TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
JANUARY 23, 2007
Present: Margaret Chapple, Acting Chairwoman, Jonathan Boardman, Daniel P. Brown, Jr., Charles Kraiza, James Sansone and Linda Spevacek. Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development was also present.
The meeting opened at 7:03 p.m.
Public session: There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Jonathan Boardman, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of January 9, 2007. All approved.
Public hearing on an application to amend the Granby Plan of Conservation and Development by adding a study, titled: The Case Street Area, A Formula for the Preservation and Development of a Unique Section of the Town of Granby, File Z-17-06, resumed at 7:05 p.m. Fran Armentano gave a review of the Case Street Area Study Committee results and the process for the adoption of an amendment to the Plan of Conservation and Development. Fran indicated that area residents had expressed concerns that existing lots would now become non-conforming lots. Fran stated that Attorney Vincent Sabatini had submitted a memorandum referencing his six topics of concern. Fran reviewed the dates of all legal notices and actions. Fran stated that based on his discussion with the Town Attorney, it would be best to
re-advertise the legal notice and to hold the hearing on February 13, 2007. The Commission agreed, and the public hearing on this matter will be held on February 13, 2007.
The Commission held an informal discussion with Mike Wosczyna concerning the Subdivision of land at 120 Silver Street. Mr. Wosczyna presented the proposed site plan for the 15+ acre parcel. He anticipates the proposal of 5 lots of approximately 2-3 acres each. One lot will contain the existing house. He discussed wetlands and the streetscape. He expects to preserve 10% of the site with conservation easements. These easements would be located along the front portion of Silver Street in an effort to preserve the view from the street. He also suggested that he would pay a fee in lieu of open space for the remaining 10% of the open space requirement. The Commission appreciated the presentation.
Fran reviewed with the Commission the consideration of a Board of Selectmen referral per Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes regarding the purchase of 57 acres of land at 149 Old Messenger Road. The Haddad property is adjacent to an existing 4.5 acre parcel of land, owned by the Town of Granby. The acquisition of the Haddad property will increase the size of the Town parcel to over 60 acres. The Town has entered into an agreement for the purchase of the property for $100,000. The property will be preserved as open space and will be known as the Catherine Marshal Preserve.
The purchase is contingent on all necessary Town approvals and the successful application of an open space grant from the State of Connecticut.
ON A MOTION by Put Brown, seconded by James Sansone, the Commission voted to endorse the Board of Selectmen referral per Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes regarding the purchase of 57 acres of land at 149 Old Messenger Road, finding that the purchase will further the long range preservation efforts within this area.
All approved.
The Commission continued the discussion concerning the cutting of trees at the Powder Mill Lane Subdivision. Fran informed the Commission members that he and Ed Sweeney had visited the site and noted the confusion in the rear lot line. Mr. Patrick stated he would plant evergreens, arborvitaes and mountain laurel. He indicated he would work together with Fran for direction. The existing bond could guarantee that the planting are completed this coming spring. Fran will prepare specific wording for the Commission’s consideration.
The Commission continued the discussion of the cutting of trees within the 40-foot buffer established for the State Line Oil/State Line Propane site plan subdivision. Fran reported that he met at the site with Brain Guarco and Chris Stimpson of Alford Associates to identify the trees that were cut and view the damage to the buffer area. Brian Guarco has expressed concern and regret that the 40 foot buffer had been disturbed. He instructed Mr. Stimpson to prepare a plan to restore the buffer area. The Commission reviewed the plan and suggested that the new trees be pines rather than arborvitae. They also suggested additional plantings. Fran will prepare a recommendation on the size and types of trees for the Commission’s consideration. Linda Knorr expressed great concern,
stating her dismay that after the Commission has set restrictions on an approval, the developer still ignored the action and destroyed the property. She asked how you replace 100- year old trees.
Staff Reports and Correspondence: There is nothing to report at this time.
The Commission inquired about the status of 261 Salmon Brook Street, the previously approved application for a Diner and about commercial development.
The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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