MINUTES OF THE
BETHANY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING OF WEDN
The Special Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission
was called to order at 7:16 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany
Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, Connecticut.
The following Commission Members
were present:
Kimberly McClure Brinton, Chair
Michael Sullivan, Vice-Chairman
Michael Calhoun, Member
Donna Shea, Member
Bradford Buchta, Alternate Member
Carol Lambiase, Alternate Member,
seated as a voting member
The
following Commission Members were absent:
Douglas Goldner, Member
Eric
McDonald, Alternate Member
Also present were:
Hiram
Peck, Planning Consultant
Isabel
Kearns, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Kevin
McSherry, Town Attorney
Peter
Olson, Special Counsel
Discussion and possible action on the following
Applications submitted by 667 Amity Road LLC/Matt Micros for property located
at 667, 679, 681, 687 Amity Road :
Application #2016-003 for a Site Plan Approval to
construct 2 outdoor soccer fields and a new building.
Application #2016-006 for a New Use Permit to operate
an office for soccer fields/sports use.
Application #2016-007 for a Special Exception Earth
Removal, Excavation, Stockpiling, Filling and Grading Permit.
Commission members discussed the plans submitted for the
applications and the record from the public hearing. The Commission then proceeded to deliberate.
It was moved by Sullivan and
seconded by Calhoun to approve the request to waive the submission by the
applicant of the architectural renderings at this time.
Voting for: Brinton,
Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea, Lambiase.
Unanimous approval.
667-687 Amity
Road – It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Calhoun to approve the
following resolution for Application #2016-003:
Whereas, the owner of the property, Mario
Gambardella, Trustee, signed the application which listed 667 Amity Road,
LLC/Matt Micros as being the applicant.
This document was dated April 4,
2016;
Whereas, the
applicant, Matt Micros, authorized John Paul Garcia to be his agent in a letter
dated March 17, 2016;
Whereas, the
Commission held a public hearing at their Special Meeting of May 11, 2016. Said hearing was recessed until the Regular
Meeting of June 1, 2016 for this Site Plan Application (#2016-003) which is being held in
conjunction with the public hearings for the Special Exception Earth
Removal/Filling Application (#2016-007) and a New Use Permit (#2016-006);
Whereas, the
public hearing was closed at the conclusion of testimony on June 1, 2016;
Whereas, the
Commission, at its Special Meeting of June 22, 2016, considered the plans,
testimony, statement of use and other pertinent application information
relating to this site plan for a commercial indoor soccer club building and two
outdoor soccer fields including associated site work at 667-687 Amity Road
(#2016-003);
Now Therefore,
the Commission makes the following findings of fact and decision regarding this
application:
The Commission received correspondence dated April 11,
2016, from Ronald Walters, South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority
representative, in which he made routine comments regarding the maintenance of
erosion and sedimentation measures and the above-ground storage of fuel
oil. Any hazardous materials should be
stored in a secondary container. He also
stated that the existing building should be examined for hazardous materials
prior to demolition. Demolition
materials should be removed from the construction site and disposed of
properly. Lastly, he stated that runoff
from the driveway and parking area should be pretreated prior to
infiltration. Roof drainage does not
require pretreatment. An inspection and
maintenance schedule for the stormwater management system should be included on
the site plan and so should the party responsible for the inspection and
maintenance of the system.
The Commission received a letter dated April 12, 2016,
from Roderick White, Fire Marshal, who indicated that he is unable to make
specific comments at this time. However,
he noted that a building of this size will have specific requirements regarding
the Connecticut Fire Safety Code (CFSC) and the corresponding National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) documents.
The plans presented for review will need to be completed by a Certified
Design Professional who is trained in recognizing and providing for the
subsequent requirements.
The Commission received a letter dated April 5, 2016,
from the Inlands Wetlands Commission in which they offer the following
stipulations: 1) They would like the Planning and Zoning Commission’s review to
include a review by their Consulting Engineer that the drainage, as presented
to the Inland Wetlands Commission, is accurate.
2) There shall be no lighting on
the outside soccer fields or in the westerly parking lot and if that is
proposed, the applicant will need to submit to the Inland Wetlands Commission
for review. 3) The use of impervious surface for the
easterly parking lot should be considered.
The Commission received a letter dated May 4, 2016,
from John Laudano of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District in which he states
the drawing demonstrates that a viable septic system could be installed on the
property in conjunction with the proposed buildings and proposed use of the
property.
The Commission received a letter dated May 6, 2016,
from Dave Nafis, Town Engineer, in which he offers the following comments: 1) The modular block wall along the northerly
property line, the drawings have the maximum height listed differently. Confirm height and that the reinforcing mesh
will not extend over property line. 2)
Are there any measures proposed from keeping soccer balls from leaving
the site? 3) More erosion control will
be needed at intermediate stages during throughout this project. 4)
Check the Stormwater storage volume.
Based on the design, my calculations are for around 16,000 CF for the
rear area, using 40% void space for stone.
5) What is going to happen with
the easements across the property?
6) What is the use of the
proposed building? 7) Are there any loading spaces? 8) Does the site lighting impact neighboring
properties? It appears there is not
lighting for the fields. 10) Where will the material stockpile areas be
located? 11) Are there any sidewalks into or around the
building? To the fields? 12)
Handicapped access to building and fields? The Commission subsequently received a letter
from Mr. Nafis dated Mary 23, 2016, in which he states that Mr. Garcia has
addressed most of our issues. Mr. Garcia
supplied him with additional information regarding the storage volume for the
drainage system and they appear to be correct.
The drainage system has adequate capacity. However, he recommends that a few of his
comments be made part of the conditions of approval: 1) Should soccer balls leaving the site
become an issue, the applicant will be responsible for taking the appropriate
actions for correcting it. 2) The
applicant shall be responsible for implementing any necessary soil and erosion
control measures and that the plans shall serve as the minimum
requirements. 3) There is no field
lighting.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that pursuant to Section 5.2.A. of
the Bethany Zoning Regulations, amended October 30, 2015, the Bethany
Planning and Zoning Commission approves
the Site Plan Application to construct a 62,500 square foot commercial indoor
soccer club building and two outdoor soccer fields including associated site
work located at 667-687 Amity Road, as presented in the application, statement
of use and testimony and as per the following plans prepared by John Paul
Garcia & Associates, Bethany, Connecticut:
“Existing Conditions Map”, dated February 3, 2016, with
no revisions, Drawing No. C-1.
“Site Development Plan”, dated February 3, 2016,
revised to May 16, 2016, Drawing No. C-2.
“Erosion and Sediment Control Plan”, dated February 3,
2016, revised to May 16, 2016, Drawing No. C-3.
“Stormwater Management and Layout Plan”, dated February
3, 2016, revised to May 16, 2016,
Drawing No. C-4.
“Lighting and Landscaping Plan”, dated February 3,
2016, revised to May 16, 2016, Drawing No. C-5.
“Lighting and Landscaping Details”, dated February 3,
2016, with no revisions, Drawing No. C-6.
“Typical Details”, dated February 3, 2016, revised to
May 16, 2016, Drawing No. C-7.
“Typical Details”, dated February 3, 2016, with no
revisions, Drawing No. C-8.
“Septic Plan”, dated March 31, 2016, Drawing No. C-9.
And with the following conditions:
An estimate for sedimentation and erosion controls
measures must be submitted by the applicant and approved by Town Engineer. Said bond must be in place prior to the
commencement of any site work and must be in a form acceptable to town counsel.
Prior to commencement of site work, the Zoning
Enforcement Officer shall inspect and approve ALL erosion control measures.
Per the letter from Ron Walters, SCCRWA representative,
an inspection and maintenance schedule for the stormwater management system
should be included on the site plan. The
party responsible for inspection and maintenance of the system should also be
identified on the site plan.
A lot-line revision map must be reviewed and approved
by the Zoning Enforcement Officer and filed on the land records prior to any
permits being issued.
Should soccer balls leaving the site become an issue;
the applicant will be responsible for taking the appropriate actions for
correcting it.
The applicant shall be responsible for implementing any
necessary soil and erosion controls measures, as the plans shall serve as the
minimum requirements.
There is no field lighting proposed at this time.
There shall be no parking of vehicles at the airport at
any time.
If future designated additional parking is needed, the
applicant will re-apply to the Planning and Zoning Commission for said parking.
The
Commission waived the requirement for the submission of architectural
renderings at this time but the applicant shall be required to submit
architectural renderings, plans for changing the screening and further
information on the field surface prior to the issuance of a building permit by
the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
Vote 5 to 0.
Voting
for: Brinton, Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea,
Lambiase.
Unanimous
approval.
667-687 Amity
Road – It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Lambiase to approve the
following resolution for Application #2016-006:
Whereas, the owner of the property, Mario
Gambardella, Trustee, signed the application which listed 667 Amity Road, LLC/Matt Micros as being the
applicant. This document was dated April
4, 2016;
Whereas, the
applicant, Matt Micros, authorized John Paul Garcia to be his agent in a letter
dated March 17, 2016;
Whereas, the
Commission held a public hearing at their Special Meeting of May 11, 2016. Said hearing was recessed until the next
Regular Meeting of June 1, 2016, for this new use soccer club (#2016-006) which
is being held in conjunction with the public hearing for the Special Exception
Earth Removal/Filling Application (#2016-007) and Site Plan Approval for
construction of a 62,500 square foot building and two soccer fields and
associated site work (#2016-003);
Whereas, the
public hearing was closed at the conclusion of testimony on June 1, 2016;
Whereas, the
Commission at its Special Meeting of June 22, 2016, considered the plans,
testimony, statement of use and other pertinent application information
relating to this new use permit to operate a soccer club at 667-687 Amity Road
(2016-006);
Now Therefore,
the Commission makes the following findings of fact and decision regarding this
application:
The Commission received correspondence dated April 11,
2016, from Ronald Walters, South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority
representative, in which he offers boilerplate comments for erosion and
sedimentation controls, fuel oil storage and hazardous material storage. He also said that the existing building
should be examined for hazardous materials prior to demolition and demolition
material should be removed from the construction site and disposed of
properly. Also, runoff from the driveway
and parking should be pretreated prior to infiltration. Roof drainage does not require pretreatment. An inspection and maintenance schedule for
the stormwater management system should be included on the site plan. The party responsible for inspection and
maintenance of the system should also be identified on the site plan.
The Commission received a letter dated April 12, 2016,
from Roderick White, Fire Marshal, who indicated that he is unable to make
specific comments at this time. However,
he noted that a building of this size will have specific requirements in
regards to the Connecticut Fire Safety Code (CFSC) and the corresponding
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) documents. The plans presented for review will need to be
completed by a Certified Design Professional who is trained in recognizing and
providing for the subsequent requirements.
The Commission received a letter dated April 5, 2016,
from the Inlands Wetlands Commission in which they offer the following
stipulations: 1) Would like the Planning
and Zoning Commission’s review to include a review by their Consulting Engineer
that the drainage, as presented to the Inland Wetlands Commission, is
accurate. 2) There shall be no lighting on the outside
soccer fields or in the westerly parking lot and if that is proposed, the
applicant will need to submit to the Inland Wetlands Commission for
review. 3) The use of impervious surface for the
easterly parking lot should be considered.
The Commission received a letter dated May 4, 2016,
from John Laudano of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, which states the
drawing demonstrates that a viable septic system could be installed on the
property in conjunction with the proposed buildings and proposed use of the
property.
The Commission received a letter dated May 6, 2016,
from Dave Nafis, Town Engineer, in which he offers the following comments: 1) The modular block wall along the northerly
property line, the drawings have the maximum height listed differently. Confirm height and that the reinforcing mesh
will not extend over property line. 2)
Are there any measures proposed from keeping soccer balls from leaving
the site? 3) More erosion control will
be needed at intermediate stages during throughout this project. 4)
Check the Stormwater storage volume.
Based on the design, my calculations are for around 16,000 CF for the
rear area, using 40% void space for stone.
5) What is going to happen with
the easements across the property?
6) What is the use of the
proposed building? 7) Are there any loading spaces? 8) Does the site lighting impact neighboring
properties? It appears there is not
lighting for the fields. 10) Where will the material stockpile areas be
located? 11) Are there any sidewalks into or around the
building? To the fields? 12)
Handicapped access to building and fields?
Now Therefore Be It
Resolved, that pursuant to Section 5.1.A. of the Bethany Zoning
Regulations, amended to October 30, 2015, the Bethany Planning and Zoning
Commission approves the New Use of a soccer club located at 667-687 Amity Road,
as presented in the application, including the statement of use and testimony.
And with the following modifications:
Should soccer balls leaving the site become an issue;
the applicant will be responsible for taking the appropriate actions for
correcting it.
The applicant shall be responsible for implementing any
necessary soil and erosion controls measures and that the plans shall serve as
the minimum requirements.
There is not field lighting proposed at this time.
There shall be no parking at the airport at any time.
If future designated additional parking is needed the
applicant will re-apply to the Planning & Zoning Commission for said parking.
Vote 5 to 0.
Voting for: Brinton, Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea, Lambiase.
Unanimous approval.
667-687 Amity
Road – It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Shea to approve the
following resolution for Application #2016-007:
Whereas, the owner of the property, Mario
Gambardella, Trustee, signed the application which listed 667 Amity Road,
LLC/Matt Micros as being the applicant.
This document was dated April 4,
2016;
Whereas, the
applicant, Matt Micros, authorized John Paul Garcia to be his agent in a letter
dated March 17, 2016;
Whereas, the
Commission held a public hearing at their special meeting of May 11, 2016. Said hearing was recessed until the Regular
Meeting of June 1, 2016, for this Special Exception – Earth Excavation/Filling
at 667-687 Amity Road (#2016-007) which is being held in conjunction with the
public hearing for Site Plan Approval to construct a 62,500 square foot
commercial indoor soccer club building and two outdoor soccer fields including
associated site work (#2016-003) and a New Use Permit (#2016-006);
Whereas, the
public hearing was closed at the conclusion of testimony on June 1, 2016;
Whereas, the
Commission, at its Special Meeting of June 22, 2016, considered the plans,
testimony, statement of use and other pertinent application information
relating to this Special Exception – Earth Excavation/Filling at 667-687 Amity
Road (#2016-007);
Now Therefore,
the Commission makes the following findings of fact and decision regarding this
application:
The Commission received correspondence dated April 11,
2016, from Ronald Walters, South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority
representative, in which he made routine comments regarding the maintenance of
erosion and sedimentation measures and the above-ground storage of fuel
oil. Any hazardous materials should be
stored in a secondary container. He also
stated that the existing building should be examined for hazardous materials
prior to demolition. Demolition
materials should be removed from the construction site and disposed of
properly. Lastly, he stated that runoff
from the driveway and parking area should be pretreated prior to
infiltration. Roof drainage does not
require pretreatment. An inspection and
maintenance schedule for the stormwater management system should be included on
the site plan and so should the party responsible for the inspection and
maintenance of the system.
The Commission received a letter dated April 12, 2016,
from Roderick White, Fire Marshal, who indicated that he is unable to make
specific comments at this time. However,
he noted that a building of this size will have specific requirements in
regards to the Connecticut Fire Safety Code (CFSC) and the corresponding
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) documents. The plans presented for review will need to
be completed by a Certified Design Professional who is trained in recognizing
and providing for the subsequent requirements.
The Commission a letter dated April 5, 2016, from the
Inlands Wetlands Commission in which they offer the following
stipulations: 1) Would like the Planning and Zoning
Commission’s review to include a review by their Consulting Engineer that the
drainage, as presented to the Inland Wetlands Commission, is accurate. 2)
There shall be no lighting on the outside soccer fields or in the
westerly parking lot and if that is proposed, the applicant will need to submit
to the Inland Wetlands Commission for review.
3) The use of impervious surface
for the easterly parking lot should be considered.
The Commission received a letter dated May 4, 2016,
from John Laudano of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District which states the
drawing demonstrates that a viable septic system could be installed on the
property in conjunction with the proposed buildings and proposed use of the
property.
The Commission received a letter dated May 6, 2016,
from Dave Nafis, Town Engineer, in which he offers the following comments: 1) The modular block wall along the northerly
property line, the drawings have the maximum height listed differently. Confirm height and that the reinforcing mesh
will not extend over property line. 2)
Are there any measures proposed from keeping soccer balls from leaving
the site? 3) More erosion control will
be needed at intermediate stages during throughout this project. 4)
Check the Stormwater storage volume.
Based on the design, my calculations are for around 16,000 CF for the
rear area, using 40% void space for stone.
5) What is going to happen with
the easements across the property?
6) What is the use of the
proposed building? 7) Are there any loading spaces? 8) Does the site lighting impact neighboring
properties? It appears there is not
lighting for the fields. 10) Where will the material stockpile areas be
located? 11) Are there any sidewalks into or around the
building? To the fields? 12)
Handicapped access to building and fields?
Now Therefore Be It
Resolved, that pursuant to Section 8 of the Bethany Zoning Regulations,
amended to October 30, 2016, the Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission
approves this Special Exception – Earth Excavation/Filling for the purpose of
constructing a 62,500 square foot commercial indoor soccer club building and
two outdoor soccer fields including associated site work at 667-687 Amity Road,
as presented in the application, including the statement of use and testimony
and as per the following plans prepared by John Paul Garcia & Associates,
Bethany, Connecticut:
“Existing Conditions Map”, dated February 3, 2016, with
no revisions, Drawing No. C-1.
“Site Development Plan”, dated February 3, 2016,
revised to May 16, 2016, Drawing No. C-2.
“Erosion and Sediment Control Plan”, dated February 3,
2016, revised to May 16, 2016, Drawing No. C-3.
“Stormwater Management and Layout Plan”, dated February
3, 2016, revised to May 16, 2016,
Drawing No. C-4.
“Lighting and Landscaping Plan”, dated February 3,
2016, revised to May 16, 2016, Drawing No. C-5.
“Lighting and Landscaping Details”, dated February 3,
2016, with no revisions, Drawing No. C-6.
“Typical Details”, dated February 3, 2016, revised to
May 16, 2016, Drawing No. C-7.
“Typical Details”, dated February 3, 2016, with no
revisions, Drawing No. C-8.
“Septic Plan”, dated March 31, 2016, Drawing No. C-9.
And with the following conditions:
An estimate for sedimentation and erosion controls
measures must be submitted by the applicant and approved by Town Engineer. Said bond must be in place prior to the
commencement of any site work.
Prior to commencement of site work, the ZEO shall
inspect and approve ALL erosion control measures.
The height of the wall shall be no higher than six
feet.
Vote 5 to 0.
Voting for: Brinton, Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea, Lambiase.
Unanimous approval.
Present for this discussion for Hank Ellison of Station-Glo
of New England.
Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant, stated the Bethany Zoning
Regulations do not allow internally lite signs and the proposed sign qualifies
as an internally lite sign. Mr. Peck
then stated it was his recommendation that as presented the proposed sign does
not meet the Zoning Regulations.
Commission members discussed a zone text amendment
pertaining to internally lite signs.
Mr. Ellison submitted a letter dated June 22, 2016, to
withdraw Application #2016-008.
It was moved by Calhoun and
seconded by Sullivan that the applicant, Hank Ellison of Station-Glo of New
England withdrew Application #2016-008 and that the Commission will waive the
application fee at the time the applicant reapplies.
Voting for: Brinton, Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea, Lambiase.
Unanimous approval.
Present for this work session was
Peter Olson, Special Counsel.
The discussion was from information
only based on what is in the public hearing record; such as fire safety, public
health safety, traffic safety and driveway safety.
It was the consensus of the Planning
and Zoning Commission to direct Mr. Olson and Mr. Peck to draft a decision and
bring back to the regular meeting scheduled for July 6, 2016.
Tabled.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the
Commission, it was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Calhoun to adjourn the
Special Meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Voting for: Brinton,
Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea, Lambiase.
Unanimous
approval.
Respectfully submitted,
Antonia R. Marek, Clerk
for the Planning and Zoning Commission
ESDAY, JUNE 22,
2016 Page 1 of 10