HUBBARD Council OKs zoning despite objections

Homeowners don't want to see apartments in or around Pine Lakes Golf Club Estates.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Over the objections of residents, city council has approved the zoning of Pine Lakes Golf Club Estates.
Residents were still not pleased Monday that the zoning to allow multiple-family dwellings in some areas doesn't specifically prohibit construction of apartment buildings.
J.V. Ferrara, owner of the course previously known as Hubbard Golf Course and surrounding property, has said he has no plans for building apartments.
His plans: Ferrara has said his plans call for construction of 90 upscale single-family homes and 150 condominiums.
Continuing their dissatisfaction from the Sept. 18 council meeting, homeowners tried to persuade lawmakers to vote against any zoning that doesn't prohibit apartments.
Nonetheless, lawmakers approved the zoning by a 4-3 vote. Voting against the measure were Councilmen John Marshall, D-2nd; Robert DeJulio, D-3rd; and Douglas Rohrer, D-at large.
Homeowners complained there isn't a clear understanding of the zoning issue and they don't want to see rental properties developed in their neighborhoods, thus decreasing their property values.
Council president John Darko explained that plans call for lots with 102 feet of frontage, and apartment buildings require 210 feet.
Councilman John LaCivita, D-4th, chairman of council's planning and zoning committee, pointed out that if an attempt is made to put two lots together to allow enough frontage, it would have to go before the city's planning and zoning commission.
Negative vote: In voting against the measure, Marshall said he hasn't felt comfortable with the project. "I think there's took much uncertainty," he added.
DeJulio said he was against the zoning because the people are against apartments.
In another matter, Councilwoman Bonnie Viele, D-1st, chairman of council's finance committee, asked that legislation be prepared authorizing pay raises for three department heads and the mayor's secretary.
All would receive 3-percent increases retroactive to Jan. 1.
The salary of the mayor's secretary, Marilyn Buzek, would increase from $26,200 to $26,983.
Jerry Campana, street department superintendent, would see an increase from $34,000 to $35,020, and Joseph Slick, electric superintendent, and Kenneth Graban, water/waste water superintendent, from $37,080 to $38,192.
Police chief's salary: In another 4-3 vote, lawmakers rejected a measure to draw up legislation increasing police chief Raymond Moffitt's salary by 5 percent.
Voting against the measure were Viele, Marshall, LaCivita and Councilman William Williams, D-at-large.
Moffitt is currently paid $39,157 and hasn't had an increase since February 1999.
Lawmakers would not publicly discuss the reasons for turning down the measure, saying it was discussed in executive session.
Councilman David Bolchalk, D-at large, said Moffitt sought the raise because he plans to retire Jan. 31 and wants to increase his pension.
yovich@vindy.com