TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
MARCH 25, 2008
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Margaret Chapple, Paul Lambert, James Sansone and Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development.
The meeting opened at 7:02 p.m.
Public session: There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Paul Lambert, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of March 11, 2008. All approved. Margaret Chapple abstained.
The public hearing on an application for an accessory apartment under Section 8.5 of Zoning Regulations for property located at 168 Hungary Road, File Z-4-08 opened at 7:03 p.m. Sara Sabbagh, owner, explained that they are proposing to construct an addition to the rear of the existing house that would serve as an accessory apartment for her parents. The addition would have a great room, kitchen and bedroom. Ms. Sabbagh showed a site plan of the property and a rendering of the building with the addition. She stated that an existing barn on the property will be torn down. The property contains 5.7 acres and is located in a R50 zone. The property is encumbered by a conservation easement and was part of the Schoolhouse Road subdivision, (Griffin Farms). A Schoolhouse Road neighbor
asked about the hearing notices, which were sent to only some Schoolhouse Road residences. She expressed concern because of the easement that was placed on the property as part of the approval of the FRD Subdivision. Other public comments concerned the Homeowner’s Association Bylaws and future renters. The public hearing closed at 7:15 p.m.
The Commission held a brief discussion concerning an application seeking to modify an approved special permit regarding live entertainment for property located at 17R East Granby Road, Granby Pub and Grill, File Z-2-08. Chairwoman Johnson read and reviewed the proposed conditions.
ON A MOTION by Paul Lambert, seconded by James Sansone, the Commission voted to approve an application seeking to modify an approved special permit regarding live entertainment for property located at 17R East Granby Road, Granby Pub and Grill, File Z-2-08, with the following conditions:
1. The facility must at all times continue to operate as a restaurant as defined in Section 30-22 of the Connecticut State Statute.
2. Live entertainment and recreation (pool tables) use will be clearly incidental to the facilities primary restaurant use.
3. Live entertainment shall be limited to live bands with up to 5 musicians, magicians, comedians, DJ’s and Karaoke.
4. The live entertainment is permitted on the main floor in the “stage” area as designated on the plan submitted as part of the application. On the upper level, the live entertainment is not confined to any particular area.
5. No more than 2 pool tables are allowed on the premises.
6. The applicant agrees to monitor the volume of sound outside of the building and will at all times be mindful of the possible negative affects of the sound on area residential properties.
7. The applicant agrees to immediately reduce the sound level upon the request of the Granby Police Department.
8. The applicant is reminded of Section 30-55a (b) of the Connecticut General Statutes, which reads: When any permit premises where alcoholic liquor is consumed on the premises emits noise which, when measured at a radius of two hundred feet from the premises, as described in the permittee's application for a liquor permit, exceeds the ambient noise standard for the land use classification for the location at which such measurement is made, as established by the Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to Section 22a-69, the Department of Consumer Protection may suspend the permit to sell alcoholic liquor for three days for a first violation, five days for
a second violation and fourteen days for any subsequent violation.
9. Should the Town receive continuing noise complaints, verified through the Granby Police Department, without resolution, then the Town may contract with an acoustical engineer who shall perform all necessary noise measurements and prepare reports as required to determine if the noise level exceeds the standards as outlined in condition #8 above. The applicant and/or owner of property located at 17R East Granby Road shall be required to pay all costs associated with such measurements and reports.
All approved. Margaret Chapple abstained.
Fran informed the Commission that State and Federal Guidelines recommended amendments to Section 4.2.4 of the Granby Zoning Regulations, Drainage Requirements and Stormwater Management. The changes have been prepared and sent to CRCOG for their review as required.
Fran reported he has been working with the Conservation Commission concerning the modification of the Plan of Conservation and Development by adding The Farmington Valley Biodiversity Project as it applies to Granby. The changes have been sent to CRCOG and filed as required. He anticipates a public hearing on this matter in May.
Staff Reports and Correspondence.
Fran noted the Conservation Commission continues to work on ridgeline regulations. They hope to hold public workshops on the matter in the coming months.
Fran reported that the Town’s Special Flood Hazard Areas (Flood Plain Regulation) require substantial modification. He has been working with FEMA and the State DEP on this matter. Fran serves as the Town’s Community Flood Administrator. He was recently notified by FEMA, which is now under the Department of Homeland Security, of the need to make the changes. The Commission must adopt the changes prior to September 26, 2008.
Fran briefly mentioned the work being done on a possible Town Center Zone and commented on the completion of the Janeski gravel operation.
ON A MOTION by Margaret Chapple, seconded by Paul Lambert, the Commission voted to approve an application for an accessory apartment under Section 8.5 of the Zoning Regulations for property located at 168 Hungary Road, File Z-4-08, with the following conditions:
1. Construction must commence within one year or the permit is null and void.
2. The apartment may only be used by the relatives of the property owner as presented in the application.
3. The applicant agrees to allow the ZEO to inspect the apartment on an annual basis.
4. The applicant agrees to eliminate the additional unit prior to any future sale of the property.
5. The property shall be considered as single-family use for all municipal purposes.
6. The property may be identified as 168 Hungary Road, A & B to aid postal services.
7. The entire structure shall be metered by one common electrical service, and a common heating system.
All approved.
The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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