TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
DECEMBER 8, 2009
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Charles Kraiza, Paul Lambert, Eric Lukingbeal, James Sansone and Linda Spevacek. Francis Armentano, Director of Community and Kevin Clark, Town Engineer were also in attendance.
The meeting opened at 7:02 p.m.
Public session: There was no public comment.
Minutes:
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Paul Lambert, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of November 10, 2009. All approved. Eric Lukingbeal abstained.
Public hearings:
The public hearing on an application seeking a special permit for a non-profit commercial use for property located at 281 Salmon Brook Street in the Center Commons Zone, File Z-10-09 opened at 7:04 p.m. Anna Sogluizzo, Real Estate Agent representing Feline Rescue and Mary’s Corner explained that the application proposes to convert the existing 2 family home into a mixed use, residential and commercial nonprofit use. She further described how the cats are rescued and adopted under the program. The non-profit operation currently exists in Granby, at 4 Park Place. Ms. Sogluizzo stated that this new location would allow for 25-30 cats to be kept on site while they await adoption. All cats are kept in cages and are cared for under specific guidelines. The cats are visited by two to three
people each morning and night for feeding and cleaning. Additional parking spaces are proposed to allow for open house visitors on the weekends. The 4 square foot sign is proposed which will be designed in conformance with the regulations of the Center Commons Zone. There was no public comment. The public hearing closed at 7:12 p.m.
Linda Spevacek entered at 7:06 p.m.
The public hearing for an application for a 9-lot FRD special permit and subdivision for property located at 95-Day Street, File Z-11-09 opened at 7:13 p.m. Tom Grimaldi, Engineer, R.R. Hiltbrand, representing Charles Dickson and Karen Chase, introduced partner Robert Hiltbrand and presented the proposed subdivision application. Mr. Grimaldi stated the site is 40 acres and is mostly woodlands except for approximately 3.6 acres, which consist of hayfields to the northerly property line and a small cleared area to the south. Mr. Grimaldi reviewed the proposed future plans for the entire 115-acre parcel. The entrance to the 9-lot subdivision is within the area of 81-Day Street. The total area of open space is 28 acres of which at least 1.25 acres will remain with the Homeowners Association to
accommodate maintenance of a bio-retention basin and drainage swales. A significant portion of the open space will be deeded to the Granby Land Trust and a smaller portion will be preserved by a conservation easement. The 9 lots will range in size from .8 to 1.8 acres and be located on a 1240-foot private road. Mr. Grimaldi extensively reviewed the bio retention basin, drainage swales, conventional drainage, improved culvert on Day Street and buffers. John Horr, Fire Chief, has reviewed the plans. A letter of approval for well and septic systems has been received from the Farmington Valley Health District. A local neighbor expressed concern for increased traffic suggesting a 3-way stop sign be installed to eliminate speed on Day Street. Abutting property owners all expressed concern for excess storm water flow during construction, drainage, existing wells & septic systems, chemical or pesticides being used, natural buffers, future buffers and
loss of privacy. John Fitzgerald stated that he intends to construct 3 – 4 bedrooms homes of between 2800 – 3400 square feet. The public hearing will be continued to December 22, 2009 to allow Mr. Grimaldi time to meet with Town Staff to review remaining issues and in anticipation of the final action of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. The public hearing adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
The public hearing for a Special Permit for a garage in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 504 Cider Barrel Way, File Z-12-09 opened at 8:20 p.m. James Sansone abstained from the discussion and left the Commission table. Ed Lally, Engineer, explained that the proposed garage is needed as the owner, Scott Duncan, has a 28-foot long boat and antique cars to store. The arched doors, roof, trim, windows and textures will all blend with the design of the house. The building will be approximately 90 feet from the roadway. The lot contains 3.3 acres. There was no public comment. A letter of support was submitted for the file from neighbor John Pagliano. The public hearing closed at 8:27 p.m.
Old Business:
There was no old business.
New Business:
The Commission held an informal discussion with the new owner Frank Grillo of 541 Salmon Brook Street, formerly Autos of Connecticut North, concerning the recent improvements and future use of the property. Mr. Grillo stated he has totally renovated the building and it will be used for automotive use. He would like to sell used cars, tires and provide auto maintenance and repair. He anticipates eliminating a curb cut on Salmon Brook Street and adding one on Fern Hollow Drive. The Commission’s approval of a new site plan is required before such changes are done. The Commission recommended that the proposed site plan include a lighting and landscaping plan and provide information concerning the hours of operation, noise, sign and possible pollutants. A hearing on the matter is anticipated
for January of 2010.
Receive applications:
No new applications were received.
Staff Reports and Correspondence:
Fran reported the Canton Road sewer project has been completed.
Commission discussion of items of interest or concern:
There was no discussion.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Paul Lambert, the Commission voted to approve an application seeking a Special Permit for a non-profit commercial use for property located at 281 Salmon Brook Street in the Center Commons Zone, File Z-10-09, as proposed.
All approved, as the members found the application to be in compliance with the regulations.
ON A MOTION by Linda Spevacek, seconded by Paul Lambert, the Commission voted to approve an application for a Special Permit for a garage in excess of 1,000 square feet, for property located at 504 Cider Barrel Way, File Z-12-09 with the following condition:
That any associated exterior lighting fixtures include full horizon cut-off and be designed to eliminate glare off the property line.
All Approved. James Sansone abstained.
The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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