Planning and Zoning Cruises Through Short Meeting

The Planning and Zoning Commission disposed of a number of non-controversial items at its meeting last night.

Washington Street/Barbara Road. It granted final approval for a three lot subdivision, based on the comments from city departments that indicated all requirements had been met.

Congdon Street. The Lutheran Special Services runs a rest home for indigent elderly. They requested approval to move a city drainage line, to allow them to sell a parcel of their land to raise money. The Public Works Department supported the request, which was approved by the Commission.

Complete Streets. The Commission voted to schedule a public hearing on the incorporation of the Complete Streets Master Plan into the city's Plan of Conservation and Development. The hearing will be at the September 25 meeting, any change to the POCD requires at least 65 days notice, because it also needs to be filed with regional planning authorities. The Complete Streets Master Plan calls for actions to make city streets safe and inviting for more than just autos. Commissioners Salafia, McClellan, and Russo each reminded the Michiel Wackers, Deputy City Planner, that the plan they had seen earlier this year was long on generalities, and inadequate on specifics to our city. They asked him to make sure that the Plan that would be presented in September include Middletown-specific information, as well as an indication of how to prioritize specific actions.

Riverfront Update. The Commission tabled an update on riverfront planning until their next meeting, when City Planner Bill Warner would be present to provide it.