Zoning Board of Appeals

CITY OF NORWICH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS October 14, 2014 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-chair Dorothy Travers Raymond Dussault Henry Olender Joe East – Alternate ABSENT: Peter Cuprak - Alternate ALSO PRESENT: Tianne Phoenix Curtis, Zoning Enforcement Officer Linda Lee Smith, Recording Secretary E. COMMUNICATIONS Tianne Curtis noted the election of Chair & Vice-Chair has been added to the agenda under communications. The election is typically conducted in February, however it had been confirmed with City Manager staff that the ZBA was overdue as City Council had delayed the re-appointment of members. Upon motion by Dorothy Travers, and second by Joe Jacaruso it was unanimously voted to TABLE the election for chairman and vice chairman until February 2015. Ms. Travers stated the election could be removed from the agenda until February 2015. Motion carried unanimously. Marc Benjamin stated there was a Republican vacant alternate seat on the Board. Ray Dussault stated he would look into finding an alternate Republican replacement. Tianne Curtis stated she had received a communication from Corporation Counsel Attorney Driscoll relative to the determination of an application being ‘substantially different’ from a previous application. Marc Benjamin read Attorney Driscoll’s letter into the record. Marc Benjamin gave a brief overview stating the ZBA wasn’t obligated to hear an application if re- submitted prior to the 6 month waiting period if determined to not be ‘substantially different.” Marc Benjamin felt it was in the Board’s best interest to postpone the application for V#14-06 pending a written response of determination. If the 1 of 3  hearing were to be opened this evening, it may result in legal action against the Board/City. Ray Dussault stated he wasn’t present at the hearing for prior application V#14-01. Marc Benjamin advised Ray Dussault to review & compare the files prior to the November meeting. Upon motion by Joe East, and second by Joe Jacaruso motion carried unanimously to postpone V#14-06 until November 18, 2014 with the expectation to receive a decision from Corporation Counsel. Marc Benjamin recommended all Board members review Zoning Ordinance Ch. 19 Zoning Board of Appeals; particularly powers & duties, and to talk with Tianne Curtis if there were any questions. F. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Upon motion by Ray Dussault, seconded by Dorothy Travers it was voted unanimously to APPROVE the minutes of the September 9, 2014 regular meeting. G. OLD BUSINESS: None H. NEW BUSINESS: 1. V#14-06 – Application of Leonard Wisneski for property located at 206 Canterbury Turnpike in an R-40 zoning district. In accordance with Sec.12.1 50’ front yard required request reduction to 30’ & 30’ side yard request reduction to 10’ & 10% maximum lot coverage increased to 12% for the construction of a 20’ x 30’ accessory structure. (Tabled to 11/18/14) I. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON APPLICATIONS 1. V#14-06 – Application of Leonard Wisneski for property located at 206 Canterbury Turnpike in an R-40 zoning district. In accordance with Sec.12.1 50’ front yard required request reduction to 30’ & 30’ side yard request reduction to 10’ & 10% maximum lot coverage increased to 12% for the construction of a 20’ x 30’ accessory structure. (Tabled to 11/18/14) Page 2 of 3 J. OTHER MATTERS: K. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Ray Dussault, and second by Dorothy Travers it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:22 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lee Smith Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3