TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JANUARY 26, 2010
MINUTES
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, James Sansone
And Staff member, Francis Armentano.
The meeting opened at 7:05 p.m.
Public Session: There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Margaret Chapple, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of January 12, 2010. All approved.
Public Hearing:
A public hearing on an application for a Special Permit under Section 8.8 of the Zoning Regulations seeking permission to use a portion of an existing barn in support of a home occupation for property located at 134 Day Street, File Z-01-08, opened at 7:06 p.m. Fran Armentano explained that the original application was approved by the Commission on March 11, 2008 and that the primary purpose of this public hearing is to solicit comments on this previously approved and currently existing use to ascertain if there have been any negative impacts on the area associated with the use. The applicants, Marcy and Tom Green, are owners of Dragonfly Event. Dragonfly is an exclusive floral and event design firm specializing in weddings and social events. The Green’s explained that a major portion of their
business is in the Washington, D.C. area, but that they also do local events. Most of the activity involved in creating the floral arrangements is done outside of Granby. The barn is used primarily to store materials. It is not heated so little if any activity occurs within the barn during the winter months. Mrs. Green noted the signs have been removed from their van, no large trucks have made deliveries and only an occasional customer has come to the house. Mr. Maier, 138-Day Street, noted that there was a difference in the wording of the legal notice and the notice sent to the neighbors. Also he referenced the permit expiration date and the use of the property. Mrs. Maier stated that she has her 94-year-old mother living with them. She expressed a concern about noise from vehicles making deliveries before 8:00 a.m. and lights. She was also concerned about customers coming to the Green’s property. Other Granby residents
and clients noted the Green’s were good people, good neighbors and good for the community. They encouraged this type of business and noted that the barn was “In keeping with Granby.” The public hearing closed at 7:24 p.m.
Old Business: There was no old business.
New Business: There was no new business.
Receive Applications: No new applications have been received. Fran noted that Dan Dumais has requested an extension for the filing of the mylars. The Commission did not take action on this matter.
Staff Reports and Correspondence:
Fran noted that AT&T has been installing communication boxes in several different locations throughout town which will allow them to provide upgraded internet and television service. Fran is working with them in an effort to minimize any negative safety or visual impacts that the boxes may have.
Fran also noted he has been working on updating the maps for the Towns permanently preserved Open Space. He hopes to give a power point presentation to the Commission at the next meeting.
Items of Interest or Concern:
Jim Sansone inquired about the status of the development rights and sale of the Law property located on Bushy Hill Road.
Fran reported the Lost Acres Vineyard will be planting the grapevines in the spring. He also noted that the home at 257 North Granby Road will soon be demolished.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Charles Kraiza, the Commission voted to approve an application for a Special Permit under Section 8.8 of the Zoning Regulations seeking permission to use a portion of an existing barn in support of a home occupation for property located at 134 Day Street, File Z-01-08, with the following conditions:
- The regular hours when the barn will be used for the home occupation shall be 8:00 am – 7:00 pm.
- Based on the testimony of the applicants, very little activity, related to the home occupation, actually takes place within the barn. It is understood that the primary use of the barn, relative to the home occupation, is for the storage of items related to the home occupation. Activity in the barn, related to the home occupation shall be limited to the activity as described within the application. This activity includes such things as flower and container preparation (cutting and putting flowers in buckets of water), assembly of the floral work and other such minor assembly activities. Overall the level of activity in the barn shall be indistinguishable from the amount of activity one would typically find in a barn on a residential property.
- Product deliveries that are made to the home, related to the home occupation, shall arrive by standard size delivery vehicles, such as a UPS truck. No delivery or pick-up of any product, supply or equipment associated with the home occupation shall be made by tractor trailer truck.
- The home occupation shall remain in compliance with Section 8.8 of the Zoning Regulations.
All approved.
The February 9, 2010 meeting is canceled.
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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