St-Eastern Savings Bank–Request for full release of the bond in the amount of $53,070-Deanna Rhodes asked to TABLE this request until next month. Upon inspection by City Engineer, Pat McLaughlin, it was determined that there were a few outstanding items still left to be completed. Les King made a motion to TABLE the request, seconded by Michael Lahan, with all members in favor. 2. SDP #1034-51 Norwich Ave (FKA 27,51 & 59 Norwich Ave)-Request of Norwich NE Development LLC for release of $50,000 bond 3. SDP #1034-51 Norwich Ave (FKA 27,51 & 59 Norwich Ave)- Request of Family Dollar for release of $10,700 additional bond Ms. Rhodes stated that upon inspection by herself, Pat McLaughlin and Zoning Enforcement Officer, Richard Shuck, the project had been completed according to the submitted plan and both requests for release could be approved. Les King made a motion to grant the full release of both bonds, seconded by Michael Lahan, with all members in favor to grant the full release. K. STAFF REPORT: None L. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Michael Lahan to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. The motion was seconded by Les King. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Debra Delaporta