SHARON — Two charging stations to serve electric vehicles were readily approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) at its regular meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Sharon Historical Society while town hall elevator repairs continue.
First Selectman Brent Colley responded to P&Z questions, saying that the two charging stations to be located in the town hall parking lot would each hold two charging ports to accommodate up to four cars. Considered to be of medium strength (not the high-speed charge), a typical electric car charge could take from three to eight hours to complete at the stations.
Also approved was the town’s plan to install a generator to serve the town in emergencies. Both applications were elements within the town hall parking lot expansion plans, a project supported by a state Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant.
Responding to residents’ concerns about generator noise, Colley said that the generator would be expected to run for 20 minutes every two weeks.
P&Z chairman Lawrence Rand inquired about lighting plans for the town hall parking lot. Colley replied that the lighting plan would be included in future discussions.
Resident Margaret Keilty questioned the need for charging stations and asked for a count of how many such vehicles are registered in town.
Housing development
A public hearing on a Village Residential Housing development for 22 units in 11 buildings on 20 acres located at 82 Amenia Road and 67 Hospital Hill Road, continued from a previous meeting, was continued again to Wednesday, March 8. The P&Z asked for a traffic study and a secondary engineer’s review of the plans as presented.
During the Feb. 8 public hearing residents expressed concerns about traffic safety and storm water drainage, already a concern in the area.
Representing the developer, Gold Dog LLC, project engineer George Johannesen of Allied Engineering in North Canaan described the plans for the acreage consisting of woodland, meadow and some wetlands.
Johannesen explained that the developer was first seeking a site plan approval, not a special exception permit from the P&Z. The applicant is planning to apply for the latter in the future.
Commissioner Stan MacMillan raised an issue of insufficient lot frontage and voiced concern about minimum setback requirements found in the regulations. He also asked that a traffic study be conducted.
Neighboring property owner Margaret Keilty questioned the drainage plans and how current residents might be impacted.
Resident Dobrila Waugh and others raised concerns about drainage, increased traffic and lighting plans. The storm drainage in particular, they said, could encourage propagation of invasive loosestrife, pervasive in the area.
Resident Juliet Moore spoke for neighbors concerned about night lighting and questioned whether the units would be owner-occupied, along with the impact on water and sewer line capacity.
Attorney Richard Roberts, of Halloran Sage, Hartford, representing the neighbors, maintained that approving the site plan without the special exception ruling would accomplish nothing. He felt that the special exemption should be considered along with the site plan and he sought more detail in the plan.
Classic styles, bold colors, and creative concerts make up the “Imaginary Concerts” line at Peggy Mercury.Provided
Shirts from Peggy Mercury’s first fashion line, “Imaginary Concerts,” hang on display.Provided
