TOWN OF SOMERS

PLANNING COMMISSION

P. O. Box 308

Somers, Connecticut 06071

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES

3/27/03; 7:00 p.m.

Town Hall

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Karl Walton called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Members present were: Karl Walton; Cliff Bordeaux; Len Viera (7:05) and Alternates Tom McCaleb; Michelle Hayward; and Brad Pellissier (7:05). Michelle Hayward was seated for Jackie Haas and Tom McCaleb was seated for Michael Collins. Also present was Town Planner, Patrice Carson.

II. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: There was none.

III. OLD BUSINESS: There was none.

IV. NEW BUSINESS:

a. Discussion/Possible Decision: Termination of Whisper Woods II Phase 1 Subdivision Approval, Wood Road, JOIF

Patrice Carson explained that this was an 8-lot subdivision on Wood Road that was approved in March, 2002. The applicant was known as JOIF and was represented by Ed Crowe. State Statute requires that the approved plans must be filed with the Town Clerk within (90) days of the expiration of the appeal period. The applicant also has the right to apply for (2) extensions. These plans have not been filed with the Town Clerk - the applicant did not ask for an extension. Therefore, this subdivision approval is null and void.

Cliff Bordeaux made a motion to terminate the approval of JOIF Limited Partnership's subdivision known as "Whisper Woods II - Phase I" on Wood Road, application #366, in accordance with Section 8-25 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, which states that any plan for subdivision shall, upon approval, be recorded in the office of the town clerk within ninety days of the expiration of the appeal period, and any plan not so recorded shall become null and void. This subdivision was approved on March 14, 2002, the appeal period ended April 6, 2002, and the ninety (90) day filing period expired on July 5, 2002. No plans were ever recorded with the Town Clerk. Therefore the Commission declares this subdivision null and void.

This motion was seconded by Michelle Hayward and unanimously approved by the Commission.

Patrice Carson added that any lot that has been sold in this subdivision now becomes an illegal sale and would be declared null and void. One lot had been promised to Bay State Environmental as payment for their engineering services.

V. STAFF/COMMISSIONER REPORTS:

Patrice Carson said she feels that quite a bit was accomplished at the first meeting of the Steering Committee that was held on 3/20/03. Future meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month.

Len Viera asked if the Commission could discuss the future use of the Somersville Mill complex on Maple Street. He said it is a shame to see the property sitting empty and being vandalized on a regular basis. Karl Walton said the Mill is still in litigation with the Town and therefore discussions can not be held about its future use.

Jackie Haas had asked about a swale that she thought was required between her mother's house and the Hanks property. Patrice Carson checked the subdivision approval and said there was never a requirement for a swale between the two properties although the land was built up to form a natural swale.

VI. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: There was none.

VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND BILLS: There was none.

VIII. MINUTES APPROVAL: March 13, 2003

Cliff Bordeaux made a motion to approve the 3/13/03 minutes, as written. This motion was seconded by Michelle Hayward and unanimously approved by the Commission.

IX. ADJOURNMENT:

Cliff Bordeaux made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Michelle Hayward and unanimously approved by the Commission. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Leonard Viera, Secretary

Connie Carenzo, Recording Secretary