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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

TOWN OF NEW HAVEN

August 5, 2004

The regular monthly meeting of the New Haven Planning Commission was held on August 5, 2004 and started at 7:05 p.m.  The following members were present;  Jim Walsh, Art Sherman, Tom Boise, Don Johnston and Keith Hall.  The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Allen Karnatz.  The following attended:  John Madden, Bill Heffernan, Kathleen Ready, Winston & Isabelle Swain, Denise Manning,

Terry Ryan and Will Pile.

            Public Hearing:

            Terry Ryan, representative for Nowicki, wishes to subdivide a parcel on Pearson Road into two lots.  This is a continuation of a Minor Subdivision. SUB 03-04.  Terry brought a Mylar with the noted replacement septic system and the well noted on it, which were previously missing.  There was a conflict of the noted placement on the Mylar and the replacement mound disposal area map.  Terry will tell the engineers and he’ll be back in September with a corrected Mylar.  This will be continued at the September 2, 2004 meeting.

            Bill Heffernan and partners wish to subdivide a lot into two parcels on Daniels Road and Otter Creek Highway.  This is a continuation on a Minor Subdivision.  SUB 01-04.  Bill was present with a final map.  The pins are not noted on the map or the Mylar and this is required.  Winston & Isabelle Swain expressed their concern and wishes not to be able to see the new house from their home.  Due to the lack of the proper Mylar criteria, this will be continued at the September 2, 2004 meeting.

            Tom Boise wishes to subdivide his land on Town Hill Road.  This is the final plat hearing for a Major Subdivision.  SUB 02-04.  Tom brought a Mylar and copies of it.  The pins are all in and he meets all the requirements.  Kathleen Ready brought in a map and wanted clarification on where the substation would be located.  VELCO wants to buy 65.2 acres of Tom Boise’s land. 

John Madden raised the issue of Section 410.1 of the Zoning Regulations, which deals with Hazardous Conditions.  He suggested the Planning Commission look at the Reserving of Scenic Views.  The Planning Commission will address this issue next month.  Keith Hall will go and measure the setback. 

Kathleen Ready is concerned about two main issues.  One relating to substation relocation, the other safety proximity to the power lines.  She is concerned there may be community liability because of the Planning Commission allowing the approval of this subdivision.  She would like to see Atty. Jim Wimette and Atty. Jim Dumont have a chance to look at these issues before this subdivision proceeds.  She suggested that a Planning Commission member make a motion to delay the approval of the major subdivision until the Attorney’s have a chance to review the two issues. 

Allen Karnatz feels the substation relocation has plenty of room to relocate without any complications.  The Planning Commission members agree.  It was suggested that the full disclosure comment that was used with Eugene Charlebois’s subdivision be used for the proposed VELCO expansion. 

Art Sherman made a motion to approve this subdivision as presented, no second was heard, so the motion did not pass.  Keith Hall made a motion, seconded by Art Sherman to approve this subdivision as presented, with the provision that Tom Boise fully disclose, when presenting lots for sale, all issues relating to the property, including the safety issues relating to the VELCO power lines (existing & proposed); 4 members approved, 1 opposed.  Further discussion was had and John Madden and Kathleen Ready reinstated they want to see the Attorney’s review this proposal before it proceeds.  John Madden said he is concerned about the residences being held liable if something goes wrong. 

Closed the Public Hearing at 8:55pm and opened the Planning Commission meeting.

Keith Hall has given a building permit to Peter Norris to build a house on the West side of Route 7, which is a RA-10 lot.

Don Johnston made a motion, seconded by Tom Boise to approve the July meeting minutes; all approved, no opposition.

Correspondence Received:

-                     Keith Hall handed out a Review & Report of Kimball Feed Operation to the Planning Commission for their information.  A brief discussion was had.

-                     The Grant Statement information from the National Bank of Middlebury.

-                     A letter from the Addison County Regional Planning Commission (ACRPC) regarding changes to local planning and zoning laws.  Allen Karnatz wants to invite Adam Lougee from the ACRPC and small groups from local towns to a meeting to discuss the changes. 

New Business:

-                     Allen Karnatz discussed planning grants and said the application is due September 30, 2005.  He suggested re-adopting our Town Plan versus going ahead with the Zoning Regulations.  A total of $56,000 is available to Addison County.  The Planning Commission decided that they would use the grant money for the Town Plan.  Allen will fill out the grant application and send it out.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30pm with a motion from Jim Walsh, seconded by Tom Boise; all approved.