TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
OCTOBER 26, 2010
MINUTES
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, Eric Lukingbeal, James Sansone, and Linda Spevacek. Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development, Kevin Clark, Town Engineer, were also in attendance.
The meeting opened at 7:01 p.m.
Public session: There was no public comment.
Minutes:
ON A MOTION by Eric Lukingbeal, seconded by Linda Spevacek, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of September 28, 2010. All approved. Charles Kraiza abstained.
Public hearings:
Application seeking a Special Permit under Section 8.8.1 to operate a catering business within an enclosed accessory building for property located at 70 Lakeside Drive, File Z-13-10, opened at 7:03 p.m. John Laudati, owner, stated this property is the former Manitook Tobacco Camp that was owned by Culbro Tobacco Co. and used to house the summer workers. He and his wife, Allison, purchased this property and have spent the last 5 years restoring the property. He is requesting the approval of the Commission to use the former camp dining hall building, which has a commercial kitchen, for a catering business. The major portion of the catering activity would be off site. He anticipates that the business would hire one full time employee, plus themselves. Mr. Laudati noted this use would have much
less of an impact on the neighbors than the prior use. The nearest residential home is located almost 500 feet from the dining hall and the abutting property to the south and west is heavily wooded. All activities on the parcel are well buffered from Route 10/202. Mr. Laudati stated that they have had 2 charitable events at this location with no complaints about traffic or noise. They do not anticipate any significant traffic relative to the use of the kitchen for off site catering. Off site deliveries would be with personally owned vehicles. There will probably be one off site event per week during the summer and winter months and perhaps more during the holiday seasons. Jim Sansone expressed concern that a Commission action might limit or prevent the applicant’s ability to have future outside functions on this property. Fran commented that past activities were permitted under Section 2.9 and are separate from this request. Jim
English, 461 Salmon Brook Street, stated they have no problem with this type of business that would be located across the street from their house. The public hearing closed at 7:13 p.m.
Old Business: There was no old business.
New Business:
The Commission held an informal discussion with Christian Alford and Attorney Richard Case representing River Bend Associates regarding a 12-lot subdivision for property located at 69 Hartford Avenue. Mr. Alford presented a site plan and photos of the proposed 57 acres. This is a conventional R-30 subdivision with well and septic systems. He noted approximately two thirds of the land is wetlands and that this area would be placed in a conservation easement, with the back land donated to the Land Trust. He also reviewed access, soil types, and private drives. Fran inquired about a Fee in Lieu of open space. The Commission commented that Mr. Alford and his client should continue to work with Town Staff.
Receive Applications: There are no new applications.
Staff Reports and Correspondence:
Fran reported that the Town has received a STEAP grant of $250,000 that will be used to make improvements to the bathhouse at Salmon Brook Park. Also the State of Connecticut has approved a $40,000 grant to assist the Granby Land Trust with the purchase 138R Old Messenger Road, Crane property. The Land Trust will also be purchasing 136R Old Messenger Road, an 8-acre parcel from William Hart. Fran also noted 8 homes on Canton Road have thus far tied into the new sewer line and that the re-construction of the Silver Street Bridge should begin within the next year. He reviewed with the Commission the ZBA issue concerning the riding of dirt bikes on residential property. He also noted the new 4 way stop at Granville Road, Mountain Road and East Street.
ON A MOTION by Eric Lukingbeal, seconded by James Sansone, the Commission voted to approve an application seeking a Special Permit under Section 8.8.1 to operate a catering business within an enclosed accessory building, for property located at 70 Lakeside Drive, File Z-13-10. All approved.
The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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