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The New Castle City’s Planning Commission Meeting took place on September 27, 2004 at 6 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town Hall.
Members Present: James Steele Staff Present: Jackie Seneschal Member Absent: Tommy Wilson Chairman James Steele called the meeting to order and roll call was taken. Approval of Minutes – Verbage changes to page 2 were noted. The minutes were then approved as amended. Chairman Steele announced that he received a letter from the mayor appointing John Wik to the Planning Commission. John was unavailable this evening. Sub Division 32 West 3rd Street – Bill Condouris appeared before the Commission to discuss this project. Chairman Steele said he received a letter from URS along with the prints of the property late this afternoon. He said the prints he received today are different from the previous plans he has seen. Mr. Condouris said the changes in the plans were minor. Chairman Steele informed we have an agenda published two weeks before our meetings and need all materials to be discussed at that time. He was not aware this item was on the agenda until early this morning. He further stated that we tabled this item at our last meeting and that several questions were raised and Mr. Condouris has answered those questions. Much discussion followed concerning the buffer of the property and the timeframe of the approval process with the city and Planning Commission. It was mentioned that the HAC has approved this project, although Commission members who also serve on the HAC expressed concern about their lack of time spent reviewing the project. Richard Mendelsohn made a motion to approve the plans with a letter from the city solicitor concerning the buffer. George Freebery seconded the motion. The motion was approved with Jane Miller in opposition. Harmony Street – Father Fiore has withdrawn his request for a two-way street. WILMAPCO – Mary Davis reported that this meeting was about health and pedestrian-friendly communities. New Castle is on the right path. The point was to promote walking by creating safe environments where people can walk. Another item that was raised was making sure retail buildings attract people and not just a wide boulevard. Bull Hill Park – Chairman Steele reported he had received a letter from Council President Chris Castagno informing receipt of a petition from several New Castle residents regarding zoning changes at Bull Hill Park. There are pros and cons to the OS&R zoning as well as with the HR zoning. He charged all Commission members with the task of defining both zoning codes and reporting back at our next meeting. We are responsible for educating the citizens on the benefits and downside of these zoning codes. Zoning Codes Finalization – Chairman Steele informed that the first reading on the zoning codes took place this month with the second reading slated for next month. Hopefully by November our codes will be in place. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7 p.m. |
