TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 8, 2005
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: Jim Glenney inquired about the removal of trees at 335 Salmon Brook Street, Rome’s Sporting Goods shop. He also inquired about any new updates for the property located at 37 Hartford Avenue.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Fred Wilhelm, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of January 11, 2005. All approved. Linda Spevacek abstained.
The Commission held an informal discussion with Ed Lally and Tom Fredo regarding a possible change of zone for property located at 379 North Granby Road. The property is located in a commercial zone. Mr. Lally reviewed the history of the property and the difficulties that they have faced in attempting to attract a commercial developer or use to this property. Mr. Lally was seeking comments from the Commission members regarding a possible change of zone from commercial to residential. Fran Armentano suggested that a mixed-use zone, which provides guidelines for both residential and commercial use, might be more appropriate. The Commission appeared to support such a concept and appeared to indicate that they might support a change to a residential zone for at least a portion of the property.
The Commission held an informal discussion with Ed Lally and Tom Fredo regarding the final phase of development at Cider Mill Heights. Mr. Lally gave an overview of the Cider Mill Heights Development. The proposed final phase will connect the 2 separate cul-de-sacs and create 39 new lots and add property to the existing open space. A preliminary plan was previously submitted for the entire property and this final phase appears to be consistent with that plan. Put Brown asked Mr. Lally about the ridgelines and what could be done to preserve visual integrity of the area. Mr. Lally replied that he would look into the matter and make an effort to preserve existing trees. He also discussed a site that would be donated to the town for the possible use by the Department of Public
Works.
The Commission held an informal discussion with Ed Lally concerning a subdivision plan for property located at 100 Lost Acres Road, Pinney property. He offered both a FRD plan and a conventional plan, both with the equal number of lots. The FRD plan allowed for the preservation of street frontage along the “scenic” Lost Acres Road and greater buffering from existing homes. The Commission clearly preferred the FRD plan.
The Commission held an informal discussion with Julia Levy & Pam Kahn regarding a possible rear lot subdivision for property located at 10 Knowllwood Lane. Mrs. Kahn stated that she and her husband and the Levy’s would like to buy this property and divide it into 2 parcels of approximately 13 acres. Due to the limited frontage, both lots would become rear lots. Mr. Armentano noted that there appeared to be wetland soils on the property and that the Wetlands Commission reviews a 100 foot buffer from wetlands and a 200 foot buffer from watercourses. The Commission members were not opposed to creating 2 large lots at this location.
The Commission held a discussion concerning a request to establish Tinker Trail as a Town Road. Ed Sweeney stated that there is a drainage issue that has not been corrected and that he could not recommend accepting the road at this time. The Commission will not accept the road until the Town Engineer is fully satisfied.
Fran informed the Commission he would be meeting with the owner of the Cambridge House Brew Pub, Salmon Brook Street, File Z-3-04, this week.
Fran gave the Commission an update concerning the Village at Hunt Glen. He presented the Commission members with a map that outlined a reduction in the number of total units from 75 to 69. The reduction comes from the changes of various units from duplexes to single units. The Commission members agreed that a reduction in the number of units was permissible, but also agreed that a final mylar that outlined all of the changes must be signed by the Commission and filed in the office of the Town Clerk.
Fran discussed with the Commission the new Subdivision Regulations regarding Fees in Lieu of Open Space. He suggested various changes to the specific wording. These suggestions are based on his recent efforts to promote the payment of a fee in lieu of open space and on his review of the State Statutes. The Commission offered various recommendations and supported the modifications. Fran will finalize the materials and the Commission will consider an amendment at a future meeting.
Chairwoman Johnson told the Commission members that Fran Armentano made a wonderful presentation to the Board of Selectmen on the revised Plan of Conservation and Development. She also reviewed with the Commission the recent workshop that was held by the Subcommittee on the Plan of Conservation and Development. The Subcommittee should finalize the plan at their meeting of March 1, 2005.
The Commission received the following applications:
· Application for special permit that proposes a restaurant, located within an Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone, for property located at 9 Mill Pond Drive. File Z-3-05.
· Application for a Special Permit for a Rear lot Subdivision that proposes one additional lot for property located at 72 Bushy Hill Road. File Z-2-05.
· Application for a Special Permit for FRD Subdivision that proposes two lots for property located at 100 Lost Acres Road. File Z-4-05.
ON A MOTION by Linda Spevacek, seconded by Margaret Chapple, the Commission voted to go into Executive session including town staff to discuss pending litigation. All approved.
ON A MOTION by Linda Spevacek, seconded by Charles Kraiza, the Commission voted to end the Executive session. All approved.
The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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