2018-03-08 Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes—March 8, 2018
I Call to Order
The Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission held a Regular Meeting on March 8, 2018 in the
Town Council Chambers, Berlin Town Hall, 240 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT. The meeting
was called in order at 7:00 p.m.
In attendance
Chairman Bruce Moore
Commissioners Curtis Holtman, Brian Rogan, Joan Veley
Alternate Commissioner Diane Jorsey (seated)
Town Planner Marek Kozikowski
Excused
Commissioners Kevin Murphy, Jon-Michael O'Brien, Steve Wollman
Alternate Commissioner Lyle Menard
II Approval of Minutes
a. February 22, 2018
Commissioner Holtman moved to table the minutes.
Commissioner Veley seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
III Request for Bond Release
a. Request of Walter A. Twachtman, Jr., Esq., on behalf of Depot Crossing LLC, for
a bond release, Depot Crossing, 848 Farmington Avenue
Chairman Moore stated one condition of approval which had not been met is the installation of a
bicycle rack.
Commissioner Veley stated when the project was approved, it was thought that there would be
more foot traffic and as the area of the site has not developed as envisioned, she would not have
an objection to the bicycle rack's not being installed.
Commissioner Veley moved to waive the condition of the installation of a bicycle rack.
Commissioner Holtman seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Commissioner Holtman moved to release the bond.
Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission—Regular Meeting Minutes—March 8, 2018
Commissioner Jorsey seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
IV Old Business
a. Site Plan Amendment of Jacunski Humes Architects, LLC, Brian Humes, two
additions to the Hall providing new kitchen space, renovations and new connector
to the Sanctuary with interior stairs and elevator access. Site improvements
including parking improvements on Percival Ave. Side and new parking on
Sheldon St. side, new storm drainage and associated amenities, Kensington
Congregational Church, 312 Percival Avenue
Chairman Moore stated Mr. Brian Humes had provided a presentation of the application at the
February 22, 2018 meeting. The applicant was then to attend a Zoning Board of Appeals
meeting on February 27, 2018 for variances related to the application.
Mr. Brian Humes, AIA, Jacunski Humes Architects, LLC, 15 Massirio Drive, Berlin, CT.,
stated four variances had been approved at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting: two were for
front yard setbacks; one was for parking stall dimension; and another for parking distance from
an existing building. All were unanimously approved.
Mr. Humes stated at the Planning and Zoning Commission's February 22, 2018 meeting, a
concern had been stated regarding the proposed slope which was in excess of the required two
percent within 25' of the property line exiting onto Sheldon Street. He stated the plan before the
commission at this meeting has a modification showing the curb cut onto Sheldon Street has
been eliminated. Parking requirements are still maintained. The plan is to apply for a variance
of the requirement in the months ahead. The plan will then be brought back to the attention of
Town Planner Kozikowski.
Mr. Kozikowski noted the commission had received the Zoning Board of Appeals legal notice
indicating all requested variances had been approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals at its
February 27, 2018 meeting.
Commissioner Rogan moved to approve the Site Plan Amendment of Jacunski Humes
Architects, LLC, Brian Humes, two additions to the Hall providing new kitchen space,
renovations and new connector to the Sanctuary with interior stairs and elevator access. Site
improvements including parking improvements on Percival Ave. Side and new parking on
Sheldon St. side, new storm drainage and associated amenities, Kensington Congregational
Church, 312 Percival Avenue.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Holtman, with the following comments/conditions:
a. A landscaping plan needs to be submitted.
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Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission—Regular Meeting Minutes—March 8, 2018
b. Mr. Kozikowski will work with the applicant regarding the erosion and soil
control plan. He noted that due to the steep slopes, the Conservation Commission
has recommended the Erosion and Soil Controls must be in place prior to
construction and that once construction is finished, the basin must be cleaned and
settlement addressed.
c. The proposed parking is adequate.
d. Submittal of a lot merger map to erase the lines of the three properties.
Mr. Humes stated after the property has been purchased from the state, a lot merger map
showing four lots will be submitted. The State of CT has to go through the right of first refusal
for the portion of land the church wants to purchase which takes some time. He stated
finalization of the project is projected for completion within 2018.
The motion carried unanimously, with the conditions in place.
V Commissioners Comments
There were no comments.
VI Adjournment
Commissioner Holtman moved to adjourn.
Commissioner Veley seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
The time was 7:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Frances M. Semnoski
Recording Secretary
RECEIVED FOR RECORD
BERLIN TOWN CLERK
2018 MAR 27 PH 3: 02
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