2017-04-12special MINUTES OF THE COMBINED MEETING OF THE BERLIN PLANNING & ZONING
COMMISSION AND THE ECONOMIIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Wednesday,April 12 2017
230 KENSINGTON ROAD, BERLIN—Town Council Chambers
5:30 pm
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mayor Mark Kaczynski
Bruce Moore—Chairman, Planning&Zoning Commission
Curt Holtman—Member, Planning&Zoning Commission
Joan Veley, Member, Planning&Zoning Commission
Alex Giannone—Member, Planning&Zoning Commission
Hellyn Riggins—Town Planner
Chris Edge—Economic Development Director
Bob Sisti—Economic Development Commission Member
Ed Egazarian—Vice Chairman, Economic Development Commission Member
Peter Campanielli—Member, Economic Development Commission Member
Chris Coppola, Member, Economic Development Commission Member
Michael Baczewski, Economic Development Commission Member
Gregory Benoit, Parsons Brinckerhoff
Susan Silberberg, CivicMoxie Team Member
Val Ferro,CivicMoxie Team Member
Dave Cyr, Chairman, Economic Development Commission
Ashley Kus, Berlin Citizen
The meeting opened at 5:35 pm
1. Introductions—CivicMoxie and Berlin Commissioners
Everyone in attendance went around the room and introduced themselves as well as their
firm, or commission they sit on.
2. Presentation by CivicMoxie on the TOD Study
Susan Silberberg and Val Ferro from CivicMoxie did a more condensed version of their
Powerpoint presentation. It included slides explaining"Why TOD in Kensington Village"
including highlighting its role as a civic core,creating an identity,to support and attract
businesses, leverage state projects, increase tax revenue and provide a place for residents to
live, shop and visit.They gave a recap of the things that were mentioned at previous public
meetings on what makes a Town Center—walkability, good restaurants/shopping choices,re-
use of historic building, additional activity and an identity for the Village. They believe that
these things can happen with the introduction of more housing, activities, a civic or other
"magnet use"and greater ridership on the train.
Their recommendation is to redevelop the 3 town owned parcels on Farmington Avenue
through an RFQ or RFP process. They showed a few concept plans and gave the reasoning
behind that recommendation—site control,high visibility, RFP/RFQ process gives town
control, proximity to train station, supports existing development and that it can set the tone
and image for the future of the Kensington Village area.
3. RFP/RFQ For 889-913 Farmington Avenue
Discussion continued with the different attendees including the need for a police station, but
it was pointed out that with the current financial constraints here and in Hartford a new$16
million station is not viable now. In addition, if these sites are developed,where could a
police station go? Other options are being considered including having the Police
Department expand into the Board of Education space within Town Hall. Susan from
CivicMoxie asked not where the Police Station can go, but where else does the Town have a
parcel ready for development near the Train Station. This is an opportunity to get a quality
development in partnership with a private sector developer who would work hand-in-hand
with the Town.
4. Boulevard
The Boulevard was discussed with mixed views on it from those who feel it is vital to get it
built now to those who believe that the RFQ/RFP process will help us determine the best
course of action for the Boulevard. It was stated that the private sector will put the boulevard
where(and if) it makes economic sense. Building a boulevard now and therefore splitting the
site in half seems to be short-sighted and could hamper the overall quality and size of the
development. If a developer works with the Town of the location of the boulevard, it can
provide a second and better means of access to the Berlin Steel property, which could then
bring additional development to the Kensington Village area.
5. Q&A with CivicMoxie
It was asked why CivicMoxie is pushing so hard for so many units, so little parking and so
much green space. The answer is that the apartment/rental market now is growing in
Connecticut, but the cost of construction is also high. In order for a developer to do a project,
they need a certain number of units. The parking was changed from 1 spot per apartment to
1.5 spots per apartment as that seemed to better fit the Town of Berlin. The green space is an
amenity that has worked well in other TOD areas and seems to be a draw for millenials who
like to walk,hike and spend time outside. There will need to be green space as part of a
development, and it seems like a good idea to have it be in the middle so that it can be a spot
for residents,customers and others to visit and congregate.
6. Recommendations for CivicMoxie.
Dave Cyr had asked whether condos, like those at Sherwood Falls could be an answer on the
property. Susan mentioned it is worth looking at, but their market studies show the greatest
need is for apartments. The preference is that if the Town Council approves moving forward
with an RFQ/RFP,we plan to leave it opened ended, so that a developer could come in with
apartments, condos,or a combination of both. Our preference is to leave it to the private
sector to tell us what will work there. pp t EI D ORF CORD
In addition, he asked that the Economic Development Commi�s4th t°e'to review the
draft of the final report before it is finalized. That is soratifftwelrsCiticItoloxiet is planning
on doing.
7. Adjournment—the meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm4:17/1kb►; � cr.--
BERLIN,
BERLIN.CT.