TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 25, 2007
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Daniel P. Brown, Jr., Margaret Chapple, Paul Lambert, James Sansone and Linda Spevacek. Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development and Edward Sweeney, Town Engineer.
The meeting opened at 7:03 p.m.
Public session: There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by Put Brown, seconded by Linda Spevacek, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of September 11, 2007 with the following correction: Page 3, paragraph 6, sentence 2 should read: In particular, there is a new sign at the West Granby United Methodist Church which is internally lit and very bright. All approved.
Public hearing on an application to amend the Zoning Regulations by adding new Section 8.1.10c, regarding fences opened at 7:07 p.m. Fran Armentano reported he has had a request from Geissler’s Supermarket to construct a fence that would serve as a noise barrier. This would create a buffer between a commercial and residential zone. An amendment to the zoning regulations is needed to allow the Commission to hear the application for a fence on the property line. There was no public comment. The file contains a letter from the Capitol Region Council of Governments that finds no conflict with regional plans and policies or concerns of neighboring towns. Public hearing closed at 7:15 p.m.
Public hearing on an application to amend the Zoning Regulations Section 4.2.4 regarding Drainage Requirements and Storm Water Management opened at 7:16 p.m. Ed Sweeney stated this is in basic conformance with the requirements of a general permit and DEP regulations. Modifications to Granby Zoning Regulations and Subdivision Regulation are needed in order to address the Phase II Storm Water (MS4) requirements for post construction runoff control. A member of the public questioned the regulation. Another member of the public asked if the Town would have to follow these regulations. The file contains a letter from the Capitol Region Council of Governments that finds no conflict with regional plans and policies or concerns of neighboring towns. The public hearing closed at 7:27
p.m.
Public hearing on an application to amend the Subdivision Regulations by adding new Section 1.2.4 concerning Drainage Requirements and Storm Water Management opened at 7:28 p.m. Ed Sweeney reported that the amendment is needed in order to address post construction runoff control in the Subdivision Regulations. There was no public comment. The public hearing closed at 7:31 p.m.
The Commission held a discussion with Robert Rome concerning an application for a site plan modification for Rome’s Sporting Goods, property located at 335 Salmon Brook Street, File Z-11-07. Mr. Rome stated that he needs to relocate the propone filling area due to the change in the building and to approve the aesthetics of the site. He indicated he wants to build a 32-foot x 15-foot storage shed on the north side of the propane tank for the storage and sale of propane related accessories. The shed will have vinyl siding on it to match the rest of the building. Mr. Rome noted that he also wants to add a cupola to the building and more landscaping. There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Paul Lambert, the Commission voted to approve the application for a site plan modification for Rome’s Sporting Goods, property located at 335 Salmon Brook Street. File Z-11-07. All approved as the application was in compliance with the regulations.
The Commission held a discussion concerning an application for a special permit and modification to an existing site plan for property located a 7 Mill Pond Drive that proposes a drive thru window for the existing Dunkin Donuts, File Z-9-07. The public hearing was closed on September 11, 2007.
ON A MOTION by Paul Lambert, seconded by Linda Spevacek, the Commission voted to approve an application for a special permit and modification to an existing site plan as outlined in the Site Plan for Dunkin Donuts Drive Thru, dated May 1, 2007, Job# 07-106, sheets 1 and 2, for property located at 7 Mill Pond Drive that proposes a drive thru window for the existing Dunkin Donuts, File Z-9-07, with the following conditions:
1. The site shall be completed as specifically outlined on the above reference plan.
2. The dumpster area needs to be repositioned prior to construction.
3. The existing propane tanks are to be removed or made permanent at the direction of the Granby Fire Marshal.
4. The van that is located at the rear of the building and used for storage must be removed prior to construction.
5. A stop sign shall be placed at the eastern intersection of the plaza with Mill Pond Drive and where the drive thru terminates within the plaza as directed by the Director of Community Development.
6. A “no access” sign shall be placed at the entrance of the drive thru, opposite the menu board, within the island where the transformer is located, to discourage motorists from entering the drive from the east.
7. A guardrail may be required by the Town Engineer at the back of the building to improve vehicular safety.
8. No additional signage is permitted other than the signage specifically outlined on the above reference plans.
9. The sound volume of the intercom system shall be in compliance with the report submitted by Allan Smardin of HMB Acoustics. The Director of Community Development shall review the sound volume prior to any use of the drive thru to determine compliance.
All approved as the application was found to be in compliance with the regulations.
The Commission held a discussion concerning the Zoning amendment to Section 8.6 regarding the height and the size of a sign. It was noted that several Simsbury Road neighbors have issued complaints about the brightness of the internally lit sign at the West Granby United Methodist Church. They have stated this type of sign should not be allowed in a residential zone. Fran stated he will continue to review the sign regulations and consider additional sign regulation amendments based on this concern.
Staff Reports and Correspondence:
Fran reported he spoke at the Conservation Commission meeting on ridgelines. At the meeting the Conservation Commission suggested that the Farmington Valley Biodiversity Project be made a part of the Plan of Conservation and Development.
Fran suggested that the public hearing on an application to excavate and remove sand at 537 Salmon Brook Street and 114 Wells Road, Janeski property be held on October 9, 2007. Chairwoman Johnson suggested the Commission members visit the site prior to the public hearing and Fran agreed to e-mail members in an attempt to set up a common time to walk the site.
The Commission received an application for a site plan modification for a small addition, property located at 516 Salmon Brook Street, Doug Max.
ON A MOTION by Margaret Chapple, seconded by Linda Spevacek, the Commission voted to approve an application to amend the Zoning Regulations by adding new Section 8.1.10c, regarding fences. All approved as the Commission found that the amendment would provide additional opportunities for screening residential and commercial uses.
ON A MOTION by Put Brown, seconded by Margaret Chapple, the Commission voted to approve an application to amend the Zoning Regulations Section 4.2.4.2.1 regarding Drainage Requirements and Storm water Management. All approved as the Commission found that the amendment would aid in reducing the environment impact from development.
ON A MOTION by Put Brown, seconded by Linda Spevacek, the Commission voted to approve an application to amend the Subdivision Regulations by adding new Section 1.2.4 concerning Drainage Requirements and Storm water Management. All approved as the Commission found that the amendment would aid in reducing the environment impact from development.
Public hearing for an application seeking to excavate and remove earth materials for property located at 114 Wells Road and 537 Salmon Brook Street, File Z-16-07, will be October 9, 2007.
Public hearing for an application for site plan modification for a small addition for property located at 516 Salmon Brook Street, Max property, will be October 9, 2007.
The Commission commented that they would like to discuss a comprehensive policy on drive thru windows.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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