TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
JULY 8, 2008
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Daniel P. Brown, Jr., Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, Paul Lambert, James Sansone and Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development.
The meeting opened at 7:00 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 June 24, 2008. Put Brown and Charles Kraiza abstained.
Public hearing on an application to add Farm Winery Liquor Permit to Section 8.3.1 of the Granby Zoning Regulations opened at 7:01 p.m. Fran gave a brief overview of the alcoholic beverage permits currently allowed under Section 8.3.1 of the regulations. A Farm Winery Liquor Permit is not currently allowed. During a recent discussion on the possible development of a winery, Commission members and the public expressed wide support for a winery, as it would add to the Town’s agricultural diversity. Michelle Neidermeyer, 127 Silkey Road stated that a farm winery would be a great addition to the town. Public hearing closed at 7:06 p.m.
The Commission held a lengthy discussion concerning the consideration of Board of Selectmen referral per Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes regarding the discontinuance of Weed Hill Road and the discontinuance of a portion of Broad Hill Road. They reviewed a preliminary report on the matter, prepared at their direction by Fran Armentano. The members had received a copy of the report and the report had been modified based on the suggestions of various members. The members continued to discuss various concerns such as liability, maintenance, town ownership of the road, access for emergency and recreational use. Previously, Put Brown had suggested that he would recuse himself from the deliberations and vote on this matter. However, upon reconsideration, he decided that he had no conflict
of interest and, accordingly, he changed his mind and participated in such deliberations and vote.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, seconded by Paul Lambert, the Commission voted to approve the report as drafted by Fran and amended by the Commission. All approved. The report is attached and made a copy of these minutes.
Fran noted that the Development Commission is making progress of the design of a Granby Center Zone. A public workshop on this matter was held on July 7, 2008 in the Granby Senior Center. Fran anticipates that more workshops will be held and that the initial draft will go through a number of changes before it gets to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Fran discussed the difference between a state and local historic district and a historic district that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Granby has 2 historic districts that are listed on the National Register.
Staff Reports and Correspondence:
Fran noted that he is working on a total rewrite for the Town’s Floodplain Regulations in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). He intends to complete the rewrite this summer and will then forward it to the Capitol Region Council of Government and the Department of Environmental Protection for comment and approval. A public hearing on Flood Plain Regulations will be in September.
Fran reviewed the application for a 2,400 square foot pole barn for property located at 128 Higley Road. He referenced his letter in the packet and noted that the application doesn’t comply with the regulations for a barn/garage.
ON A MOTION by Put Brown, seconded by James Sansone, the Commission voted to approve an application to add Farm Winery Liquor Permit to Section 8.3.1 of the Granby Zoning Regulations, File Z-7-08. All approved as the amendment can aid in furthering the Goals of the Plan of Conservation and Development and the Zoning Regulations as they relate to agriculture.
The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
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