Zoning Board of Appeals

DRAFT CITY OF NORWICH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS February 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes The regular meeting of the City of Norwich Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken and it was determined that a quorum was present. PRESENT: Marc Benjamin, Chairman Joseph Jacaruso, Co-Chairman Dorothy Travers Santo Rizzuto-Alternate ABSENT: Henry Olender Paul Kramarewicz Raymond Dussault, Alternate ALSO PRESENT: Tianne Phoenix Curtis, Zoning Enforcement Officer Darlene Fedus- Papineau, Recording Secretary ~~~~~ E. COMMUNICATIONS: NONE ~~~~~ F. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES On a motion by Travers/Rizzuto, it was voted unanimously to table the approval of the minutes until the March 9, 2010 regular meeting. ~~~~~ G. OLD BUSINESS-NONE H. NEW BUSINESS 1. V#10-01 – Appeal of DJ Norwich Enterprises, LLC for property located at 87-91 Main Street, located in a Chelsea Central (CC) zoning district. In accordance with Sec.9.4.1(A)(1), permitted uses in a CC zone. Use variance to allow a proposed community center. Seated were Marc Benjamin, Joseph Jacaruso, Dorothy Travers and Santo Rizzuto. 1 of 4  Ms. Curtis entered into the record as Exhibit “A”, public notices of 01/27/10 & 02/03/10, as “B”, ZBA application; as “C”, notice of variance application; as “D”, certification of notice w/ certified mail receipt; as “E”, deed/certificate of foreclosure; as “F”, assessors street cards; as “G”, floor plan from Main and Water Streets; as “H”, certified mailing of agenda to applicant; and as “I”, use variance referral. Ms. Curtis reminded the Board that this is a use variance, which needs referral from COCP. Upon motion by Rizzuto and second by Jacaruso it was unanimously voted to continue the variance until the next scheduled meeting of March 9, 2010. ~~~~~ 2. V#10-02 – Appeal of the Norwich Free Academy for property located at 92-114 Crescent Street, located in a R-40 zoning district. In accordance with Sec.12.1. Variance to permit lot coverage increase from 10% to 15% to construct an in-fill structure. In order to provide ADA compliant accessibility to Slater, Converse, Norton and Alumni Halls. Seated were Marc Benjamin, Joseph Jacaruso, Dorothy Travers and Santo Rizzuto. Ms. Curtis entered into the record as Exhibit “A”, public notices of 01/27/10 & 02/03/10, as “B”, ZBA application; as “C”, notice of variance application w/certified receipts; as “D”, deeds and schedule A; as “E”, list of abutters; as “F”, architectural rendering; as “G”, assessor’s street cards; as “H”, in-fill rendering; as “I”, rendering of NFA campus w/proposed in-fill; as “J”, site plan revised to 10/13/2009; and as “K”, certified mailing of agenda to applicant. Speaking in favor of the application was Richard Rand, CFO of 305 Broadway. Mr. Rand stated that the purpose of the variance request was to allow construction of an in-fill structure. Mr. Rand stated the proposed in-fill would bring all buildings into code compliance by providing proper ADA accessibility to Slater, Converse, Norton and Alumni Halls. The project will equal out building entrances while adding handicapped access in the form of elevators, ramps and special handicapped parking spaces. He showed the Board a diagram (entered as Exhibit “K”). Also speaking in favor was Thomas Cummings of CLA Engineers Inc. of 317 Main Street. Mr. Cummings told the Board that the zone change from R-25 to R-40 had rendered the property and surrounding area non-conforming. The R-40 only allows 10% for lot coverage. The exception would allow 15% coverage. Mr. Benjamin noted that they would not be expanding, just filling in and putting a roof on. There was no one to speak in opposition. Page 2 of 4  There being no other speakers, the public hearing was closed. ~~~~ I. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON APPLICATIONS V#10-02 – Appeal of the Norwich Free Academy for property located at 92-114 Crescent Street, located in a R-40 zoning district. In accordance with Sec.12.1. Variance to permit lot coverage increase from 10% to 15% to construct an in-fill structure. In order to provide ADA compliant accessibility to Slater, Converse, Norton and Alumni Halls. Seated were Marc Benjamin, Joseph Jacaruso, Dorothy Travers and Santo Rizzuto. Ms. Travers noted that this project with provide major improvements to NFA and will be ADA compliant. Mr. Benjamin noted the hardship as the property once being conforming and now due to a zone change is not in conformity. The other hardship is meeting ADA and building department compliance. On a motion by Travers and second by Jacaruso it was voted unanimously to APPROVE the variance. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ K. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Rizzuto/Jacaruso, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. Page 3 of 4 Respectfully submitted, Darlene Fedus-Papineau Recording Secretary Page 4 of 4