TOWN OF SOMERS

PLANNING COMMISSION

P.O. BOX 308

SOMERS, CONNECTICUT 06071

 

PLANNING MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING

Thursday, July 14, 2005

7:00 p.m.     Town Hall

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

Chairman Karl Walton called the regular meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.  Members Karl Walton, Mike Collins, and Alternates Greg Genlot (seated for Brad Pellessier), Georgeanne Kuzmann (seated for Michelle Hayward) and Joe Iadarola (seated for Cliff Bordeaux) were present and constituted a quorum.  Town Planner Patrice Carson and Town Engineer Merv Strauss were also present.

 

II.        OLD BUSINESS

 

a.         Other

 

No other Old Business was presented.

 

III.       NEW BUSINESS

 

a.            Subdivision Application #387:  1-Lot, 119 Parker Road, Buck Builders LLC

 

Blaine Buck presented plans for a lot at 119 Parker Road.  Attorney John Parks spoke on his behalf, explaining that the lot was once part of an 18-acre parcel deeded to “Howard” on August 3, 1953.  An approximately 5.3-acre section of that parcel was deeded to “Sullivan” in 1965.

 

Sullivan attained permission from the Zoning Board of Appeals to break the 5.3-acre parcel into 2 parcels with the larger parcel containing the right to construct a private road for the purpose of reaching the rear parcel in order to construct one house at some time in the future.  The property has remained as it is since that time and a private road has not yet been built.  By definition, this lot should have been a subdivision because it was a second cut.

 

According to the plan presented by Mr. Buck, the approximately 700 foot private road, once constructed, will be considered the driveway for the home.  It was noted that it has generally been required by the Fire Department to have a turnout on any driveway over 300 feet in length.  Mrs. Carson has forwarded the plans to Fire Chief Bill Meier for his review and comments.

 

Mr. Strauss stated that if a driveway contains a grade over 10%, then the section(s) containing a grade over the 10% must be paved.  However, because of the need for water and erosion control on this driveway, paving the entire driveway might not be suitable.  It was requested that Mr. Buck research various surfacing options to determine which one is best suited for providing the necessary erosion control and taking care of any water runoff.

 

There does not seem to be any land in the subdivision that could feasibly be used for open space, so the applicant and Commission agreed that an appraisal for an open space fee in lieu of land would be required.  Mrs. Carson will contact the appraiser.  The plan will still be referred to the Open Space/Trails Committee for comment.

 

Since the site plan showed an area of ledge, Mr. Strauss inquired as to whether or not Mr. Buck had checked to see if there was ledge where the house was to be built.  Mr. Buck had not tested in that area specifically.  Mr. Strauss suggested that further testing be done in order to be sure none was present.

 

Mrs. Carson requested either a letter from the current owner of the parcel granting permission to Mr. Buck to apply for the subdivision or the applicant must sign the application.  Mr. Buck will present a letter and he will meet with the neighbor about the possibility of an easement for a driveway turnaround.

 

Mrs. Carson also requested that copies of the variance and the legal notice be submitted.

 

It was the consensus of the Commission that no public hearing will be required.

 

b.         Other

 

No other New Business was presented.

 

IV.            DISCUSSION:  PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

 

The next joint Planning & Zoning Commissions meeting will be Monday, July 25th at 7:00 pm.

 

V.            STAFF/COMMISSIONER REPORTS

 

Patrice Carson reported that she has been working on the Age Restricted Housing project and also with Buck Builders regarding 119 Parker Road.

 

She has also been asked by the Board of Selectmen to begin signing off on all zoning permits.

 

VI.            AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

 

There was none.

 

VII.            CORRESPONDENCE AND BILLS

 

There were none.

 

VIII.            MINUTES APPROVAL

 

A motion was made by Joe Iadarola, seconded by Mike Collins and unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the June 23, 2005 meeting as presented.

 

IX.            ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Greg Genlot, seconded by Joe Iadarola and unanimously voted to adjourn the July 14, 2005 Planning Commission meeting at 7:47 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Brad Pellissier, Secretary                                  Robin Timmons, Recording Secretary

 

MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVAL AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING.