March Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Board Meeting held on March 1st 2021

Members attending: Art Schoeller, Norman Kramer, Lois Sussman, Matt Siegel and MaryAnn Meyer

ANNUAL MEETING

Rescheduled to Monday, May 3rd

  1. Art opened the meeting and led the discussion regarding the Annual Meeting. It was decided to hold the meeting (ZOOM) on Monday, May 3rd. Speaker(s) still to be confirmed.
  2. Update on the P&Z affordable housing guidelines and everything is still in the Affordable Housing Committee. Desegregate CT is holding meetings across the State in support of the State’s proposal to control local zoning.

The State proposal is still in committee.

  • New information regarding the vacant building (formerly Mens Warehouse) on Post Road East and Colonial Road was shared. A proposal will be making its way through the Town Boards regarding adding a second story on to the building for apartments. The building has an underground garage which may accommodate parking spots requirement. The Board will monitor this project as needed.
  •  The proposed changes at Post Plaza (Former Barnes & Noble store) continue their way through the P&Z.  A second Public Hearing is scheduled for March 11th.  There are still several issues that the owner needs to address.  Namely, the pedestrian safety and tractor trailer traffic are of concern. The GF Association has submitted a letter to P&Z as well as several neighbors who live along Morningside Drive, Church Street  South and Iris Lane to express concerns.
  • The Board discussed the recent article on Burying Hill Beach that Dan Woog posted on his blog ‘06880’. Mike Nayor wrote the article to point out the need to repair the jetty at the BH Beach. The Beach has not been well maintained by the Town. Lois recalled that several years ago, GF Association Board members spent a Sunday at Burying Hill Beach to clean it up and remove some of the rocks.  According to the article, Parks & Rec director, Jennifer Fava stated that the Town has been going through the permitting process with the CT Dept of Energy and Environmental Protection and Army Corps of Engineers.

The Town has tried in the past to get permission from these agencies to add sand to the beach, but have been denied.  The Town plans to ask for permission again. They will also add screening of rocks out of the sand as part of the spring improvements.

Art will check back with Mike Nayor and thank him for bringing this matter to the Board’s attention.

  • Norman mentioned the number of the recent housing units built along Post Road East including those being built and new proposals. He stated that it is important to provide creative ideas and work with the Town in planning and striking the right balance. Post Road East from Bulkley to Roseville has several multiple housing units with many currently proposed. 
  • Art will be working on the timeline for the Annual Meeting mail out to our members. Volunteer s for labeling and stamping the post cards are Lois, MaryAnn, Norm and Art.
  • Discussed adding new members to the Board.

Next Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 5th.