PZC

Planning and Zoning Commission

August 25, 2020 – 7:30 PM

Meeting Agenda

Please Note: This meeting was held online.

 Members Present:

Walter Parsell

Bob Shabot 

Laurie Semprebon

Doug Roberts

Members Absent:

Joe Lucia

Andrew Marco

Joe Hall

Also present:

Michael D’Amato – Zoning Agent

Ashley Stephens- Assistant Land Use Agent

W. Parsell opened the meeting at 7:39 pm.

C. Public Hearing: none

D. New Business:

M. D’Amato started a discussion about section 7.07.03, Livestock. He was looking for an interpretation about what the section embodies and what an animal unit consist of.

The commission discussed the definition, non-conforming lots, and the space animals need. The commission decided to leave the section as is for the time being and confirmed that the spirit of the regulation was to prohibit “animal units” on small lots in Town.

M. D’Amato then started a discussion about Section 19 sign regulations. He explained that staff was working to review and update the section. One goal is to  simplify them, as well as change the size allowance for wall signs, and that our sign regulations need to be content neutral (meaning that it should be regulated by zone and not who puts it up). He also stated he would like to streamline the process so businesses and residents don’t need a professional to help them obtain a zoning permit for a sign.

E. Unfinished Business: none

F. Approval of Minutes:

D. Roberts made a motion to approve the minutes from May 19, 2020.

L. Semprebon seconded the motion. All in favor.

G. Correspondence: none

H. Public Comment:

The Commission will hear brief comments at this time from anyone wishing to speak. No business can be conducted here nor can any comments be made about any items on the agenda.

None

Staff Report/Discussion:

M. D’Amato gave an update from Loves Travel Stop that was approved earlier this year. Loves has submitted their revised plans in response to the conditions of approval. As part of that approval, the Commission gave staff the ability to review and approve those changes. Staff feels that all the changes were included as required and as such would be approving the final plan set. . The biggest change is that they abandoned the tire changing building and replaced that area with a parking space. Something that was identified by Love’s attorney was that the permit stated that work would need to be started in 6 months of the issuance of the permit. This was an error on our permitting system as the language was carried over from our building permit. After sending it to our town attorney, he said it is not applicable and that permit timeframes are instructed by statue. This was an error on the permitting system and will be adjusted. They have provided all of the documentation they were requested to and they intend to begin building in the spring. We will have to figure out the clerk of the works hiring process for the town in the coming months.

The Land Use office submitted a grant application for an affordable housing grant. All towns are required to have this plan, and we received the grant funding from the State. The resolution was executed from the Board of Selectmen so we can start working towards it.

The office also submitted a LOTCIP grant for the South Willington area and we were short-listed and will hopefully be funded in the future. 

 J.  Adjournment

W. Parsell stated that it was 8:10 and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ashley Stephens