TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
JULY 10, 2007
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Margaret Chapple, James Sansone and Linda Spevacek. Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development and Edward Sweeney, Town Engineer.
The meeting opened at 7:05 p.m.
Public session: There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by Linda Spevacek, seconded by Margaret Chapple, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of June 26, 2007 with the following correction: Page 2, paragraph 1, sentence 5 should be R4A zone. All approved.
The public hearing on an application for site plan approval of a 13,500 square foot office building in a C2 Zone for property located at 37 Hartford Avenue, File Z-7-07, resumed at 7:07 p.m. Jamie Howland, Engineer, representing Howland Partners, LLC, presented the site plans and design for the proposed building. Mr. Howland reviewed the history of the property and the zone change in 1990 to a C2 zone. He noted that there is currently a small cape style house located on the property. The plans propose the removal of this structure. Mr. Howland reviewed the design of the colonial style office building, stating that the rear of the building will have an entrance at the same grade as the parking lot. This lower level will not be noticeable from the street as it will not have windows that are
visible from the street. The lower level will have less useable tenant space as it will contain the various building mechanicals and the elevator. The elevator is designed to service the buildings 3 floors. The rear portion of the property contains fairly steep slopes. This area will need to be significantly re-graded to install the rear parking area. The applicant proposes 53 parking spaces within this area to service the building. An additional 32 spaces are shown on the plan as “possible future parking”. Most of these spaces are located at the front of the building. The rear parking area will be 8 feet lower then the parking lot that serves Dr. Ungerleider’s building at 41 Hartford Ave. The vehicular access will be along the existing driveway that currently serves Dr. Ungerleider’s office. No additional curb cuts are proposed for this site. The parking area will connect to the existing
parking lot at 33 Hartford Avenue. The Commission discussed the building design, the parking, landscaping, lighting, access and more. There was concern expressed about the number of parking spaces, particularly as they relate to the type of office use. The installation of future parking and the possible need to modify the landscaping plan if this is done was discussed. The Commission felt that it was important for the proposed building to blend with the architectural design of the adjacent office buildings. The proposed office building will be served by public water and an on-site septic system. There are no wetlands on the property. The Commission asked about the proposed sign. The sign will be a freestanding directory sign, with exterior down-lighting, constructed in accordance with the regulations.
Dr. Michael Ungerleider, 41 Hartford Avenue, commented on the proposal. He appeared to support the office use. He commented on the parking and asked about preserving trees to the rear of his parking area. Edward Voskowsky, a part owner of the subject site and an abutting neighbor, stated that he feels this is an excellent plan and the best proposal for this area. The public hearing closed at 7:49 p.m.
The Commission held a discussion concerning an application to amend the Zoning Regulations by adding new Section 3.10, Rural Conservation R4A, File Z-1-07.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Linda Spevacek, the Commission voted to approve the amendment to the Zoning Regulations as proposed, by adding new Section 3.10, Rural Conservation R4A, File Z-1-07. The Commission found that the adoption was in accordance with the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development.
All approved.
The public hearing on an application seeking to amend the Zoning Regulations by adding a new section that would allow a private road that is located in Granby to serve building lots that are located in an adjacent community, File Z-6-07, will be held July 24, 2007.
No new Staff Reports or Correspondence were received.
Francis Armentano informed the Commission that Henry Miga, Building Official and Zoning Enforcement Officer has submitted his resignation. The Commission members recommended that Jim Sansone sit on the panel for the selection of the new Zoning Enforcement Officer.
Linda Spevacek commented on the need for architectural guidelines for future buildings. Fran noted that the Development Commission is beginning to work on new zoning guidelines for the Town Center. He felt that the proposed changes might outline compatible standards for building and signs. Chairwoman Johnson suggested inviting the Development Commission members to attend a P & Z meeting to discuss the matter as they begin to formulate the approach to the regulations.
The Commission received an application for a site plan modification and special permit seeking to install a drive though window for Dunkin Donuts, property located at 7 Mill Pond Drive, File Z-9-07. The public hearing will be held September 11, 2007.
The Commission received an application for a site plan modification for the State Line Propane, property located at 504 Salmon Brook Street, seeking to increase the size of the previously approved storage building, File Z-10-07. The application will be considered at the meeting of July 24, 2007.
The Commission members expressed concern for the non-conforming signs located at the intersection of Mill Pond Drive and Salmon Brook Street.
The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
Respectively submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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