TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSSION
MINUTES
MARCH 24, 2009
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, Paul Lambert, James Sansone, and Linda Spevacek. Staff present: Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development.
The meeting opened at 7:05 p.m.
Public Session:
There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by Paul Lambert, seconded by Linda Spevacek, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of February 24, 2009 with the following addition: Page 1, line 18, insert after the word possibilities; demonstrating no waivers needed as requested by the Commission. All approved. Margaret Chapple abstained.
Old Business:
The Commission briefly reviewed the final draft proposal of a mixed use Zoning Regulation for the Granby Center area and set the public hearing for April 14, 2009. Chairwoman Johnson noted that she appreciated the time Fran and the Development Commission spent putting this draft proposal together.
New Business:
Attorney Allen Kiernan, agent for Granby Liquors, LLC, discussed a request for an extension of time to obtain the State Liquor Permit as required in the Special Permit approved for property at 9 Bank Street, File Z-16-08. Attorney Kiernan stated that the 6 month request put forth by Attorney Elizabeth Strole, was probably longer than necessary and that a 2 month extension should be sufficient. The Commission asked if an extension to June 15, 2009, would be adequate and Attorney Kiernan stated that it would be.
ON A MOTION by Paul Lambert, seconded by Margaret Chapple, the Commission voted to approve an extension of time to June 15, 2009 to obtain the State Liquor Permit. All approved.
The Commission considered a Board of Selectmen referral per Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes regarding the extension of a sewer line in the Canton Road, Burleigh Drive and Archie Lane. Fran gave a presentation on this matter. He indicated that this area has poor soil conditions, including wetlands. The lots are small in size, with most of the homes constructed in the 1950s. Many of the septic systems in this area have failed over time. The small lot sizes and poor soil conditions make it difficult and expensive to repair or replace the septic systems. The Town Engineer is currently preparing plans and estimates to run the sewer line along Canton Road, just past Archie Lane. The line will also serve homes on Archie Lane and Burleigh Drive. Jim Sansone suggested that all
properties that are in
the wetlands be included in the sewer service area. There is a letter on file from Farmington Valley Health District which supports the extension of the sewer line.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Linda Spevacek, the Commission voiced their support for a sewer line extension along Canton Road, as proposed. The Commission understands that the proposed sewer line will begin at the Kearns School and run south, just past Archie Lane. The line will be designed to serve all homes on Burleigh Drive and homes on Archie Lane that predate the R30 Zoning. The Commission’s support is in accordance with Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
The Commission reviewed Pre-Application Review Procedures that were prepared by Fran Armentano. The members made various suggestions, which Fran agreed to make. He will submit the revised procedures for the Commission’s consideration on April 14, 2009.
Fran gave a brief power point presentation of the Connecticut’s Changing Landscape project, University of Connecticut Center for Land Use Education and Research. Using satellite imaging, the project shows the changing landscape of Connecticut communities between 1985–2006. Fran also referred to a comparative analysis of Granby, Somers and Suffield, prepared by planning intern, Emily Leveille.
Fran also noted that Public Works Department employees have been painting white marks on certain areas of the roads. The marks indicate such things as storm drains. An aerial flight survey will soon be underway and the photos will capture the makings. An overlay of the flight will be created and brought into the Town’s GIS system and the markings will be used to create specific maps of such structures and drainage ways.
Staff reports and Correspondence:
Fran gave an overview of the Town’s Small Cities Program for Housing Rehabilitation. He is working on a new application for funding.
Janeski Project – Fran reported that the hauling is done, top soil is being spread, final grading is being completed and grass should be growing by the summer months.
Fran reported that the construction of the new Windsor Federal Bank is proceeding as approved. There are no plans for the old building at this time. He also reported that the Bank Street/Hartford Avenue intersection will be improved, thanks to the generosity of the Beman family, as they provided the Town with an easement over a portion of their property located at 22 Hartford Avenue.
Fran noted that a proposed sidewalk plan has been prepared which identifies sidewalks extending along Rt. 189 to the High School entrance and into the parking lot. Sidewalks are also shown running from Stony Hill Village to Salmon Brook Park and north to the Middle School. The plan will be used to apply for federal stimulus funding.
Items of Interest or Concern:
Fran briefly commented on the progress which may lead to the construction of the approved office building at 37 Hartford Avenue. He also commented on commercial vacancies in the center of town, improvements to a property on Salmon Brook Street and the former diner project.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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