2009-12-03
Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission
Special Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2009
I Call to Order
The Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission held a Special Meeting on
December 3, 2009 in the Town Council Chambers, Berlin Town Hall,
240 Kensington Road. The meeting was called to order at 7:06 P.M.
In attendance
Chairman Bruce Moore
Commissioners Gary Marzi, Kevin Murphy, Brad Parsons
Alternate Commissioners Fred Sorbo (seated), Steve Wollman (seated)
Director of Development Services Hellyn Riggins
Excused
Commissioners Ronald Edelson, Mark Kaczynski, Robert Weiss
Alternate Commissioner Keith Bostrom
II New Business
a. Site Plan Amendment of The Connecticut Light and Power Company for
an accessory surface parking lot for an existing transmission warehouse at
Lots 2C & 7, Block 83A, 61 and 79 Massirio Drive
Director Riggins stated Northeast Utilities had moved part of its facility to the building
located on one of the two lots; the abutting lot had been acquired by the former tenant.
Although the Connecticut Light and Power Company's use of the site is a legal, non-
conforming use, the site includes a deficiency in parking, as well as not meeting floor
area ratio and building coverage. If the two parcels are combined as part of the approval,
the site will come closer into compliance.
Mr. Jason Mikrut, P.E., Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc, Middletown, CT, representing
NU, stated CL&P is in the process of completing renovations on the lot on which the
building is located. The second lot is undeveloped, has one curb cut to Massirio Drive,
and storm water flows to the southern side of the property. If approved, access will be
off the main site, eliminating the use of the curb cut; stairs with a handrail from the lower
lot will be installed; there will be installation of lighting and landscaping. There has been
some discussion with staff about the landscaping, and maples, along with some ash trees,
will be installed. Inland Wetland and Water Course Commission's approval has been
received. For added security, the application proposes the installation of barbed wire
fence at the back and sides of the property. The back of the property abuts Route 9, and
the side yard abuts an industrial use - both have a natural vegetative and treed buffer. If
both lots are consolidated into one lot, the total of 83 parking spaces will reduce the
noncompliance of the site with regard to parking.
Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission - Special Meeting - December 3, 2009 - Page 2
Commissioner Murphy moved to approve the application, subject to the following
conditions:
(a) The applicant will work with staff regarding the landscaping.
(b) The two lots will be combined into one lot.
(c) Submittal of a bond, in an amount to be determined by staff,
if necessary.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Parsons and carried unanimously.
III Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Frances M. Semnoski
Recording Secretary