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A regular meeting of the Plan of Conservation & DevrfkIppc gifwas called to
order at 7:04 p.m. on Wednesday, February 6, 20Th in room 7, Berlin Town Hall,
Berlin, CT.
PRESENT:
Dennis Kern, Chairman, Bruce Moore, Mitchell Unghire and Michael DeLorenzo.
ALSO PRESENT:
Jim Mahoney, Economic Developer Director.
ABSENT:
Scott Veley, Richard Dalidowitz and Eileen Meskill
DISCUSSION OF TOWN CENTER CONCEPT WITH VAL FERRO, TPA
DESIGN:
Ms. Ferro shared a map with the Committee depicting the area of the proposed
Town Center. The map referenced the flood zones and wetland soils. It was
noted that with this area, the Committee is working with imperfect conditions. Mr.
Kern asked the Committee if they wish to move forward on a large scale, or
revitalization with an incremented approach. Mr. Kern feels that the Committee
needs to aim high. The consensus of the Committee is to move to prepare and
plan for a comprehensive redevelopment of the block. Ms. Ferro stated that the
physical plan right now does not reflect the character of the community. There
was discussion regarding an anchor with the Town Center concept. It was also
noted that suitable mixes create a Town Center. Mr. Kern stated that we need a
plan, with money for infrastructure. Mr. Kern stated that the Town should take a
very active interest to acquire some of the parcels that become available in this
area to lead to development change. Mr. Kern also stated that we need creative
development. Mr. Mahoney stated that the Committee needs to give direction to
TPA regarding desired uses for the area. Mr. DeLorenzo stated that a "Big Box"
does not lend to bringing people together, using West Hartford Center as an
example. It was noted that mixed uses such as retail, restaurant, office space
and apartments with a design theme could be an appropriate Town Center. Mr.
Mahoney then stated that there could also be open space with a green. We
could link other areas by introducing pathways. TPA will come up with a design
for the Committee to review.
Plan of Conservation & Development/Page 2
DISCUSSION OF OPEN SPACE LINKAGE:
Mr. Mahoney presented his recommendations for linkage and expansion of open
space. It was noted that these recommendations should be put into the Plan of
Conservation & Development. Mr. Moore moved to adopt these
recommendations into the Plan of Conservation & Development, seconded by
Mr. Unghire and voted unanimously.
Mr. Mahoney then presented a map which displayed the land to be given to the
Town by NRG Power Plant and a map showing the Metacomet and Mattabassett
Trails. Mr. DeLorenzo moved to recommend that a conservation easement be
placed on the energy plant property to permanently protect it as open space,
seconded by Mr. Moore and voted unanimously.
Mr. Kern then commended Mr. Mahoney and Mr. Brian Miller for their work on
the Metacomet and Mattabassett Trails. Mr. Kern stated that the use of the trails
make the property more valuable.
DISCUSSION OF FARMINGTON AVENUE AND NEW BRITAIN ROAD:
This topic was moved to the March meeting.
PAYMENT OF INVOICES:
Mr. Unghire moved to approve the payment of$81.85 to TPA, seconded by Mr.
DeLorenzo and voted unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF OTHER ISSUES OF THE PLAN OF CONSERVATION &
DEVELOPMENT:
The criteria for designation of CT Greenways was discussed. Mr. Unghire
moved to support the application of Greenway designation, seconded by Mr.
DeLorenzo and voted unanimously.
A letter to Senator Thomas Bozek regarding the previous stated concerns of this
Committee was acknowledged. A copy will be sent to Representative Ann
Dandrow, It was noted that other towns would be notified and advised to contact
their legislative representatives.
Plan of Conservation & Development/Page 3
Mr. Mahoney is working on infrastructure issues, such as the Christian Lane
ramp with the DOT. Infrastructure items will be put on a future agenda.
At this time, Mr. Kern stated that we need to revisit the implementation of the
Mattabassett Water Shed Plan as a topic for inclusion in the Plan.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. DeLorenzo moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 p.m., seconded by Mr.
Moore and voted unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marie Ralph, Recording Secretary