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TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
OCTOBER 9, 2007
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Daniel P. Brown, Jr., Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, 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: Linda Spevacek, seconded by Margaret Chapple, the Board voted (6-0-1) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 25, 2007 as presented. C. Kraiza abstained.
Public hearing on 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, opened at 7:05 p.m. Fran Armentano gave an overview of the area noting there are 2 properties involved in the proposed activity and a third property is identified on the maps as phase 2. The 2 properties contain approximately 30.5 acres. Property at 114 Wells Road is located within an R30 residential zone and property located at 537 Salmon Brook Street is located in a C2 zone. The 537 Salmon Brook Street property will serve primarily as the access to the excavation area. He explained that the application falls under Section 9 of the Zoning Regulations and that special permit use is evaluated under the criterion outlined within Section 8.2
of these regulations. Attorney Walter Twachtman, representing Pierce Builders, Inc., stated Mr. Janeski, owner of the property, has granted Pierce Builders, Inc. permission to make this application. He presented booklets to the Commission containing photos of the site and Mr. Janeski’s farming operation, a letter from Donald Parizek, Soil Scientist and information on the proposed operation. Attorney Twachtman noted that Mr. Janeski is the third generation to farm this property. He is in need of more pastures for his cattle. His objective is to develop a meadow for better grazing for his cows. He presented photo boards displaying the land and farming operation. The excavation site is 9.3 acres located to the south of Fern Hollow Drive. He noted that a 10-foot earth berm is in place behind some of those houses. He outlined a phasing plan for the excavation and removal of the material. The operation involves the
excavation and removal of approximately 108,000 cubic yards of sand off the site. There will be no processing of materials on site. All materials will be hauled a very short distance south on Salmon Brook Street to the Tilcon site. He stated that the curb cut is already in existence and can be used per the Department of Transportation. All excavated areas will be covered with top soil and stabilized. Attorney Twachtman noted that the time frame of the operation depends on the Commission’s decision, but could be completed in 100 days. He reviewed along with Hal Pierce, Jr., treating the site to minimize the dust, signs placed on the road for truck traffic, hours and days of operation, safety regulations, equipment, environmental pollution, top soil preservation, buffers, sloping of banks, restoration plan and wetland issues. He submitted a letter from John Sima, Hydro Dynamic Engineering LLC, pertaining to wells in the area. Mr.
Janeski stated that he just wants to farm and enlarge the number of cattle and have more calves to sell. Attorney Danielle Omasta, representing John Dallen, 11 Fern Hollow Drive, stated that in her opinion, under the current regulations the application for excavation and removal is not permitted. She commented that the removal of the sand is not for the benefit of farming and stated that the proposal will have a negative impact on area property values. To support this claim, Attorney Omasta submitted letters from 2 real estate agents. She also expressed concern for this type of operation so close to Wells Road School. Royal Griffin, 41 Fern Hollow Drive, gave a presentation on wind effects in the area, related to dust pollution. John Dallen stated he is in total disagreement with this project. He stated that 108,000 yards relates to 6,000 truckloads of sand. This type of operation will cause property values to fall, create negative
environmental issues, vibrations in nearby homes, and have a negative effect on wells. He noted a problem with his pool filter due to excessive amounts of blowing dust this past summer. He also referenced problems with Mr. Janeski due to tree and stump removal, fencing and burning brush. Several other Fern Hollow Drive neighbors and Granby residents were opposed to this operation and expressed concern for dirt, dust, the proximity of Wells Road School with no air conditioning, hours of operation, boundaries and encroachment, health issues, wells, traffic, truck parking, noise, appearance, support for town monitoring, future use of the property and noted cows were there with the old conditions. A Wells Road resident commented on the discomfort that she experienced with the re-construction of Wells Road School, particularly the site work, which she compared to the proposed activity. Several neighbors, businesses and local farmers spoke on behalf of Mr.
Janeski. They indicated that the sand is a needed natural resource, that Janeski runs an attractive, very well maintained farm with nice animals and is a good neighbor. It was stated that it is a farmer’s right to improve their property and cows are preferable to houses. A resident encouraged Mr. Janeski to place a conservation easement on this property to preserve it as farmland. A comment was made that both Pierce Builders and Mr. Janeski run good operations. Mr. Janeski stated he would plant rye this week to help control the dust. The Commission sought additional information on the following items at the next public hearing: noise, dust, response from Mr. Parizek of the DOT, timing, buffering, etc. The public hearing adjourned at 9:50 p.m. to be continued to November 13, 2007, pending comments from the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission.
Public hearing on an application for a modification of a site plan by adding a 20’ by a 40’ addition to the existing building, for property located at 516 Salmon Brook Street, Maximum Enterprises, LLC, File Z-17-07, opened at 9:52 p.m. Doug Max, owner, said that he would like to construct a post and beam lean-to to the existing building to cover his equipment in the winter and install a chimney for a wood stove. He stated that no additional trucks would be added. Neighbors expressed concern based on the proximity of the operation to the property line, noise, the existing berm and lighting. They also noted that some of the deed restrictions had not been enforced. Fran noted that the town is not subject to the specific deed restrictions but recommended that the applicant and the
neighbors work to resolve the issues. The public hearing adjourned at 10:19 p.m. to be continued October 23, 2007. This will allow Mr. Max time to meet with the neighbors on the lighting and deed restriction issues.
There was no Staff Reports and Correspondence.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Linda Spevacek, the Commission voted to appoint William Volovski as the new Zoning Enforcement Officer. All approved.
Put Brown noted that the West Granby Methodist Church has agreed to reduce the wattage of the internally lit sign and turn it off at 9:15 p.m. He suggested that the Commission write a letter of appreciation to the church.
Fran Armentano stated that he will bring to the attention of William Volovski, Zoning Enforcement Officer an apparent sign violation for the sign located at 261 Salmon Brook Street, Brignole property. A directory sign permits a maximum square footage of 5 square feet per tenant. Chairwoman Johnson commented on the excessive lighting on the building.
The Commission received an application for a modification to a previously approved site plan for property located at 9 Bank Street that seeks approval of a 14 foot high fence that will serve as a noise barrier between the commercial and residential properties. File Z-18-08. The Commission will consider the application at its next meeting, scheduled for October 23, 2007.
The Commission hopes to discuss drive thru windows for restaurants at its next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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