TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
OCTOBER 23, 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 7:01 p.m.
Fran Armentano introduced Bill Volovski, Granby Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer, to the Commission. Mr. Volovski gave a brief biography of his background and stated that he was enjoying his work in the Town. Put Brown commented that he hoped Mr. Volovski would be diligent in his enforcement of the sign regulations. James Sansone spoke very highly of Mr. Volovski and the Commission welcomed him and wished him well in his new position with the Town.
Public session: There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded Linda Spevacek, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of October 23, 2007. All approved.
The continuation of a public hearing on an application for a modification of a site plan that proposes adding a 20’ by 40’ addition to an existing building, for property located at 516 Salmon Brook Street, Maximum Enterprises, LLC, File Z-17-07, resumed at 7:05 p.m. Doug Max, owner, stated that he met with the neighbors to discuss the lighting, building addition and deed restrictions. He indicated the lighting in the proposed lean-to style addition would be limited to fluorescent lighting on a switch, located in the building ceiling. The outside floodlights will operate on a motion detector. Allison Laudati, 2R West Lakeview Drive, presented a copy of the deed restrictions and discussed her concerns. Linda Knorr, 2 West Lakeview Drive, also expressed concern for any violations of
the deed restrictions and indicated the neighbors intend to police the operation more diligently and will report violations to the Town. The public hearing closed at 7:18 p.m.
Charles Kraiza entered the meeting at 7:08 p.m.
Jim Nilsson of Geissler’s Supermarket presented 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. Mr. Nilsson stated that the current store renovations have resulted in an increase in the noise level at the rear of the building. The existing stockade fence has not been effective in blocking the noise from the neighboring properties. The proposed fence will replace the existing fence and has been designed in response to the concerns of the neighbors. The fence is designed to reduce noise from the building machinery and from the trucks that make deliveries to the rear of the building. An abutting
neighbor indicated that the machinery noise is so loud they can’t have a normal conversation in their backyards. The noise from the trucks makes this unpleasant situation even worse. She stated her belief that the existing fence encroaches onto her property line. She expressed an appreciation of Mr. Nilsson’s willingness to help resolve the noise issue. Another Oakridge Drive neighbor reviewed the history of the area and the Geissler’s building. He indicated his frustration with the excessive noise that he has lived with for many years. He stated he was very grateful to Mr. Nilsson for trying to correct the situation and encouraged the Commission to approve the proposal. Further comments centered on the need for an acoustic engineer to evaluate the problem, the length of the fence, the rooftop machinery and the idling of the trucks. It was agreed that the Town staff would pursue additional noise reduction measures if the
fence proved ineffective in substantially reducing the noise.
Fran discussed a request by Arthur Howland, seeking a 90-day extension for the filing of the mylars for property located at 37 Hartford Avenue, File Z-7-07. The Lost Acres Fire Department is currently using the existing ranch house located on the property for training.
ON A MOTION by Margaret Chapple, seconded by Paul Lambert, the Commission voted to approve a request for a 90-day extension for the filing of the mylars for property located at 37 Hartford Avenue, File Z-7-07. All approved.
At the Commission’s request, Fran Armentano presented a proposed amendment to Section 8.16.1 of the Zoning Regulations concerning drive-thru windows. The amendment establishes a 400-foot separating distance between the access points that serve such windows. The Commission discussed the wording and asked that the amendment be forwarded to the Capitol Region Council of Governments for their review.
Staff Reports and Correspondence:
Fran informed the Commission that Anthony DeFeo has appealed the Commission’s decision to rezone his property located on Edgerton Road. Town Attorney Donald Holtman will be representing the Commission in the matter.
Fran informed the Commission that the State has approved the Town’s application for an Open Space and Recreation grant in the amount of $50,000. The funds will be used to help pay for the Town’s acquisition and preservation of the 57-acre Haddad property located at 149 Old Messenger Road. A Town meeting will be held on November 5, 2007 to obtain final approval for the acquisition.
Fran noted that based on current activity, he anticipates that Cider Mill Heights will be paved this year.
Fran noted the recent changes to the sign at 261 Salmon Brook Street. He believes that the sign does not conform to the Zoning Regulations. The Commission commented on the sign lighting and Fran stated that he would check on the matter.
Sign illumination was discussed and Fran agreed to draft an amendment to the sign regulations concerning illumination. The Commission would like to move this matter along fairly quickly and asked that a draft be sent on to CRCOG as soon as possible.
Fran discussed the progress made to date on the Dunkin Donuts site construction for the drive-thru window. A series of boulders will be used on the site to serve in place of guide rails.
ON A MOTION by Put Brown, seconded by James Sansone, the Commission voted to approve an application for a modification of a previously approved site plan by adding a 20’ by 40’ addition to the existing building for property located at 516 Salmon Brook Street, Maximum Enterprises, LLC, File Z-17-07, as proposed.
All approved, as the Commission members found the application to be in conformance with the regulations.
ON A MOTION by Margaret Chapple, seconded by Linda Spevacek, the Commission voted to approve 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, as proposed. All approved as the Commission members found that the fence would aid in separating the commercial and residential properties.
The continuation of 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, is scheduled for November 13, 2007. Fran will attempt to secure the Senior Center for the meeting.
The Commission received the following applications:
A request for the renewal of an earth excavation and removal permit for property located at 359 and 361R North Granby Road. Also, a public hearing for a reapplication for the Hayes property located at 359 and 361R North Granby Road.
The Commission received an application seeking a special permit for a modification of an existing sign, in accordance with Section 8.6.13, for property located at116 Salmon Brook Street.
The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
| 
