Erie Planning Commission Meeting - May 20, 2020

The Planning Commission of the Town of Erie held a virtual meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at 6:31 PM. All four commissioners (Fraser, Ames, Zuniga, and Witt) were present. The meeting included approval of the agenda and prior minutes, appointments of Chair and Vice Chair, and a public hearing on a zoning resolution for the Westerly property. The meeting adjourned at 6:59 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the Agenda: Commissioner Ames moved, seconded by Commissioner Zuniga, to approve the May 20 agenda. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
• Approval of April 15, 2020 Minutes: Commissioner Fraser moved, seconded by Commissioner Ames, to approve the April 15, 2020 Planning Commission meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were emailed or offered via waiting room for either general public comment (items not on the agenda) or for the rezoning hearing specifically. Neither the planning manager nor the secretary reported any such comments.

General Business: Appointment of Officers

• Chair: Commissioner Ames moved to appoint Commissioner Zuniaga as Chair. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
• Vice Chair: Commissioner Zuniaga moved to appoint Commissioner Fraser as Vice Chair. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
• Commissioner Witt then turned the meeting over to new Chair Zuniaga.

Public Hearing: Resolution P20-11 - Rezoning of Westerly Zoning Map

Proposal Overview:

• Senior Planner Hannah Hippely presented the request. The rezoning applies to a portion of the Westerly property located south of Erie Parkway and east of County Road 5. The proposal aims to adjust the boundaries of the Neighborhood Mixed Use district to conform with the previously submitted sketch plan (presented to Planning Commission in 2017 and 2019) and the preliminary plat that is being prepared.
• The current area zoned Neighborhood Mixed Use is approximately eight acres; the proposed change increases it to 11.71 acres. The remainder of the property is Low Density Residential.
• Applicant Heidi Majerik (Southern Land Company) and representative John Prestwick (PCS Group) presented additional background. They highlighted the vision for Westerly, including diverse housing types, walkability, trails, open space preservation, and creation of a community focal point. They emphasized the applicant is committed to continuing the project despite economic challenges, noting they are dedicated to supporting local team members.
• Staff recommendation: Approval of the resolution (which would advance to the Board of Trustees) with one condition (not specified in available materials).

Commissioner Deliberation:

• Commissioner Witt described the plan as "a clear, concise plan" and the change “makes sense.” Other commissioners had no questions.
• Commissioner Witt also commented that the plan’s emphasis on connections of trails, sidewalks, and open space is especially important given increased public interest in outdoor activities during the pandemic.

Vote:

• Commissioner Witt moved to approve Resolution P20-11, seconded by Commissioner Fraser. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
• The Planning Commission will send the resolution to the Board of Trustees for final decision.

Staff Reports

• Planning Manager Deborah Bachelder reported that dedicated Planning Commission interviews were conducted the previous evening with the Board of Trustees. Chair Zuniaga had been temporarily appointed for six months, but she and seven other applicants (after one withdrawal from an initial group of eight) interviewed for the open seats. The minutes state there were seven applicants for four open seats, while the transcript mentions “seven for three positions” due to a potential discrepancy (the minutes officially record four seats). The Board of Trustees will make appointments at their next meeting.
• Bachelder noted Town Hall has re-opened to the public with restrictions: social distancing (6-foot markers), mask wearing, a Plexiglas divider at the counter, reduced hours (8:30 AM–4:30 PM), and a staffing schedule that has one person in the office from 8:30 to 10:30 AM daily. The public is strongly encouraged to make appointments.
• Of the interviews, Bachelder stated that “you got to hear what everyone was coming from and why they wanted to be on the planning commission” – indicating the public nature of the interviews.

Commissioner Reports

• Chair Zuniaga announced she had officially adopted her baby girl the previous week, a personal milestone.

Adjournment

• Commissioner Witt moved to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Ames. The motion carried unanimously, and Chair Zuniaga adjourned the meeting at 6:59 PM.

• Note: The minutes indicate that the Chair Zuniaga had been temporarily appointed for 6 months (until the Board of Trustees makes permanent appointments), which aligns with statements in the transcript but also reflects a timeline consistent with the upcoming Board of Trustees decision.

This summary is based on the agenda, formal minutes, and raw transcript. The transcript and minutes contain slight discrepancies regarding the number of applicants versus official minutes (seven for four seats vs. transcript stating seven for three positions).