Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes

Planning and Zoning
40 Old Farms Road Willington, CT 06279
June 6, 2017 7:00 PM
Meeting Minutes

Roll Call

Members Present:
Andrew Marco – Chairman
Doug Roberts – Vice-Chairman
Walter Parsell
Joe Lucia
Randy Belair - Alternate

Members Absent:
John Sullivan – Secretary
Ed Standish
Brittany Skorupski-Williams

Also Present:

Susan Yorgensen

Mr. Glenn Chalder representing Planimetrics.

Reviewing the second half of the First Draft of 2018 Plan of Conservation and Development

The review began with Chapter 7, Strengthen Villages.  Discussion was held on the lack of water and sewer and the impact it has on development.  Discussion was held on community water supplies.  S. Yorgensen said there can be privately owned water supplies.  G. Chalder suggested the Commission support companies that come along and want to establish a private water supply.  

A. Marco suggested the Commission identify areas in town that might support water and sewer so they are better equipped to present scenarios to a developer.  R. Belair said it would be great to get a successful restaurant to come to Willington, say in Phelps Plaza, but the obstacle is that they do not have sewer and water.  

7.2, Strengthen South Willington as a Focal Point.  G. Chalder said this information came out of the recommendation from the Vibrant Communities Initiative Study. A discussion was held on development.  

7.3, Organize West Willington as a Hamlet.  W. Parsell referenced the map and noted Track Nine Diner is now called River & Rail Café.

The Commission reviewed Chapter 8, Promote Appropriate Economic Development.  G. Chalder referenced 8.4, Ensure Appropriate Economic Development, and said in some Willington business districts, the zones were increased and may have created overly large business districts in various locations.  He suggested revisiting Zoning Districts, A.1.a (Business Districts) and Zoning Test, B.1.b (Split Zone Lots). S, Yorgensen said to keep in mind this could be a big re-write of the regulations. A discussion was held on re-zoning.

G. Chalder gave an overview of Chapter 9, Guide Residential Development. He said crumbling foundations was included in this section.  He also suggested identifying multifamily locations on the map.  The Commission agreed. In this chapter, A. Marco suggested eliminating the wording of noise pollution and changing it to noise transmission & trespass.  

A discussion was held on residential density.  G. Chalder said this new density formula of .3 lots per buildable acre would provide for more certainty in the housing market and better subdivisions.

In Chapter 9, section 9.6, Address Housing Needs, G. Chalder suggested reviewing the minimum floor area in the regulations.  A brief discussion was held.

Chapter 11, Enhance Community Facilities.  G. Chalder said he spoke to department heads in different facilities on their needs.  S. Yorgensen said there was a study done and she will email it to G. Chalder.

Chapter 12, Address Transportation Needs.  G. Chalder suggested looking at what they currently have and added that he spoke to the Public Works Director and pavement management is a big part of this. 

S. Yorgensen suggested putting some thought toward bike paths, walking paths and walkways.  G. Chalder suggested sidewalks in the village areas only.  R. Belair would like to investigate the feasibility of developing paths along the railroad and the river.  G. Chalder said he would capture that thought on page 32 and 78 with the wording of “encourage establishment of linear trails along the Willimantic River”.

Chapter 13, Address Utility Infrastructure Needs

A discussion was held on wireless towers and preserving scenic views but enhancing/optimizing communications systems; so many people are now eliminating landlines and using wireless only.

G. Chalder suggested adding South Willington as a “village priority funding area” on the state map.  He said this would increase eligibility for state funding.  

G. Chalder and S. Yorgensen will work together on the press releases and notifications for the upcoming informational meeting to be held Tuesday, September 5, 2017. A discussion was held on the placement of signs. 

G. Chalder asked the Commission to contact him in the future if they have questions regarding the PoCD once it is adopted.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15.

Respectfully Submitted,
Michele Manas
Recording Clerk