Planning and Zoning Commission

CITY OF WEST HAVEN, CONNECTICUT Planning and Zoning Commission City Hall • 355 Main Street • First Floor • West Haven, Connecticut 06516 Phone 203.937.3580 • Fax 203.937.3742 CITY HALL 1896 -1967 ` Joseph Vecellio, Alternate Christopher Suggs Chairman Sammy Rivera, Alternate John Biancur, Vice-Chairman Vacant, Alternate Greg Milano, Secretary Brian Miller, Consultant Gene F. Sullivan, Commissioner Catherine Conniff, Asst. City Planner Michael Todd Taylor, Commissioner MEETING MINUTES OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APRIL 9, 2024 The West Haven Planning and Zoning Commission held a Regular Meeting and Public Hearing on Tuesday April 9, 2024, in the in the Harriet North Room, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 355 Main Street, West Haven, CT at 6:00 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioners Suggs, Milano, Sullivan, Biancur, Vecellio, Rivera, Assistant City Planner Conniff, ZEO Hotchkiss, Consultant Brian Miller PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Sullivan made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting and Public Hearings of March 26, 2024, seconded by Commissioner Biancur and passed. Continuation: 373–377 Campbell Avenue: An application to obtain a grocery beer liquor license in the CBD (Central Business District) in pursuant to section 45 of the City of West Haven Zoning Regulations Owner SABS food LLC / Applicant Gurmindor Grenal File # SP 24-18 Commissioner Suggs stated a letter was received dated 3/24/24 asking for the application to be withdrawn. Deliberation on item: 373-377 Campbell Avenue File # SP 24-18 Withdrawn Public Hearing: 88 Clark Street: An application to install (4) four Electrical Vehicle Chargers in the NB (Neighborhood Business) district. In pursuant to section 75 of the City of West Haven Zoning regulations. Owner / applicant Peter Hart File # SR 24-19 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3 Applicant stated this application is for Level 2 electric vehicle chargers for public use. He stated the address is 88 and 90 Clark St. He spoke to the Town Engineer and his comments were addressed. Commissioner Suggs stated presently there are no regulations for this particular use. In that case, section 1.14.2 states any use is prohibited if not addressed in the regulations. Commission discussed having to ask applicants to come back once regulations are implemented. Commissioner Milano gave the applicant the types of information the commission is looking, i.e., how long a car can stay, amount of charging, management of the EV chargers. Mr. Miller stated in the absence of regulations it is similar to a gas pump without the environmental issues. On a commercial basis it could be looked at as a site plan. This type would be the fast charger having its own transformer. In residential uses, it could be an accessory use. This application is an independent use and the commission needs to decide which zones EV chargers should be permitted and what types EV’s are allowed. Ms. Conniff read comments into the file from the Town Engineer and Building Official. Since there are no regulations, Attorney Kravetz stated there is no time limit for a continuation since this is not a public hearing. Mr. Hart stated there are six in the city’s parking lot which commissioners had no knowledge of. Commissioner Suggs explained what the applicant can do until regulations are created. Ms. Conniff explained that someone complained and staff went out and informed applicant he needed to stop and cease and desist was issued. However, there is a charger there now. Mr. Miller stated the issue is the commercial use for these chargers and suggests continuing this application. Attorney Kravetz stated the correct way is for the applicant to withdraw and refile when regulations are in place. Mr. Miller stated the city EV chargers are accessory to the city use and for town owned vehicles not for commercial use. Applicant requests application be withdrawn effective April 9, 2024. Deliberation on item: 88 Clark Street File # SP 24-19 Withdrawn Staff Reports: Applications for April 23rd - 441 Derby Ave; marijuana dispensary and referral to SCROG for regulations for tobacco and smoke shops and 24 hr. convenience stores Beach St Condos, 2 Morse St. – pavilion constructed with a fire pit which wasn’t on the plan. Commissioner Biancur suggested checking with the Center Fire District regarding open fires. Other Business: Discussion on Historic District proposed regulations such as: Using 1950 as cutoff Having to a finding Permitted uses, multi-family, residential and professional offices Bedroom count Design standards Parking Density Incentives Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 Discussion Electric Charging Stations Accessory Use 1, 2 & 3 family house and attached to the house Municipal lots Retail areas Industrial zones for business purposes Size of station Limit the number of stations Pole installation ADJOURNMENT: 7:56 P.M. Commissioner Rivera made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Biancur and passed. Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3