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TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
MAY 13, 2008
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Daniel P. Brown, Jr., Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, James Sansone and Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development.
The meeting opened at 7:03 p.m.
Public session: There was no public comment.
ON A MOTION by Charles Kraiza, seconded by Put Brown, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of April 22, 2008. All approved.
The Commission held a discussion with the Granby Development Commission concerning the Granby Center area, current zoning and concepts for future development and redevelopment, land use, historic preservation and unification of design principles. Fran introduced the Development Commission members who were in attendance. They were; Chairman Bud Murtha, Martin Schwager, Ken Kuhl, John Krug and Robert Rome. Fran described how he has been working with the Development Commission on defining the center area and on establishing a zoning concept that recognized the area as a unified district. He discussed the present zones that exist within the center area and described how the regulations are not specific to the center nor do they recognize the distinctive features of the center. Fran went on to discuss
the goals that the Development Commission established and applied to a new zoning concept. He sought the Commission’s concurrence with the goals. The goals as discussed are attached and made a part of these minutes. A preliminary draft of a new center zoning district was then discussed. It was designed to further the goals and objectives of the Plan of Conservation and Development by expanding the Town Center through the integration of commercial, residential, governmental, education and other uses often found within a traditional town center. This draft zoning concept is designed to encourage the continued development and redevelopment of the commercial center, encourage a greater variety of mixed uses and unite the uses through common design features, pedestrian and vehicular access, common signage, lighting and through the possible inclusion of street furniture and common open areas. Overall the goal is to integrate commercial and
non-commercial uses through the creation of a mixed-use district that has the look and feel of a traditional New England village, but designed to serve a modern society. Bud Murtha, Chairman of the Development Commission, further discussed the matter with the Planning and Zoning Commission members. He stated how important it was for the PZC to provide comments on the evolving zoning concepts as described. The Planning and Zoning Commission members will continue to review the draft and provide comments to Fran. The Development Commission will seek public comment on the matter at a public workshop to be held in the near future. The Commission asked if anyone in the audience wanted to comment on the matter and Barbara Schori thanked the Development Commission for undertaking this important task. She mentioned the concern for traffic and the safety of pedestrians. The possibility of creating a public parking lot was voiced. The Commission
members thanked all involved and looked forward to seeing a final draft of a new zoning concept of the center area.
The Commission held an informal discussion with Michelle Niedermeyer and Kevin Riggott, Silkey Road, regarding the concept of a Farm Winery in Granby. Michelle reviewed their objectives, explained a farm winery operation, the positive aspects of this type of operation in Granby and how this would fit into existing zoning. She noted the number of other wineries in Connecticut and the growing popularity of this type of operation. The Granby Agricultural Committee provided a letter in support of a winery in Granby. Jim Sansone commented that a winery was a great idea and the members all appeared to agree. A basic concern regarding the serving of alcoholic beverages and for the specific location of a winery was voiced. While Commission members noted their support for a winery in Town, they
recognized that the specific location of the winery would need to be reviewed and a determination made on the suitability of the location.
Public hearing for an application for modification of the Plan of Conservation and Development by adding The Farmington Valley Biodiversity Project, as it applies to Granby is scheduled for May 27, 2008.
Fran discussed an application for a modification of the site plan for property located at 20 Hartford Avenue, Beman’s Hardware. The applicant is not ready to proceed with the application. Fran will discuss this with the applicant and will suggest that they withdraw the application if they cannot proceed in the very near future, due to timing requirements.
Staff Reports and Correspondence
Fran reported that he has sent letters to the property owners abutting the Janeski property, concerning the planting of trees. This was done in accordance with the approval of the Janeski application. Fran commented on the status of the Housing Rehabilitation Program and noted that funds were available for the home repairs. He also commented on the continued interest that he is seeing on the T1 zone, mentioned the development of a new home on Day Street, the State Line Propane tree situation, a wetlands application for Harold Law’s property, the sale of the Longley property on Day Street, Case Street development and Cider Mill Heights.
The Commission asked about the status of the Beach property, a previously approved commercial building located at 540 Salmon Brook Street. Fran indicated he would look into the matter.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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