Routes 146 & 77 Scenic Roads Advisory Committee

MINUTES

Towns of Branford and Guilford Guilford Town Hall March 13, 2007 8:30 A.M.

Present: Pam Rackliffe, Chet Blomquist, Shirley Girioni (Co-Chair), John Herzan Richard Stoecker (Asst. Branford Town Planner)

Absent: Karyl Lee Hall (Co-Chair), Jean Kelley, Maureen Sherman

Guests : George Kral, Guilford Town Planner

The meeting was called to order at 8:40 a.m. by Co-Chair Shirley Girioni.

1. Approve December 13, 2006 minutes

Upon review of the minutes,

- page 2, change Jan Plazeak's title from Asst. Town Engineer to Town Engineer - page 1, Thunderhead Alliance has not issued a grant to the Shoreline Greenway Trail Committee

Chet Blomquist advised that funding from the Federal Byways Grant through the State of CT is now available to cover the $51,000 instead of Branford (in-kind services). The Montowese Street Project grant was received in 2000. The project must be completed by the end of summer 2007.

Motion: John Herzan moved to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Pam Rackliffe.

Vote: Carried - Unanimous

3. Old Business (Note to reader: change in agenda order)

e. Scenic Overlay Strategy - Update

George Kral advised that he had worked with John Kingsbury drafting a defined geographic area to create a scenic overlay zone for Guilford under PZC authority.

Discussion concerned : - off road scenic visibility and distance from roadside - comments from SRAC are requested for PZC decisions - letter to stakeholders is ready for mailing - a meeting will be held at the Dudley Farm, Route 77 - pros and cons of new scenic overlay zone - language for regulations is complete 2

George Kral will : - contact John Kingsbury re: the project and Leslie Kane, Guilford Environmental Planner, re: maps of the Route 77 area north of Route 80 - research Towns which use scenic overlay zones or similar regulations, such as the Gateway zone along the CT River

Shirley Girioni will contact Tom Cost regarding Dudley Farm and North Guilford section of Town.

George suggested that SRAC act as design review committee to the PZC, where applications would be assessed by SRAC prior to PZC evaluation.

Announcements and Correspondence

There was no information presented.

a. Public Act Bill #5714 Trees along Scenic Roads

Shirley Girioni will continue to try and reach State Rep. Pat Widlitz regarding Public Act Bill #5714.

b. Federal Byways Grant Update

Shirley Girioni advised that grant funds are available to begin construction this spring on Guilford's crosswalks using precast concrete block, handicap accessibilty, and possible granite curbing.

c. Shoreline Greenways Trails Committee (SGTC) - Chet Blomquist

Chet Blomquist will meet this date with SGTC. $600,000 may be obtained from the State of CT.

d. Tree Replanting Program - John Herzan

The Tree Replanting Program will be funded and supported by Public Act #5714.

4. New Business

Pam Rackliffe advised that : - Plan has been created for a Bird Viewing Platform on Route 146, Branford *existing path would be made accessible for viewing marshlands *parking for three vehicles - Application will be made for a Long Island Sound Grant - Karyl Lee Hall and Pam had met with the Branford Land Trust, who had concerns which will be addressed in a revised Plan *tide levels, rail, decking materials instead of wood *maintenance responsibilities, trash and teens, vandalism *plantings, sight lines - Funding for map design is unclear - Walkway will be gravel 3 - Area could be a contaminated (Brown field) site - A sign will be required

Members reviewed a map of the proposed site, noting an osprey platform on the marshes. History of landownership and use was discussed.

SGTC has proposed plans to construct a portion of their trail system along this route and railway. Bike rack would be helpful at bird viewing platform.

Housing development may occur beyond marsh view if not opposed. SRAC must remain proactive in order to assure scenic viewing areas.

Discussion focused on : - SRAC budget has approximately $600 *possible uses : replanting, bird viewing platform - Unclear on land surveys for Rte 146

Shirley Girioni will contact Leslie Kane, Guilford Environ.Planner re: spending on disease resistant native trees

Rick Stoecker advised that : - he had attended the Regional Council of Governments meeting which has plans for a regional pedestrian / bicycle trail system. This does not include commuter biking, no widening of pathways. - DOT has changed from using sand on roads to liquid chloride to prevent clogged basins and hazardous road conditions caused by sand.

Shirley Girioni will request that State Rep. Widlitz attend the next SRAC meeting on April 10, 2007.

5. Bills

Recording Secretary services, Judy Anderson Castellano $48.00

Motion: John Herzan moved to approve payment of the invoice, seconded by Rick Stoecker.

Vote: In Favor - Unanimous

At 9:20 a.m. John Herzan moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Rick Stoecker, Unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

______Judith Anderson Castellano Recording Secretary