BETHANY, CT — The Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-0 on Oct. 7 to approve zoning regulation changes allowing primary solar energy equipment in the town's Business and Industrial Zone.
The commission also reviewed a proposed three-lot subdivision on Amity Road and continued a public hearing on proposed revisions to the town's fire suppression water source requirements.
The solar regulation changes, requested by TRITEC Americas LLC and Christine Cimino in connection with property at 795 Carrington Road, will take effect Oct. 28.
Commissioner Bob Harrison recused himself from the solar application. Chairman Steven Thornquist introduced the motion to approve the changes, which was seconded by Commissioner Adam Carrington.
Thornquist, Vice Chair Nancy Held-Sheehe and Carrington voted in favor.
The commission approved application 26-1TA, which amends several sections of Bethany's zoning regulations to permit primary solar energy equipment in the Business and Industrial Zone.
The changes include revisions to zoning definitions, permitted uses, development standards, and parking and loading requirements.
The approval incorporates recommendations contained in a staff memorandum dated Sept. 30 and revised Oct. 6.
Public hearings on the application were held Aug. 6 and Sept. 2. The commission considered presentations from the applicant, public comments and staff recommendations before voting.
The approved amendments take effect Oct. 28.
The vote concerned zoning regulation changes, rather than approval of a specific solar installation or construction project.
The commission voted 4-0 to close the public hearing on a proposed three-lot subdivision at 244 Amity Road, owned by Roger and Mary Ellen Simon.
The property is located in the Business and Industrial and R-65 zones.
Thornquist reported that the Inland Wetlands Commission had approved the subdivision plans at a September special meeting.
Engineer John Paul Garcia presented information about the proposal and answered commissioners' questions.
No public comments were recorded during the hearing.
Harrison moved to close the hearing at 7:50 p.m., pending certain requests involving the town engineer, fire marshal, open space and town attorney. Carrington seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The commission subsequently tabled further discussion of the subdivision application, 26-1SA, until its Nov. 4 meeting.
Commissioners also continued a public hearing on proposed changes to Bethany's regulations governing water sources for firefighting.
Michael Sullivan, the town's water source officer and a member of the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, presented the proposed amendments.
Sullivan said the existing regulations had not been updated in more than 20 years.
He told commissioners the proposed changes were prompted by two previously approved subdivisions that did not meet water source standards.
Garcia submitted comments on the proposed amendments.
First Selectwoman Carol Goldberg asked Sullivan to clarify recommendations concerning municipal water supplies.
After reviewing the comments and recommendations, commissioners requested that Sullivan revise the proposed regulations and submit an updated document.
Harrison moved to continue the public hearing until Nov. 4. Held-Sheehe seconded the motion, which passed 4-0.
No changes to the fire suppression water source regulations were adopted.
Zoning Enforcement Officer Curtis Bosco reported several enforcement matters.
On Ann Drive, officials received a complaint that boats had returned to a property despite a previous commission decision requiring their removal.
Bosco also reported a violation at 65 Emerald Lane.
According to the draft minutes, a cease-and-desist order had been issued to the property owner, and fines were expected to begin.
Bosco additionally reported receiving multiple complaints concerning Henry's Garage near the intersection of routes 42 and 69.
Commissioners postponed further discussion of zoning regulation revisions associated with SSPA 25-1 until December.
Bosco distributed copies of the subdivision regulations to commissioners.
The commission also unanimously approved two invoices: $2,000 for September services provided by Town Planner Hiram Peck and $150 for recording services provided by Donna Cahill.
The Sept. 2 meeting minutes were approved unanimously with corrections requested by Harrison.
The Oct. 7 meeting was held at Bethany Town Hall and adjourned at 9:10 p.m. following a unanimous vote.
The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.
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