 |
TOWN OF GRANBY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 25, 2008
Present: Paula Johnson, Chairwoman, Daniel P. Brown, Jr., Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, Paul Lambert, James Sansone, Linda Spevacek 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 Linda Spevacek, seconded by Margaret Chapple, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of October 28, 2008 with the following correction: Page 2, paragraph 1, the last sentence should be: The public hearing adjourned at 8:11 p.m. All approved.
The continuation of public hearing on an application for the Retail Sale of Antiques, Section 8.9 of the Zoning Regulations, for property located at 114 West Granby Road, File Z-15-08, resumed at 7:05 p.m. Mary Harris, owner, stated that following the recommendation of the Commission members and town staff, they hired Steve Mitchell, Transportation Engineer, Hesketh & Associates to review the traffic and parking situation. Mr. Mitchell reported that following the last meeting he met with Police Chief David Watkins, Fran Armentano and Mr. & Mrs. Harris. He reviewed the site, the parking layout and the traffic data. Mr. Mitchell then prepared a revised site plan and a complete traffic report addressing driveway locations, site lines, speeds and accident experience. The traffic
report and modified parking plan were submitted and discussed. Mr. Mitchell recommended that the easterly driveway not be used for the business. The Commission members asked a variety of questions regarding the traffic and the condition of the property. Enter and exit signs were discussed and concern was expressed regarding the design and placement of these signs. The Commission noted that all sales must occur inside of the building and that there should be no displays of merchandise outside of the building. The proposed antique sign was discussed and concern was expressed regarding the possible illumination of the sign. Comments were made on the fence at the corner of Barn Door Hills Road/West Granby Road and bushes on Bushy Hill Road that obstruct the site line. There was no public comment. The public hearing closed at 7:35 p.m.
The public hearing on an application seeking a special permit for the sale of alcohol under a package store permit for property located at 9 Bank Street, unit 9-A former Video-Galaxy, File Z-16-08, opened at 7:36 p.m. Attorney Alan Kirner, of Gersten Clifford & Rome, stated that Granby Holdings LLC, the owner of the shopping plaza, wants to open a package store in this vacant retail space. Attorney Kirner stated that under the requirement of the State Liquor Control Act, Granby is allowed one more package store based on the population. Fran noted that the State allows only 1 package store per 2,500 residents. Therefore, based on the Town’s current population, no more then 4 package stores would be allowed. However, Fran also noted that the Town’s Zoning Regulations do not set a
maximum on the number special permits that can be issued for such use. The Commission asked about the proposed signage and was told that the signage will be similar to the previous sign of the former tenant. There was no public comment. The public hearing closed at 7:43 p.m.
The public hearing on an application seeking a special permit for a farm store and the sale of wine under a farm winery liquor permit for property located at 84 Lost Acres Road, File Z-17-08, opened at 7:44 p.m. Michelle Neidermeyer and Kevin Riggott, applicants, thanked the Commission and introduced the other people involved in preparing the application. Dan Dumais, Developer, gave an overview of the future plans for the remainder of the property. Ms. Neidermeyer provided a very informative power point presentation of the proposed operation and long-range plan for the use of the property. She discussed Connecticut wine making in general, then discussed the specifics of the Granby site. She discussed the site design and the building plans. The planting of the vine, harvesting of the
grapes and the making of the wine was discussed. Ms. Neidermeyer discussed the site parking, anticipated traffic volumes, deliveries and emergency services. Overall she felt that the proposal is compatible with the neighborhood and the other agriculture uses on Lost Acres Road. And that the use will further promote agricultural tourism in Granby. Area residents spoke in support of the application and encouraged the approval of the application. The abutting neighbors praised the applicants for their thoughtfulness while clearing trees on the property and applauded their efforts to protect the area streams by installing and maintaining erosion control measures. Residents expressed concern for the design of Lost Acres Road and its ability to accommodate additional traffic. It is a rural, scenic, country road. Comments were made on the placement of guardrails and safety on Lost Acres Road. Residents encouraged increased police enforcement and
surveillance. Neighbors also questioned and commented on the acreage, square footage of the buildings and architectural footprints, pesticides, water, and other items. The public noted that this would be a great asset to Granby. It would also promote tourism and could offer employment opportunities. Supportive comments about the proposed winey were offered by people who have experience working in other Connecticut wineries. The file includes an approval from the FVHD, a letter of support from the Granby Development Commission and a number of letters and e-mails in support of the application. The Commission asked that Fran mention the concerns expressed about Lost Acres Road to Chief Watkins and Jamie Klase, Director of Public Work. The public hearing closed at 8:55 p.m.
The Commission discussed a Board of Selectmen referral per Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes regarding the re-establishment of 225 feet on a portion of the discontinued Fox Road, as a Town Road The Commission discussed the issue of the existing home and agreed that this home should remain with its frontage on a public street.
ON A MOTION by James Sansone, second by Paul Lambert, the Commission recommended that the Selectmen re-establish the first 225 feet of the previously discontinued Fox Road as a Town Road. All approved.
The Planning and Zoning meeting for December 22, 2008 has been canceled.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth
Recording Secretary
| |
