West Norwalk Association Board Meeting
January 6, 2003
Minutes West Norwalk Association Board of Directors Meeting
January 6th, 2003
President Peter O’Hare called the meeting of the West Norwalk Association to order at 7:40pm
Board Members Present: Peter O’Hara, Manuel Llorca, Sam Jones, Chris Bryan, Alan Murnick, David Frishkorn, Bob Wagman, Bill Krummel, Skip Wilhelm
Others Attending: Valerie Martin, John Martin, Betsy McGowan, Janine Howard, Kathy Davies, Kate Johnson, ReneeTerenzio, Jane Light, Betsy Wren, Harriet Able
Regular Meeting
Acceptance of Board Meeting Minutes of December 2nd, 2002: The minutes of December 2nd, 2002 were presented. A motion was made by Bob Wagman and seconded by Manuel Llorca to accept the minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: David Frishkorn received three membership dues submissions totaling $100 dollars which was added to the current closing balance of $5,577.42. Alan Murnick made a motion to accept the financial report which was seconded by Manuel Llorca. The motion passed unanimously. David made a suggestion of mailing postcards as a reminder for membership dues board members included.
Committee Assignments:
Publicity: It was agreed that the minutes would be added to the WNA community website after monthly approval. At this point it was mentioned that Penny Hoffman asked to take a leave of absence from the WNA board for personal reasons till approximately May. It was suggested that Skip Wilhelm in Penny’s absence rally the publicity committee members and prepare for the newsletter release.
Temporary Replacement for Vice-President (Penny Hoffman):Nominations were opened with Sam Jones nominated Alan Murnick for the temporary replacement of Penny Hoffman until her return. No other nominations were brought forth. Bob Wagman motioned for nominations to be closed, Manuel Llorca seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously
Prudential: A meeting was scheduled for Thursday January 9th 2003 with Peter O’Hare, Manuel Llorca, Betsy McGowan and Prudential advisors to try and work out community concerns / details with regards to Prudential’s application for possible zoning changes. It was mentioned that Prudential has filed for a temporary zoning change, a copy of which is on file with the city’s Planning and Zoning board. The date of a public hearing if deemed necessary might be announced later.
Bill Krummel mentioned that with the date of application neighborhood petitions can be filed, but it was suggested that any such action should be postponed till after Thursday’s meeting with Prudential.
Betsy McGowan speaking on behalf of neighbors presented her understanding of Prudential’s request for zoning changes and neighborhood concerns. She suggested that the West Norwalk Association might consider not hiring a lawyer just. She also addressed concerns with regards to Prudential’s temporary application and on behalf of some neighbors who also spoke and joined in the discussion. Most of the questions she agreed to try to get answers for at the forthcoming scheduled Prudential Meeting to clear any confusion. An outline was made to group positions together which is listed below:
- No changes for Prudential.
- No changes in the type of training but determine the increase in the number of companies – but not increase the number of people.
- Consider a conservation easement or deed restriction.
- Make the statement of 6 people per acre per day as stated in application.
- Limitations or regulation of traffic.
- No increase in usage #3 part in application.
- Work to avoid a sale.
Further debates occurred following the outline and statements of different opinions from both board members and participating neighbors.
Velocity Sports: The validity of the traffic report for Velocity sports was debated. According to the city report it showed that there probably would not be a significant increase in traffic which was questioned by Bill Krummel. At this point Peter O’Hare asked the Alan to step in as chairman as a show of good faith that there was not a conflict of interest as the same law firm handing the Velocity zoning application also controls a trust which makes contributions to Norwalk Community College. Alan Murnick agreed to stand in as chairman for this issue. It was mentioned that the traffic report showed that the Velocity application would keep the traffic level at a Status B, but could be skewed by issues such as carpooling and rush hour. It was decided that the board would wait for further analysis and interpretation of the traffic study by the city engineers. Chairmanship then returned at the end of the board’s discussion to Peter.
Planning and Zoning Housing Division: Bob Wagman mentioned that the planning and zoning board will be looking at a subdivision at 94 Maywood Rd for interested parties. Bob said he would look into it more to find out more details.
Skip Wilhelm mentioned neighborhood appreciated of the “stop sign” being put on the corner of Fillow and West Norwalk Rd. Acknowledgement was made to Alan and his hard work.
A motion to adjourn was made by Bob Wagman and seconded by David Frishkorn. It was unanimously approved; the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Bryan