TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 9, 2009
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Daniel P. Brown, Jr., Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, Paul Lambert, James Sansone and Linda Spevacek. Staff present: Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development.
The meeting opened at 7:04 p.m.
Public session: There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by Paul Lambert, seconded by Margaret Chapple, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of May 12, 2009. All approved.
A public hearing on an application of Tilcon Connecticut, Inc. seeking to renew a Special Permit for earth excavation for property located at 536 Salmon Brook Street, File Z-3-09, opened at 7:05 p.m. Kevin Johnson, Engineer, Close, Jensen and Miller, presented a site plan for the entire area including the Sawnson property. The plan shows current contours, updated to April 6, 2009. Mr. Johnson indicated there has been little change to the property since the last approval in 2007 as very little excavation and removal has occurred within the area subject to the permit. Most of earth material that is now being processed/screened within the industrially zoned area is not from this site, but from the Janeski site across the street. Minor excavation activity is occurring as needed on the Swanson
property and the area near the property entrance. The Commission voiced concerns for the steep bank that exists in the Swanson area. Frank Lane, Director of Real Estate & Environmental Compliance, explained the finishing process of the slopes. Mr. Lane also referenced the problems with the dirt bikes and the destruction they caused to the area near the stream. Neighbors expressed certain concerns in regards to the activity. Apparently silt was discharged from the property to Manitook Lake during a period of excessive rain. Mr. Lane indicated that this was most likely due to illegal dirt bike activity, which created ruts on the property. He suspects that the heavy stormwater followed the ruts to the lake, rather than following the slope as managed by construction. Dirt bikes are not permitted on the property and anyone found to be riding on the property will be arrested and prosecuted. The need for an emergency contact person was
suggested by the neighbors. Notch Road neighbors questioned the exact location of the Swanson property and the extensive time being taken for the completion of that area. Jim Moloney, 59 Lakeside Drive, thanked Tilcon Connecticut on behalf of Friends of Manitook Lake for their support. The Commission recommended that the steep slopes within the Swanson area be addressed and brought into compliance with the Swanson decision. The public hearing closed at 7:43 p.m.
Old Business:
- Fran Armentano is moving forward with an application to have the GIS Zoning Map become the official Town Zoning map. The application has been sent to CRCOG for a review.
- The Commission toured 100-114 Wells Road to view the completed area of Earth Excavation. Fran indicated he anticipates releasing the Bond as all requirements of the approval appear to have been met. Mr. Janeski has filed a mylar detailing the final contours of the property.
New Business:
Fran told the Commission that the Town received a letter and a map from Hal Pierce stating that Mr. and Mrs. Janeski will donate 5.5 acres of land to the town. The land is located behind Wells Road School and can be used for athletic fields. The Commission expressed its appreciation for this generous offer of land.
New Applications:
There are no new applications. Fran noted a future Lost Acres Road subdivision application following Inland/Wetlands Commission action.
Staff Reports and Correspondence:
There was nothing new to report. Fran indicated residential building activity has been increasing.
Items of interest:
- CRCOG Report was forward to all Commission members by Jim Sansone.
- Commission asked Fran to look into the approval of the application for a Book Store for 83 Salmon Brook Street.
Linda Spevacek noted she attended the 4-day Land Lease conference and Jim Sansone noted he attended a 1-day Zoning seminar.
ON A MOTION by Put Brown, seconded by Paul Lambert, the Commission voted to renew a Special Permit for earth excavation for property located at 536 Salmon Brook Street, File Z-3-09 with the following conditions:
- The file bond must be updated and renewed for the period of the permit.
- All other conditions previously attached to the permit as applicable.
All approved.
The June 23, 2009 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting is canceled.
The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
| 
