APPROVED 04-22-2010
TOWN OF ENFIELD
ENFIELD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF March 25, 2010
TOWN HALL / ENFIELD ROOM
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ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
Members Present
Darrin LaMore,
Tophie Nowak
Ken Carlson
Ken Edgar
Jack Lopes
Catherine McKinnon
Cindy Mangini
John Miller
Colleen Reidy
Jeanne Smith
Staff Present:
Peter Bryanton
Approval of Minutes:
A motion to approve the minutes of February 25th was made by Ms. Smith, seconded by Mr. Lopes and passed with abstentions from Ms. Reidy and Mr. Miller.
Public Communications:
Tom Froment spoke about the proposed zone change in the Windsor and Church Street area. The change will be reviewed at the April 1st PZC meeting. He requested a letter of support from the committee. The committee Chairman will draft a letter.
New Business
Proposed Changes to TVCZ:
Peter explained the proposed changes to the ERSC review section of the Zoning Regulations. In a memo to the Town Manager, the Town Planner suggested that "Change of Use" application for site plan approvals need not be reviewed by the ERSC because there is no discretionary decisions to be made. The use is either allowed or it is not. The memo suggests that the ERSC look at both the allowed uses and uses allowed by Special Permit to determine if changes to the zoning regulations should be made. Peter point out that the memo was an internal correspondence from the Town Planner in response to a question, and that no formal notification has been issued from PZC on the ERSC on this matter. Peter suggested that the committee wait for a formal response from PZC before attempting to address the issue.
Dog Park Proposal:
The Committee reviewed new information regarding a proposed Dog Park facility near the Town's Transfer Station off of Town Farm Road. Peter wanted to make the committee aware of the proposed development and said that the Voices of Thompsonville had proposed a similar facility locate at Lafayette Park. The proposed plans will be reviewed by PZC in the next month or so.
Old Business
Rental Permit Program:
Peter stated that he has not worked on this project and that it support for such an initiative seems to be waning in Town Hall. The Town is looking at other Code Enforcement techniques to address illegal housing issues.
Committee Rules & Procedures:
Mr. LaMore explained the need to create formal procedures for committee business. Ms. Mangini asked if the committee had looked at the Town Council's procedures. Mr. LaMore said that Bill Lee was going to try to get a set for the committee. Ms. Mangini stated that she would contact the Town Manager in the morning and have them sent to Peter's office.
Thompsonville Rezoning:
Peter presented a map of the current zoning designations in Thompsonville. He stated that the R-33 zone, which encompasses most of the village, has worked to stifle growth and redevelopment for many years. Because most lots within the district do not meet the 33,000 sq ft area requirements, virtually all of the lots and structures are non-conforming and require PZC approvals for expansion or redevelopment. Peter stated that removing that burden would provide more incentive for people to invest in the area. The topic is outlined in the APA "Practice Revitalization" article forwarded by the Town Planner. The Town will be meeting with the Capital Region Council of Governments in the near future to discuss TOD concepts within the village. The issue of commissioning a rezoning study of the area will also be discussed.
Committee / Subcommittee Communications
ECDC:
Peter gave a brief update on the progress of the ECDC and explained what still needs to be completed before the transfer can occur. He stated that the Committee needs to develop membership guidelines for the Town Council so that they can appoint new a new Board of Directors when the time is appropriate. Mr. Lopes provided a "Report of Implementation" to the Chairman, and requested that a meeting be scheduled to discuss the details with the Subcommittee members. Some of the members asked questions about the implementation process. The matter will be presented to the Town Council in either April or May of this year.
Plan of C&D:
Peter handed out a flyer for the public meeting on the plan which will take place on March 30th at the JFK Middle School. Peter provided the members with a list of revitalization items which are being addressed in the new plan, and should probably be added to the Revitalization Action Plan. There was a discussion about the riverfront and proposed regulations that could limit development there. Mr. Lopes stated that the committee members need to attend the meeting to be sure that riverfront development in Thompsonville is allowed and promoted under the new plan.
TOD Subcommittee:
Mr. Lopes said that the committee is looking at possible investment opportunities for private development in and around the proposed Transit Center site. The Center itself may hold some promise for private investment if structured in the right way. Mr. Lopes will keep the members posted.
Sex Offender Ordinance:
The Committee discussed the recent resignation of ERSC member Bill Watson who championed the idea of creating a local ordinance to restrict registered sex offenders from areas where children congregate. Apparently Mr. Watson felt that he was being targeted by the Police Department because of his past. Mr. LaMore said that he would try to talk to Mr. Watson and ask him to reconsider. There was a brief conversion about the ordinance itself. Mr. LaMore said that the Public Safety committee took no action on the proposal at their last meeting. Ms. Mangini stated that she would inquire as to the whereabouts of the document through the Town Manager.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Edgar, seconded by Ms. Nowak and passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Submitted by:
Peter Bryanton, Director of Community Development
Approved By:
Darrin LaMore, ERSC Chairman
Signature: _______________________________________ Date: __________________
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