Date: Fri 09-May-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

P&Z-Meeks-locator-maps

Full Text:

Resident Suggests More Detail On Development Maps

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

A Butterfield Road resident is urging Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z)

members to increase the level of detail they require from developers who

submit subdivision applications to the P&Z.

Resident Penny Meeks of Butterfield Road urged May 1 that developers be

required to provide much more detail on existing land uses that lie within a

one-half mile radius of the sites they propose for residential subdivisions.

The information would be depicted on so-called "locator maps."

Locator maps are now provided to the P&Z by applicants in the form of an inset

map on a larger subdivision map. The locator maps are drawn to a much smaller

scale than the subdivision maps. Locator maps place a development within the

geographical context of surrounding streets to provide P&Z members with a

sense of the area for which a subdivision is proposed.

Ms Meeks illustrated her presentation to P&Z members with a series of maps.

Ms Meeks alleges that some locator maps that have been presented to P&Z

members in past development applications haven't accurately represented the

areas they depict. P&Z members aren't able to address developmental issues

without accurate mapping, Ms Meeks said.

Subdivisions are being built in already densely-developed areas, but the

locator maps which developers provide to P&Z members when applying for their

projects don't always depict this, she said.

"You need the full story to start planning," she told P&Z members. "I just

don't think you're getting a broad enough picture," she said.

"You need more information to plan...You need more accurate information," she

said.

Ms Meeks suggested that locator maps depict the various land uses which exist

within a one-half mile radius of a site proposed for development. Such mapping

would contain existing subdivisions, as well as symbols depicting which lots

in those subdivisions contain existing houses.

P&Z member James Boylan, who said he moved to Newtown "a couple years ago,"

said he's relatively unfamiliar with the lay of the land here.

More detailed geographical information concerning the relative locations of

development projects should be presented to the P&Z during subdivision

applications, he said.

"I agree. I think it's needed," he said.

The P&Z's regulations should be changed to require a broader area and more

detailed information on locator maps, he said.

P&Z Chairman Stephen Koch agreed. The locator map proposal is a point well

taken, he said, adding the P&Z's purpose is to plan ahead.

P&Z member Daniel Fogliano agreed, saying the locator map proposal is a good

one.

Ms Meeks also urged that the town participate in the Housatonic Valley Council

of Elected Officials computerized mapping system known as Geographical

Information Systems (GIS).

GIS mapping allows municipalities to keep a graphical computerized inventory

of natural and man-made features which can be keyed to electronic maps. It is

used by planning agencies as a tool to guide development.