TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
September 13, 2005
MINUTES
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Daniel P. Brown, Jr., Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, James Sansone, and Frederick Wilhelm. Director of Community Development, Francis Armentano was also present.
The meeting opened at 7:03 p.m.
Public session: There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by Jim Sansone, seconded by Charlie Kraiza, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of July 26, 2005. All approved.
A public hearing on an application for a Special Permit for a seasonal commercial recreational use, within an existing building located at 557 Salmon Brook Street. File Z-21-05 opened at 7:10 pm. Ken McCartney, property owner and resident of 70 Kelly Lane, Granby presented the request to the Commission. He proposes to use a portion of the existing building space of Grass Helper Lawn Care for 2 baseball battling cages. Mr. McCartney believes that there is local interest in this activity and local sports teams and individuals would like to have the cages available. He would charge a fee for the use of the cages and offer various snacks and drinks for sale. Mr. McCartney’s primary business is Grass Helper which operates through much of the spring, summer and fall. The batting cages will be primarily a
seasonal use. The proposed hours are from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. Mr. McCartney was not sure how busy the cages would be most hours of the day. He felt that weekends would prove to be more popular then weekdays and that evening hours would be more popular than daytime hours. He felt that the site could easily accommodate the anticipated parking needs. During the public portion, 2 residents spoke against the proposal. Both were concerned with the possible impact on the Sawmill Road neighborhood. Noise from the activity and vehicle lights were specifically mentioned as concerns. There was much discussion about noise and how much noise might be heard from Sawmill Road, which is to the rear of the building. A possible violation of the site plan, regarding a fan that has been installed to the rear of the building was also discussed. The Zoning Enforcement officer will discuss the matter with the property owner.
The public hearing closed at 7:45 pm.
The Commission held a discussion with Tammy Tanner on an application for a Special Permit, for property located at 18 Hartford Avenue, File Z-18-05, approved by the Commission on July 26, 2005. Ms. Tanner brought the Commission up to date on this matter. She discussed final design plans and the historic renovations that will be done to her 1940s Sterling Streamline Diner. Mr. Colin Strayer an expert on diners was also in attendance. He is serving as a consultant for Ms. Tanner, advising her on the necessary renovations to her Sterling Streamline Diner. He briefly spoke with the Commission on the renovation process. The Commission appreciated the update and appeared satisfied with the progress.
The Commission held a discussion of the Meetinghouse Wood Subdivision, the original approval, conditions of the approval, deed restrictions of various lots and the Declaration of Scenic Easement. At the last meeting the Commission stated that the Declaration of Scenic Easement and Recreational Easement, recorded in Volume 238, Pages 337 and 338 is clear and that the present use of property at 22 Meetinghouse Road is in violation of the document and the Commission’s approval of the Meetinghouse Subdivision. The Commission directed the Zoning Enforcement Officer to enforce the approval. To date the matter has not been resolved. Eric Clapprood, owner, 22 Meeting House Road was in attendance and stated that he does not think that he is in violation. The Commission asked Fran Armentano to refer the matter to the
Town Attorney for a review and opinion.
The Commission received new applications as follows:
An application for a Special Permit for the use of an existing accessory building for a customary home occupation for property located at 151 North Granby Road. File Z-23-05
An application seeking a Special Permit for a Residential Landscape Business for property located at 279 Mountain Road. File Z-22-05
At the September 27, 2005 meeting the Commission will hold hearings on the above applications and on an application seeking a Special Permit for a 10 lot FRD subdivision for property located at 238 Granville Road, with the proposed access from property located at 31 Pheasant Run. File Z-20-05
Respectfully submitted,
Francis G. Armentano
Acting Recording Secretary
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