TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
DECEMBER 14, 2010
MINUTES
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, Eric Lukingbeal, Paul Lambert, James Sansone and Linda Spevacek. Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development was also in attendance.
The meeting opened at 7:03 p.m.
Public session: There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by Linda Spevacek, seconded by Margaret Chapple, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of October 26, 2010. All approved. Paul Lambert abstained.
New Business:
The Commission held a discussion concerning the Scenic Road Ordinance. Fran explained that Mr. Smith, Town Manager received a letter from Charles and Heather Monty concerning the cutting of trees by a homeowner on Silver Street, which is designated as a Scenic Road. (A copy of the letter and a copy of the Scenic Road Ordinance were included in the Commission member’s packet). Fran discussed the ordinance and noted the restrictions that it places on work within the right of way. He noted that Scenic roads are primarily set up to restrict the Town Department of Public Works from straightening curves, cutting mature trees, widening roads or anything that would take away from the scenic quality of the road. But he also noted that the ordinance applies to homeowners as well. Fran pointed out
the difference between “Routine Maintenance” which is permitted and “alteration”, which is only allowed with the approval of the Commission. He suggested things that the Town could do to inform the public about Scenic Roads and the restrictions that apply to them. Chairwoman Johnson agreed that more needed to done to inform the public and make owners more aware of the stipulations concerning the Scenic Roads. John Jenkins stated that before anyone cuts tree in the town’s right of way, they should check with the Tree Warden (Superintendent of Public Works) for approval. Doug Maus suggested that real estate agents inform prospective buyers of Scenic Road designations. He felt that the positive aspects of living on Scenic Roads should be promoted along with an appreciation of the scenic qualities of such roads. Fran will prepare an article for the Drummer concerning tree cutting on scenic and other town roads.
Charles Kraiza entered at 7:07 p.m.
James Sansone recused himself from the following discussion and vote concerning Cider Mill Heights.
The Commission held a discussion concerning the approval of an extension of time for the completion of the Cider Mill Heights Subdivision. Fran noted that on July 26, 2005 the Commission approved Phase 4 of the Cider Mill Heights Subdivision. In accordance with State Statute and the Commission’s approval, all work in conjunction with this subdivision was to be completed by July 26, 2010. All work has not been completed to date. The upper and lower portions of Cider Mill Heights Road have been completed, but the connecting portion is not quite complete and construction has not begun on Cider Lane, which is approved as a Town Road that will serve 11 lots.
ON A MOTION by Paul Lambert, seconded by Linda Spevacek, the Commission voted to grant a 5 year extension, ending July 26, 2015 for the completion of the Cider Lane portion of the subdivision and grants a 3 month extension ending March 14, 2011 for the completion of all work related to Cider Mill Heights Road. All approved.
Fran reviewed with the Commission the regulation concerning the storage of Commercial vehicles in residential zones, Section 8.1.4 of the Zoning Regulations. He noted that citizens have asked about storing commercial vehicles on residential properties, particularly properties with large acreage. The Commission addressed this issue in part when it adopted Section 8.28 Residential Landscaping Business in 2004. However, this section does not apply to other situations where commercial vehicles can reasonably be kept in residential zones, for example where a resident keeps a backhoe on a 4 acre property. Fran feels that Section 8.1.4 is unclear in its regulation of commercial vehicles. The Commission agreed that the regulations could be improved in this regard. Fran will draft an amendment to better
describe the conditions that might permit the parking and storage of non-residential vehicles in residential zones.
The Commission held a discussion of Powder Mill Lane and acceptance of the road.
ON A MOTION by Margaret Chapple, seconded by Linda Spevacek, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend to the Board of Selectmen the acceptance of Powder Mill Lane as a Town Road. All approved.
Staff Reports and Correspondence:
Fran reported on the landscaping at 541 Salmon Brook Street, the dirt bike issues and the appeal, paving of the road at Clemons Springs, Shepherds Way Road, Granby Oak, Granby/East Granby Town line subdivision application and windmills.
The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
| 
