TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MARCH 22, 2011
MINUTES
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Margaret Chapple, Paul Lambert, Eric Lukingbeal, James Sansone and Linda Spevacek. Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development and Kevin Clark, Town Engineer was also in attendance.
The meeting opened at 7:01 p.m.
Public Session: There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Paul Lambert, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of February 22, 2011. All approved. Margaret Chapple abstained.
Public Hearing:
Public hearing on an application seeking approval to subdivide property located at 69 Hartford Avenue into 12 residential building lots as outlined on plan sheets known as Gate House Road, prepared for Beaudry Construction, dated August 30, 2010 and revised to March 17, 2011, File P-2-11, opened at 7:03 p.m. Eric Lukingbeal excused himself and left the Commission table. J.R. Beaudry, Beaudry Construction LLC, introduced Attorney Richard Case and Christian Alford, Professional Engineer. Mr. Beaudry stated the proposal is for a 12-lot subdivision off Hartford Avenue near the East Granby line. The 57- acre site is a portion of property known as 69 Hartford Avenue, which contains 81 acres. The current property owners (River Bend Associates, Inc.) intend to retain approximately 24 acres of
the 81 total acres. The retained area will be combined with adjoining property owned by River Bend Associates. Christian Alford noted that last fall they had an informal discussion with the Commission where they presented preliminary development plans. Following that discussion the applicants worked with Town Staff in the preparation of the current proposal. This proposal has fewer lots and a shorter road than originally discussed. The road will be a town road serving 10 lots, with two additional lots served by a driveway off Hartford Avenue. The lots will range in size from .70 acres to 3 ½ acres, all with individual wells and septic systems. The landscape plan was also reviewed and discussed. The open space requirement would be satisfied by a fee-in-lieu of open space, as the proposed open space does not meet the requirements for Usable Open Space outlined in Section 3.1.3.1. Fran noted he worked with the Assessor to determine the fee in
lieu-of-open space to be $2,180 per lot for a total of $26,160. The Commission discussed a variety of issues and concerns regarding the plan. They reviewed notes attached to sheet 2 of 10, specifically the modification of lots 9 and 10, access to property located at 95 Hartford Avenue and the landscaping plan. The applicant has received approval from Inland Wetland and Watercourses Commission and the Farmington Valley Health District. The application was referred to the Capital Region Council of Governments and the Town of East Granby as required. Both CRCOG
and East Granby have provided written responses, which indicate that they have no
Planning and Zoning Commission concerns regarding this proposal. There was no public comment. The applicant will submit the additional information as requested by town staff. The public hearing closed at 7:42 p.m.
Eric Lukingbeal returned to the Commission table.
Old Business:
Fran noted a letter has been received from Liz Bennett, Bandit’s Place, indicating she has decided not to move forward with the approval for Meadowbrook Lane, as this is not the best location for her facility. She also thanked the Commission for their time. Chairwoman Johnson noted she also received a nice letter from Ms. Bennett.
New Business:
The Commission held a discussion with Michael and Frank Grillo of 541 Salmon Brook Street, Tire King concerning a proposed addition of a 40’ x 32’ three car garage that would be used for emissions testing and oil changes. The existing garage will continue to be used for normal motor vehicle repair. The new building will be designed to match the existing one. Additional screening would be added to the rear of the property. They noted that the wrecker and flatbed were reassigned to their East Granby location. The second story of the existing building will be used for their offices and not rented. They have been working with the building inspector and the FVHD on this matter. Fran discussed the parking and access. The owners intend to work with town staff in
developing a plan in compliance with the regulations.
The Commission held a brief discussion concerning a possible amendment, which could allow accessory apartments within separate buildings on single-family residential lots. The Commission members need more time to think about all the possible implications, positive and negative impacts of such an amendment.
The Conservation Commission has indicated that they continue to work on Ridge Line Regulations and will be coming before the Planning and Zoning Commission for a presentation in the near future.
Receive Application:
The Commission received an application from State Line Propane for a site plan amendment to add an additional 30,000-gallon propane tank to the site. Public hearing scheduled for April 12, 2011.
Staff Reports and Correspondence:
Fran noted that he expects to receive a site plan application for property located at 29 Hartford Avenue, seeking an addition to an existing building for the expansion of a Yoga Studio. The applicant recently received ZBA approval. Consideration of this application is anticipated for the April 26, 2011.
Fran noted he has been working with Donald Holtman, Town Attorney, on revisions to the Adult Uses regulations.
Fran commented that he expects to receive a rear lot application for Moose Horn Road. The IWWC is currently reviewing the proposal.
Fran sought from the Commission an opinion on the placement of decorative lighting, similar in style to the bank Streets lights, along the Center Green walks. The members appeared to be supportive of such an idea.
At the request of the Commission, Fran will prepare suggestions in regards to a possible approval for the Gatehouse subdivision for discussion at the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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