Somersville Planning Committee

Minutes from May 8, 2008

Chairman David Reed called the meeting to order at 7:19pm in the lower level of the Somers Town Hall.

In attendance was David Reed, Chairman, Jill Conklin, Barry Moynihan, Ann Levesque Secretary, Karl Walton, David Pinney, First Selectman, Bob Cafarelli, Town Engineer and Director of Public Works, Guest; Thomas Maziarz, Director of Transportation, Capital Region Council of Government

The minutes from the April 10, 2008 meeting were unanimously approved.

David Reed introduced our Guest Thomas Maziarz, Director of Transportation, Capital Region Council of Government (CROCG)

Tom Maziarz addressed the committee; He said he likes the Somersville area “it’s a real gem” . Having grown up in Enfield he has driven through the area many times.

David Reed displayed the Somerville streetscape designed by BSC Group.

Bob Cafarelli discussed the drainage problems along sections of Main Street and the lack of appropriate drainage in the area, and where we might establish new storm sewers.

Tom Maziarz questioned whether or not the Maple Street bridge need to be replaced; if not then the moneys might be used for other projects. Tom also spoke of the hydraulic study; he thinks that dam and hydraulic work still need to be improved. Tom wants to meet with the Town Engineer to look over the study.

Patrice Carson and Karl Walton joined the meeting.

Tom said one of our major problems is safety at the crosswalks. He went on to say how other towns such as Hartford - have successfully addressed the issue on Albany Avenue using bump outs to shorten the distance. Tom also mentioned that in June a new Department of Transportation Commissioner (DOT) will be seated, and that the DOT is gradually changing, being more open to new ideas. Tom went on to say that we should be thinking long term 20-30 years for properties to turnover and improvement to take shape.

Tom said we should initially allocate money for a more comprehensive study. This would focus more on drainage, traffic and safety within the intersection.

David Penney asked if we were to expand the project out to include drainage, bridge and traffic would we be entitled to new money. Tom stated there is a lot of work to access before he could bring our plan to the committee in a favorable light.

Again Tom stated these projects take a very long time, he suggested we use $500,000 to hire an engineer to design a master plan detailing infrastructure for drainage, traffic and safety, so we don’t skip a beat. Tom said he could have the DOT project concept unit look at the 190 corridor study and see if they think it’s a viable project.

David Reed asked how long the DOT would need to complete his study. Tom said the scoping process would take a month or so; they are under staffed at this point.

Tom stated he would also need a month or more to get the district office out in to the field.

David Penney mentioned that he is interested in looking in to whether or not Somerville would qualify for housing redevelopment; where property owners could borrow money with low interest rates to improve their properties’ curb appeal.

David Reed asked that we consider changing our meeting dates to accommodate Karl Walton and Patrice Carson, perhaps the first and third Thursdays of the month. David also stated the auction last week did not produce a buyer for the mill property.

A motion was made by Barry Moynihan to adjourn the meeting seconded by Karl Walton the meeting was adjourned 8:34pm.

Minutes are not official until approved at a subsequent meeting.

Submitted by,

Jill Conklin, Acting Secretary