Members present: Chairperson Murtha, Susan Burnham, Joseph Carino, Edwina Futtner, Dwight Johnson, Krista Marchesseault, Donald Mercure, and James Murray
Members absent: Mark Lillis and Marilyn Morrison
Alternates present: John Mitchell sitting for Mark Lillis
Roseann Williams sitting for Marilyn Morrison
Michael Patitucci
Others Present: Craig Stevenson, Economic Development Consultant
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairperson Murtha called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Complete
3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Discussion regarding a request for a zone amendment in the Gateway zone
Attorney Hal Cummings from Cummings, Lanza & Purnhagen came before the Commission. He explained that a request for a zoning amendment was discussed at the November 15, 2006 meeting. At that meeting the Commission voted to support appl. #06-49P – Cumming’s amendment option A – for zoning amendment to section 3.8.4 to allow grocery stores less than 22,000 square feet at least 1,000 feet from any other existing grocery store in the Buckland Road Gateway Development zone. When this application, with two different requests, went before the Planning & Zoning Commission it was not approved. The new request that will be brought to the Planning & Zoning Commission is to have grocery stores at least 1500 feet from any other existing grocery stores within the Gateway Buckland zone. This
change in the regulations will apply to grocery stores within the zone and not grocery stores within other zones. This amendment to the regulations will promote economic development and growth in the community. The applicant is requesting that the Commission support this request.
Mr. Peter DeMallie from Design Professionals, Inc. came before the Commission. He stated that he does not feel the zoning regulations should restrict grocery stores and restrict distances between grocery stores.
Commissioner Carino explained that the Planning & Zoning Commission stated their reasoning for not wanting grocery stores in close proximity of each other is because there is a chance of closures. Commissioner Carino felt this was not a justified reason for denial and also stated that competition is good for business.
Answering questions from the Commission, Attorney Cummings stated that the business in question is for a grocery store of no more than 22,000 square feet. Attorney Cummings explained the location of the Buckland Gateway zone.
Mr. Stevenson stated that changing of the regulations will only apply to grocery stores within the Gateway Development zone. The purpose of the zoning regulations is not to protect any particular business.
Deming Street Plaza, Buckland Road
Mr. Peter DeMallie from Design Professionals, Inc. came before the Commission to discuss this project. He explained that the site was originally part of the Calvary Church property which was approximately 10 acres in size. The property will be subdivided and the front portion of the property, which is 4.6 acres, will consist of a restaurant, retail and a bank. All of the proposed uses are allowed in this zone. All interior landscaping requirements have been met.
Answering questions from the Commission, Mr. DeMallie explained that road improvements to Deming Street will be done in order to create a safer situation. Access to the site will be from Deming Street. Drainage for the area has already been complete. Delivery trucks will park in the front of the store where the deliveries are being made. There will be enough room in the parking area to accommodate fire apparatus.
M & R Liquors, Buckland Road
Mr. Peter DeMallie came before the Commission to discuss the project of M & R Liquors. The property is just under three acres and is proposed to have a 6,000 square foot building constructed on the right side of the property and a 14,000 square foot building on the other side of the property. The 14,000 square foot building will house M & R Liquors. The buildings will have a shared driveway that will be located on the property line. These businesses will be separate entities, but will have the same type of architectural design as well as landscaping. The applicant would like the Economic Development Commission to endorse this project when it is being presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Answering questions from the Commission, Mr. DeMallie explained that both properties have been surveyed.
4. Approval of Minutes
Motion to: approve the minutes of the October 16, 2006 Special Meeting.
Was made by Commissioner Mitchell
Seconded by Commissioner Burnham
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Motion to: approve the minutes of the November 15, 2006 Regular Meeting.
Was made by Commissioner Mitchell
Seconded by Commissioner Futtner
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: 9 to 2 with Commissioners Murtha, Burnham, Carino, Johnson, Marchesseault, Mitchell, Williams and Patitucci voting in favor of approval and Commissioners Murray and Mercure abstained.
5. Old Business
None
6. Committee Report
Report from Joseph Carino, Liaison – Water Pollution Control Authority
Mr. Joseph Carino told the Economic Development Commission members that the Water Pollution Control Authority will be having a public hearing in February regarding a grease separator. Results will be given to the EDC after this application has been heard.
7. Communications and Remarks
Report from Craig Stevenson, Economic Development Consultant
Keystone Paper Box Co, 31 Edwin Road – Company is expanding their operations to this property as well as keeping their main operation in East Windsor.
Kennedy Road/Sullivan Avenue – Discussions are still happening with prospective company interested in this property.
85 Nutmeg Road – There is a prospective individual interested in this property, but clean up of the property will need to be done prior to having the building occupied.
Rye Street – An entity is interested in property. Significant improvements need to be made in order to have this property occupied by this company. A tax abatement of 100% for seven years has been recommended.
DST Realty – Project is nearing completion.
8. New Business
Zoning Amendment in the Gateway Zone
Commissioner Carino stated that he does not feel this should be in the jurisdiction of the Planning & Zoning Commission. Commissioner Marchesseault agreed with Commissioner Carino.
Motion to: support amendment as proposed in order to change restrictions on grocery stores within the Gateway Development zone.
Was made by Commissioner Mitchell
Seconded by Commissioner Johnson
The motion was withdrawn
After a brief discussion, members of the Commission decided they would rather eliminate the regulation because it restricts the zoning regulations too much.
Motion to: recommend that the Planning & Zoning Commission amend the Gateway Development zone regulations by deleting the section that refers to distance restrictions on grocery stores in the Gateway Development zone.
Was made by Commissioner Mercure
Seconded by Commissioner Marchesseault
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Mr. Craig Stevenson stated that when he appears before the Planning & Zoning Commission, he will explained what was discussed at this meeting and the concerns of Commission members.
Deming Street Plaza, Buckland Road
Commission members felt this would be a good use for the property.
Motion to: support the Deming Street Plaza proposal as presented.
Was made by Commissioner Mitchell
Seconded by Commissioner Futtner
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
The Commission will discuss the proposal for M & R Liquors at the next scheduled meeting.
9. General Discussion
The Commission will not meet on their regularly scheduled meeting date of January 24, 2007. The next scheduled meeting is on February 28, 2007.
10. Adjournment
Motion to: adjourn the meeting at 9:31 p.m.
Was made by Commissioner Mitchell
Seconded by Commissioner Murray
The motion: carried
The vote was as follows: unanimous
Respectfully Submitted,
____________________________
Deborah W. Reid, Recording Secretary
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