TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 24, 2008
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Margaret Chapple, Paul Lambert, James Sansone,
Linda Spevacek and 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 May 22, 2008. All approved. Paula Johnson abstained.
Fran noted that at 151 East Street, the Hayes Farm, there is a silo that serves as a telecommunication site. The Commission previously approved this site in 2002 for ATT/Cingular. Verizon wants to co-locate its equipment on the site. They propose to add antennas to the silo and a support structure and propane tank to the rear and side of the silo. Fran discussed Section 8.26 of the Zoning Regulations which addresses Wireless Telecommunication Sites. The primary concern of this section is for the possible visual impact of such developments. The Commission reviewed the site modification plans and Fran presented photos of the farm area. It was clear that the silo was located far back from the street and that the ground equipment could not be seen. The proposed antennas were in
basic conformance with the original approval. After briefly discussing the matter, the Commission members agreed that the proposal was in conformance with the regulations and did not present visual concerns for the area.
Margaret Chapple entered at 7:08 p.m.
The Commission continued the discussion concerning the consideration of the Board of Selectmen referral per Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes regarding the discontinuance of Weed Hill Road and discontinuance of a portion of Broad Hill Road. Fran reviewed Public Works figures for the cost and work involved to maintain these roads. The Commission members asked about the possibility of any future homes being built on the roads and expressed concerns for liability issues, access of fire vehicles, the loss of publicly owned land and the possibility of the road being blocked for recreational use. The Commission members suggested that the Town find a way to maintain ownership of the road, while eliminating normal motor vehicle use. There was strong support for a continuation of the
use of this area for public recreation such as hiking, biking, skiing, horse riding and dog walking. Fran agreed to draft a report on this matter for the Commission’s review, based on the comments expressed by the members. He will e-mail the report to the members, who can then modify it as they see fit. The Commission will continue to discuss the matter at the next meeting.
Fran reviewed the process for a proposed amendment to Section 8.3.1 of the Granby Zoning Regulations that proposes to add Farm Winery Liquor Permit to this section. The Commission agreed to hold public hearing at the next meeting.
An application for a modification of the site plan for property located at 20 Hartford Avenue, Beman’s Hardware has been withdrawn and will be resubmitted when more information is available.
There will be a workshop on July 7, 2008 on the basic concept for the Development Commission’s design of a Granby Center zone. Chairwoman Johnson suggested that Granby TV tape and advertise the workshop. The Development Commission intends to hold a second workshop for the general public at a later date.
The Commission received an application for a 40-foot x 60-foot barn for 128 Higley Road. The public hearing is anticipated for July 22, 2008.
Staff Reports and Correspondence:
Fran noted that calls for assistance under the housing rehabilitation program are on the rise. The Town may need to pursue additional funding for the program in the future.
Fran briefly discussed new building permit applications and the increase in applications for wood burning and pellet stoves as well as swimming pools.
Fran commented on an anticipated subdivision application for Strawberry Fields and stated that other subdivisions were being investigated. He also mentioned the medical building at 37 Hartford Avenue, Hayes’ cheese operation and new fencing along Salmon Brook Street for Mr. Janeski’s cows. He anticipates an application for the 2nd phase of Mr. Janeski’s gravel operation in September.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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