Members present: Chairman Matt Fish, Vice-Chairman Brian Sullivan, Alec MacMartin, Alt. Bill Condra, Bruce Johnson, Andrew Fairbank and NRPC Rep. Steve Wagner.

Chairperson Matt Fish called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.

Bill Condra will sit on the Board for Neil Faiman.

Tonight’s meeting is to write the Notice of Decision for the Chalet Susse’s application for Lot C-128-1-2.

 The applicant submitted the proposed subdivision located in the Residential and Agricultural District relying in part on Section 6.3 of the Wilton Zoning Ordinance: Alternative Lot Requirements with certain proposed lots configured with reduced frontage.  The pattern of development in the area of the proposed subdivision consists of existing regular frontage or larger lots (200 feet or more) on a long straight stretch of road.

 Section 6.3 of the Town of Wilton Zoning Ordinance provides that reduced frontage lots are “only permitted upon site plan review and approved by the Planning Board and upon Planning Board determination that the proposed reduced frontage lot better serves the neighborhood than would a development under the otherwise applicable provision of this ordinance.”

 The proposed subdivision subdivides the applicant’s lot into four lots interlaced with wetlands.  Of particular concern is lot C-128-1-2-4, which involves a 4,100 square foot crossing of a large wetlands area, and the filling of this wetland area to create an elevated drive to cross the wetlands.  In addition, this use of reduced frontage lots unacceptably increases the number of lots in an area not suited for increased residential development.  This subdivision has 580 feet of frontage which would permit an additional two lots.

 The Planning Board finds that the potential harm to the wetlands from the increased level of residential activity in close proximity to the wetlands in the subdivided area does not better serve the neighborhood than reducing the number of curb cuts on Keyes Hill Road.  Keyes Hill Road in the area of the subdivision is straight with a slight grade.  No sight distance issues exist with the frontage area of the proposed subdivision.  The reduction in the number of curb cuts, although a goal in and of itself, does not outweigh the potential for adverse impact upon the wetlands within, and down gradient from, the proposed subdivision.

 Accordingly the applicant’s request for approval for the proposed subdivision plan is denied.

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VOTE: Mr. Johnson made a motion to accept the notice of decision as written.  Mr. Sullivan seconded the motion.  Mr. Fairbank abstained.  Motion carried.

VOTE: Mr. MacMartin made a motion to nominate Matt Fish to remain chairman and Brian Sullivan to be co-chairman.  Mr. MacMartin withdraws his motion.

VOTE: Mr. Johnson nominates Matt Fish for another term as Chairman and Brian Sullivan as Vice-Chairman plus Gravel Permit Supervisor.  Mr. MacMartin seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously.

Discussed Beanies Country Store, Tax Map and Lot J-54.  Compliance issues were presented to the Planning Board from the Building Inspector Bill Condra.  Brian Sullivan will contact Kathy Bean regarding an appearance before the Planning Board for a site plan review.

VOTE: Mr. MacMartin made a motion to have a planning board member review the food service at Beanie’s Country Store and advise the owner that if she opens the deli a cease and desist order will be forthcoming because she has not had a site plan review for that expansion of her prior use.  Mr. Johnson seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously.

VOTE:  Mr. Johnson made a motion to adjourn.  Mr. MacMartin seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously at 10:30pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kathleen Humphreys
Secretary