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PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES
For copies
of the previous minutes please contact Sally Johnson at
Phone: 203-854-7810 x 6778 or Email sjohnson@norwalkct.org
CITY OF NORWALK
PLANNING COMMITTEE
JUNE 7, 2007
ATTENDANCE: Matthew Miklave, Chair; Rev. Bolden; Carvin Hilliard;
Nicholas Kydes
STAFF: Timothy Sheehan, Executive Director; Jack Burritt, Assistant Executive Director; Munro Johnson, Senior Development Project Manager; Michael Moore, CDBG Project Manager
PUBLIC HEARING – NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE ACT TAX CREDIT PROGRAM
Mr. Miklave opened the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. There being no speakers, he closed the public hearing at 7:42 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Miklave called the meeting to order at 7:42 p.m. He announced that Mr. Hempstead would be unable to attend tonight’s meeting.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mr. Steven Cristofer said that he supported the 95/7 project.
Mr. Nick Pacella asked if the project could move faster.
Mr. Jim DelGrecco thanked 95/7 for including the Golden Hill Association in their plans and said that he seconded the other comments.
There were no further comments.
BUSINESS
B. WATER STREET INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
1. Approval of Lease Renewal – L & L Evergreen
Mr. Sheehan said that modifications were made to the lease to reflect the concerns of the Committee. Mr. Burritt reviewed the changes to the lease.
The representative from L & L Evergreen said that they would do what ever they have to do. Mr. Hilliard told him that there had been several complaints about traffic being impeded, and it was good to hear him say that he would do what it took.
** MR. KYDES MOVED TO APPROVE THE L & L LEASE RENEWAL
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
C. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
1. Resolution – National Call To Action, Overcoming Regulatory Barriers to Affordable
Housing
Mr. Moore reviewed this item and pointed out that the action being sought is a resolution to identify a body that would take a year long process to identify barriers to affordable housing.
Mr. Krummel said that initially he opposed this item, but it was pointed out to him that the regulation impeded affordable housing. Mr. Hilliard agreed that this impeded affordable housing. He said that he wants affordable housing for anyone who qualifies; he does not want to see an appearance of exclusion.
** MR. KRUMMEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:
WHEREAS IT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT FOR COMMUNITIES TO CONTINUALLY ADDRESS THE NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR ITS CITIZENS AND WORKFORCE, PARTICULARLY FOR NURSES, FIREFIGHTERS, POLICE OFFICERS, RETURNING VETERANS AND SERVICE INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES, AND
WHEREAS PROVIDING DECENT, ATTRACTIVE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING WILL HELP THE ECONOMIC VITALITY OF NORWALK, CONNECTICUT, AND
WHEREAS HOUSING EXPERTS AGREE THAT REGULATORY BARRIERS CAN SIGNIFICANTLY ADD TO THE COST OF HOUSING OR EVEN PREVENT ITS CONSTRUCTION, AND
WHEREAS THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT CREATED THE AMERICA’S AFFORDABLE COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE TO HELP COMMUNITIES ADDRESS THE NEED FOR REGULATORY REFORM AND TO HELP REDUCE THE COSTS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND
WHEREAS THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ENCOURAGES LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO DEVELOP LOCAL SOLUTIONS AND PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS REGULATORY BARRIERS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING,
WHEREAS THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, THROUGH THE AMERICA’S AFFORDABLE COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE, HAS CREATED THE NATIONAL CALL TO ACTION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING THROUGH REGULATORY REFORM (A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT “A”) AND IS HEREBY ASKING COMMUNITIES TO MAKE A PLEDGE FOR FORM TASK FORCES TO EXAMINE THEIR OWN REGULATIONS AND TO BECOME A PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONAL CALL TO ACTION, AND
WHEREAS THE NATIONAL CALL TO ACTION WILL CREATE A NETWORK OF PARTICIPANTS AROUND THE COUNTRY THAT CAN SHARE PROGRESS, IDEAS, SOLUTIONS AND INFORMATION WITH ONE ANOTHER, AND
WHEREAS, THE CITY OF NORWALK FINDS IT TO BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST OF SERVING ITS CITIZENS TO COMMIT TO THE PLEDGE AND TO BECOME A PARTICIPANT IN THE NATIONAL CALL TO ACTION,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1. THE CITY OF NORWALK, CONNECTICUT HEREBY ACCEPTS THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT
OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT’S CALL TO BECOME AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN ITS
NATIONAL CALL TO ACTION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING THROUGH REGULATORY REFORM;
2. THE CITY OF NORWALK WITH THE ASSISTANCE OT THE NORWALK HOUSING PARTNERSHIP,
WILL REVIEW ITS LAWS AND REGULATIONS WITH THE GOAL OF CREATING A REPORT WITHIN
ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF THIS RESOLUTION WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES IN
THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK THAT WILL HELP PRODUCE MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR
NORWALK’S WORKFORCE
** MR. HILLIARD MOVED TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION, CHANGING THE FIRST PARAGRAPH TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS IT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT FOR COMMUNITIES TO CONTINUALLY ADDRESS THE NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR ITS CITIZENS AND WORKFORCE
** MOTION TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
** MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
D. REED PUTNAM URBAN RENEWAL PLAN – PARCELS 1,2 & 4
1. 95/7 Ventures LLC – Proposed Modifications
• Conceptual Master Site Plan
• Land Disposition Agreement (Amendment)
• Urban Renewal Plan (Amendment)
A public hearing is scheduled for June 18 at a location to be determined. Mr.
Miklave said that he wants to be careful to give the Committee time to review
the land disposition agreement.
Mr. Burritt explained that since May 3rd, the parties have met to address the various issues that have been raised. Mr. Burritt brought to the attention of the Committee some subtle changes that were made to the site plan. He described changes that would be considered substantial changed if they were made.
Mr. Burritt reviewed the timeline of the project. At this juncture, the Planning Commission and the Redevelopment Agency approved the proposed urban renewal plan amendment, the land disposition agreement and the conceptual master site plan.
Mr. Miklave thanked the Redevelopment staff and the Redevelopment Agency. He noted that all questions were treated seriously and with great respect. He said that he applauded everyone who participated in this process. He said that everyone involved deserved a pat on the back for this project.
Mr. Kydes expressed a very favorable position on what has been presented. He said that Mr. Burritt very eloquently summed up where we came from, and where we are. The proposal at hand is one which the developers and the City can be proud of. He said that he was very happy with the proposal and satisfied that all of the issues have been addressed. He said that he supports this development which will resurrect Norwalk.
Mr. Krummel said that he echoed Mr. Kydes’ comments. He said that this document was very complex, and is very pleased with that. He said that he has a gnawing concern that is the proximity of the north east parcel to I-95 and how it will look.
Mr. Burritt said that they asked the developer to provide a rendering showing how it would look. He explained that I-95 ranges in various heights. He said that the rooftop mechanicals will not be seen on the signature building on I-95. In addition the bulkiness of the building has been addressed by angling the building.
Mr. Hilliard said that this was a very positive experience for him and he feels that something good is about to happen.
Rev. Bolden said that she is very excited about this; it has been a long time coming. She told Mr. Miklave that he did a swell job and that this has been a wonderful experience. Rev. Bolden said that she felt very sentimental about the developer who cared enough to call and ask for opinions. She said that she appreciated being part of the process and hoped that something they said helped to make it a better project.
Mr. Miklave said that they have been looking at the LDA concept since last month. He said that the Committee needs to make sure that this process is seamless and open that that they hold a public hearing before they vote. He said that he wants the Committee to have time to listen to comments and keep to the original schedule. The Committee members agreed.
Mr. Kydes said that the public has been looking at this for the last six years. He said that they all feel eager to move this project forward.
Mr. Sheehan recognized Mr. Oliver Gillham who provided design review.
Mr. Miklave said that this has been a wonderful process.
Mr. Paul Jones, Chairman of the Redevelopment Agency said that it was very enlightening to hear all of the positive comments. He suggested that Mr. Miklave reconsider his request to wait a few weeks to vote on this to allow the developer a small jumpstart on the project.
Mr. Miklave said that if any members of the Committee would like to suspend the rules and place this item on the agenda for a vote, they may do so.
** MR. KYDES MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO MAKE THIS AN ACTION ITEM
** MOTION FAILED WITH THREE (3) VOTES IN FAVOR (MR. KYDES, REV. BOLDEN AND MR.
HILLIARD) AND TWO (2) OPPOSED (MR. MIKLAVE AND MR. KRUMMEL)
E. DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY:
CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
1. 95/7 Ventures and West Avenue Development (including Mathews Park)
2. West Avenue Development and Wall Street
Mr. Miklave said that he is interested in integrating Mathews Park into the project.
Mr. Gillham gave a power point presentation showing the highlights from the May 23, 2007 working session.
Mr. Krummel said that it was important that there be no reduction in the sidewalk under the I-95 overpass. He said that will be a real challenge, but the pedestrians must feel safe.
Mr. Sheehan said that he had conversations with the engineers and they will look at expanding the width of the sidewalk. Mr. Gillham said that the sidewalks by the art park will be narrowed to allow parking. He said that they have not looked at the actual traffic lanes.
Mr. Krummel said that something has to be done to hide the roof structures. Mr. Gillham said that once they come up with a plan, they will need to coordinate with the DOT.
Mr. Miklave said that the Committee needs to think about the vacant lots the Police cars at the former Police station. He asked if Chief Rilling could talk to the Committee about safety issues at Mathews Park. Mr. Sheehan offered to invite Mr. Lo to the next meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MAY 3, 2007 – REGULAR MEETING
** REV. BOLDEN MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES
The following corrections were made:
Page 2 – correct LAD to LDA
Under Business – 4th paragraph delete “Mr. Burritt”.
** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE (1) ABSTENTION (MR. KYDES)
A. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE ACT TAX CREDIT PROGRAM
A. Approval of the attached list of programs for inclusion in the Neighborhood
Assistance Act Tax Credit Program
** REV. BOLDEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE TAX CREDIT PROGRAM
Mr. Miklave said that he represents STAR, but did perceive that to be a conflict of interest.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
ADJOURNMENT
There was no further business and the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:20
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rosemarie Lombardi
Telesco Secretarial Service
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