TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 23, 2010
MINUTES
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, Paul Lambert, James Sansone, Linda Spevacek and Staff member, Francis Armentano.
The meeting opened at 7:07 p.m.
Public session: There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Charles Kraiza, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of January 26, 2010. All approved. Paul Lambert abstained.
Public Hearing:
A public hearing on an application seeking a Special Permit for a farm store as outlined in Section 8.15.17 for property located at 87 Notch Road, File Z-1-10, opened at 7:08 p.m. The applicants, John Baggott and Erin Windham, Windham Gardens, stated they are currently renting and farming the property at 87 Notch Road and all fields immediately surrounding the property. They grow a wide variety of vegetables, small fruits and cut flowers. Mr. Baggott indicated they have operated the Notch Road farm for the past 2 years and prior to that it was a dairy farm for 50 plus years. The proposed farm store will be located in a 15’ x 18’ portion of the former dairy barn that was the old dairy room. Ms. Windham noted that the farm store would be opened from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week from April 1st to
October 31st. The proposed access to the farm store will be over an existing driveway located to the north of the existing home. The driveway is located on the farm property. The property owner of 95R Notch Road has an access easement over this farm driveway and the owner stated she would prefer that the farm store not use this driveway. She maintains the driveway for her use and stated her concern that additional traffic and farm equipment will deteriorate the driveway. She also expressed concern for the removal of some of the buffering along the driveway. The Commission noted the concern and was hopeful that the two property owners could reach a mutual agreement on the maintenance. The public hearing closed at 7:29 p.m.
Margaret Chapple entered at 7:17 p.m.
Old Business:
Fran reported that the earth excavation and removal as approved by the Commission for properties located at 133 and 125 North Granby Road, File Z-13-09 began on February 16th. Fran has inspected the property and Simscroft is operating in accordance with the approval. Completion of the project should be before April 1st. The property owner of 123 North Granby Road that is located behind 125 North Granby Road expressed concern for the steep drop off created by the excavation. He indicated he has young children and has concerned for their safety. He also stated that he thinks trees may have been cut within the buffer area established by the Commission. Fran stated that he would review the concern.
New Business:
Fran reported that Dan Dumais is seeking a 90-day extension for the filing of the mylars for the Clemons Spring Subdivision (100 Lost Acres Road) to allow time to finalize the mylars to reflect the conditions of approval.
ON A MOTION by Paul Lambert, seconded by Linda Spevacek, the Commission voted to approve a 90-day extension for the filing of the mylars for the Clemons Spring Subdivision. All approved.
Fran discussed the need for some changes to Section 8.1 of the Zoning Regulations regarding Accessory Buildings and Uses. He will email the Commission members a draft of some possible wording changes in the near future.
Fran noted the recent article in the newspaper concerning a hair salon in a residential area. Hair salons are specifically prohibited in residential zones and are not considered home occupation.
Receive applications:
The Commission received an application for a horse barn located at 4 Powder Mill Lane. Public hearing is scheduled for March 23, 2010.
Staff Reports and Correspondence:
Fran noted that he has met with potential applicants for another farm store and for a possible subdivision. He anticipates an application for a restaurant for the Rome property located at 335 Salmon Brook Street.
Commission discussion of items of interest or concern:
There was no discussion.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Paul Lambert, the Commission voted to approve an application for a Special Permit for a farm store as outlined in Section 8.15.17 for property located at 87 Notch Road, File Z-1-10 with the following conditions:
1. The store hours shall be limited to the hours between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
2. The store may only be open from April 1st through October 31st.
3. The store shall be confined to the 15’ x 18’ area previously used as the milking room as outlined within the application.
4. The driveway shall be appropriately maintained for store customer traffic.
All approved.
The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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