TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 8, 2005
MINUTES
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Daniel P. Brown, Jr., Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, James Sansone, Linda Spevacek and Frederick Wilhelm. Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development and Edward Sweeny, Town Engineer were also present.
The meeting opened at 7:03 p.m.
Public session: There was no public session.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Charles Kraiza, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of October 26, 2005 with the following correction: Page 1, paragraph 3, sentence 1 should read: Dick Martindale, 10 Hungary Road, representing the Salmon Brook Watershed Association, informed the Commission that with the support of Christopher Dodd, the Subcommittee on National Parks has accepted an application from Salmon Brook Watershed Association. All approved.
Public hearing on an application for a Special Permit for earth excavation for property located at 359 North Granby Road, File Z-27-05, opened at 7:05 p.m. Fred Wilhelm abstained from participating in this application and left the Commission table. Stephen Hayes, owner, stated that this parcel of land contains several knolls creating steep grades or impassable barriers that prevent full use of the acreage for agricultural production. He proposes to remove earth materials and reduce the existing grade within 3 sections of the property. Mr. Hayes seeks permission to undertake the project over a 2 year period, though he hopes to complete the project sooner. As the property is used for farming, the applicants asks the Commission to modify the requirements of Sections 9.4.1, 9.4.3, 9.4.5, 9.4.6
and 9.4.8, as permitted by the regulations for agriculture/farming use. Trucks entering and departing the site will use Route 189, North Granby Road by a new access road that will be constructed along the southern property line. This appears to be the most appropriate access to the site. A State DOT curb cut permit for the construction of the access road will be required. Commission members noted that the Hayes family is very active in farming throughout the community. Put Brown stated the importance of farmland preservation and supported the application. The Commission asked for public input and Jim Oats briefly commented on the application. The public hearing closed at 7:20 p.m.
Public hearing on an application for a Special Permit for the use of a non-profit organization, per section 3.1.2.2 for the Granby Historical Society, property located at 208 Salmon Brook Street, File Z-28-05, opened at 7:21 p.m. Kevin Clark, Clark Engineering, submitted a site plan of the proposed “preservation barn”. The barn will be placed approximately 200 feet back from Salmon Brook Street and to the rear of the existing Colton Hayes Tobacco Barn. Mr. Clark stated that the building would be serviced by public water and sewer. The building will be used to store historical items.
It will contain a conference room and a work/research room. The proposed building will be 2 stories and contain 6,400 square. The footprint of the building will be 40 feet by 80 feet. Carol Laun, SBHS Building Committee Chairman, reviewed the Handicap accessible areas and the importance of the preservation of Granby’s past. The Historical Society recently received a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals, allowing the building to be placed approximately 24 feet from the southern property line. Jim Oates, representing Lost Acres Fire Department, indicated the Fire Department endorses the building and is fully supportive of the activities. Edie Duncan, North Granby Road, stated that the preservation of textiles was very important to the town. The public hearing closed at
7:30 p.m.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Fred Wilhelm, the Commission voted to approve the acceptance of Massaco Lane as a town road. All approved.
William Regan, 62 Hungary Road, indicated that, in his opinion, the Town should not be exempt from the Zoning Regulations. He suggested that the Commission recommend that the Board of Selectmen eliminate the Town Ordinance which established the exemption.
ON A MOTION by Linda Spevacek, seconded by James Sansone, the Commission voted to approve an application for a Special Permit for earth excavation for property located at 359 North Granby Road, File Z-27-05, as outlined on a map labeled exhibit A and an Operation Plan labeled exhibit B, with the following conditions:
1. Erosion and sedimentation control devices shall be installed and maintained under the direction of Town Engineer, Ed Sweeney.
2. The permit shall expire on 11/30/07.
3. The applicant is advised of the State DOT requirement for the proposed curb cut. Only this curb cut may be used by trucks entering and exiting the site under the subject application
4. The earth excavation and removal shall occur in accordance with the Operation plan identified as Exhibit B.
All approved as the Commission found that the proposed excavation would improve the agricultural use of the property. The Hayes family is actively involved in farming throughout the Community and their commitment to agriculture is considered to be a significant benefit to all Granby residents. Agricultural use, as practiced by the Hayes family, is strongly supported and encouraged throughout the Plan of Conservation and Development and the Zoning Regulations. Fred Wilhelm abstained from the vote.
ON A MOTION by Put Brown, seconded by Margaret Chapple, the Commission voted to approve an application for a Special Permit for the use of a non-profit organization, per section 3.1.2.2 for the Granby Historical Society, property located at 208 Salmon Brook Street, as outlined on a map Titled SITE PLAN, prepared for Salmon Brook Historical District, INC., dated 10-24-05, by Clark Engineering, File Z-28-05.
All approved as the Commission found that the application is in compliance with the Zoning Regulations and the Plan of Conservation and Development. The Commission further found that the Granby Historic Society is a tremendous community resource and a unique aid in the long term appreciation and understanding of the Town’s history.
ON A MOTION by Linda Spevacek, seconded by James Sansone, the Commission voted to go into Executive Session at 7:55 p.m. to discuss 22 Meeting House Road. Town staff members Fran Armentano and Dorcus Forsyth were directed to remain during the Executive Session. All approved.
ON A MOTION by Margaret Chapple, seconded by Fred Wilhelm, the Commission voted to close the Executive Session at 8:08 p.m. All approved.
Fran updated the Commission on various activities. He noted the recent sale of property at 19 Hartford Avenue by Cumberland Farms and discussed the progress on a possible moratorium on the creation of lots within the area of Case Street.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
| 
