TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 9, 2004
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Daniel P. Brown, Jr., Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, James Sansone, Linda Spevacek, Frederick Wilhelm, Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development and Edward Sweeney, Town Engineer.
The meeting opened at 7:03 p.m.
Public session: There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by Linda Spevacek, seconded by Put Brown, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of October 26, 2004. All approved.
A continuation of a public hearing on an application for Special Permit and Site Development Plan for State Line Propane, located to the south of the existing State Line Oil Buildings, 514 Salmon Brook Street, File Z-21-04, resumed at 7:05 p.m. Attorney Thomas Fahey, representing Brian Guarco, began the presentation. He introduced Christopher Stenson, Engineer, who reviewed the revised development plans. Mr. Stenson noted that fire extinguishers and emergency shutoff valves and switches have been added around the site per the request of John Oates, Fire Marshall. Mr. Stenson reviewed the site line from the proposed curb cut, the lighting plan and minor drainage changes for the curb cut. Richard Lavengood, Engineer, gave a brief overview of the application to date, also reviewing the entire
operation, the fire safety code requirements and site safety measures. Kenneth Wood, owner, Education Training Associates, discussed the shut-off valves, breakaway safety measures and the transport station. Mr. Wood also discussed the on site training program for the Lost Acres Fire Department. Michael Morrisey, stated they met with Mr. Oates and addressed his concerns. Mr. Morrisey then reviewed employee training and certification. John Oates stated the building meets all federal, state and local requirements. He also discussed training and the yearly inspections of the vehicles and building by the fire marshal. Neighbors expressed various concerns, including property values, buffering, lighting, increased truck traffic, evacuations in case of an emergency, tank depth, future tank placement, potential for accidents, neighborhood impact, financial loss, location of the curb cut, time frame of development and more. The use of the
proposed driveway for retail business only with delivery trucks entering and existing through the existing State Line Oil driveway was also discussed. Attorney Fahey submitted a letter from David A. Petursson, Appraiser, concerning property values. The public hearing closed at 9:28 p.m.
A continuation of public hearing on an Amendment to the Zoning Regulations, Section 8.10 concerning a Bed and Breakfast or Inn Use, File Z-24-04, resumed at 9:29 p.m. Kevin Marshall, applicant, stated that he is proposing the amendment to the regulations to increase the maximum number of guest rooms from 6 to 15. Mr. Marshall owns the Bed and Breakfast on Salmon Brook Street and he would like to add additional rooms. A letter has been received from the Capitol Region Council of Government. The Economic Development Commission sent a letter in support of the amendment. A letter was read into the minutes from Bill and Jane Haslun who opposed the amendment. Members of the public noted that the appearance and quality of such a facility should fit into the existing neighborhood. There
was a brief discussion of the proposal regarding the appropriate maximum number of rooms and whether or not 6 was to few and 15 was too many. The public hearing closed at 9:44 p.m.
The Commission discussed the proposed reconstruction of Lost Acres Road. The Commission commended the care taken by the Department of Public Works in planning for the improvements to Lost Acres Road. The Commission and the DPW share an appreciation of Lost Acres Road as a particularly beautiful and historically significant Scenic Road.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Charles Kraiza, the Commission voted to approve the reconstruction of Lost Acres Road as proposed within the DPW report titled Lost Acres Road Rehabilitation, FY 04-05, File Z-26-04, with the following suggestions and comments:
1. It is understood that a goal of the reconstruction is to achieve a consistent width of 20 feet. The widening of the road beyond 20 feet is discouraged.
2. It is understood that a goal of the reconstruction is to achieve 2-4 foot shoulders. It is recommended that shoulders be maintained in a natural condition wherever possible.
3. Every effort shall be made to preserve healthy trees, particularly trees with a caliper of 12 inches or more. If a live tree, with a caliper of 12 inches or more, needs to be removed, then the DPW will paint a white X on the tree, prior to its removal. The preservation of existing roadside vegetation is preferred over the establishment of grassed areas.
4. It is understood that every effort will be made to maintain the natural horizontal and vertical curvature of the road.
5. It is recommended that the DPW maintain a file of before and after photos of the road. These photos can then be presented for the Commission and public review upon any future application to reconstruct a scenic road.
6. It is understood that new sections of guardrail will be needed to provide adequate safety along the road, particularly where the road falls off towards the Beldin Brook. The Commission discourages the use of guardrails except where they are absolutely necessary. Where guardrails are used, the Commission recommends that they be constructed using materials suitable for a Scenic Road.
7. It is recommended that the Town Engineer oversee the design and placement of erosion and sedimentation controls between the roadway and Beldin Brook. It is understood that the reconstruction of Lost Acres Road will ultimately result in a reduction in the amount of salt and sand that is used on this road during the winter season, thereby benefiting the ecology of the brook.
8. It is recommended that the DPW seek a “Request for Review of Activity” from the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission.
All approved.
The Commission discussed a Board of Selectmen referral per Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes regarding the rehabilitation of the Broad Hill Road Bridge over the West Branch of the Salmon Brook. Ed Sweeney reviewed the cost, approach, drainage and design relative to the project.
ON A MOTION by Charles Kraiza, seconded by Margaret Chapple, the Commission voted to support the proposed rehabilitation of the Broad Hill Road Bridge. All approved.
The Commission received an application for a Special Permit for a sign that exceeds the maximum square footage as provided in Section 8.6.13.1 for property located at 97 Salmon Brook Street, YMCA. The public hearing is scheduled for November 23, 2004.
The meeting adjourned at 10:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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