Public hearings
Application seeking a Special Permit for a barn in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 6 Knollwood Lane.
The public hearing for an application seeking a Special Permit for a barn in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 6 Knollwood Lane opened at 7:03 p.m. Amy Goodusky, applicant, stated that she wants to add 576 square feet to the existing barn for the comfort, pleasure and safety of the animals that are housed there. Also she needs additional storage space for hay, grain, tools and tack equipment as well as space for an additional horse. The new addition will include construction to improve portions of the existing barn, making the entire structure safer. There was no public comment. The public hearing closed at 7:06 p.m.
Application seeking Special Permits for a farm store and for the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages in conjunction with a Farm Brewery for property located at 192 and 198R Salmon Brook Street.
The public hearing for an application seeking Special Permits for a farm store and for the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages in conjunction with a Farm Brewery for property located at 192 and 198R Salmon Brook Street opened at 7:07 p.m. Kate Bogli of 192 and 198R Salmon Brook Street, presented the application to the commission. She gave a power point presentation reviewing the history of Maple View Farm, types of farming, crops, farm store and events. The farm brewery called the Brew would produce Craft beer and Kombucha and be a new use for this property. The presentation also included pictures of the existing 1,500 square foot barn that would be used for the brewing, serving and consumption of the products. She presented maps of the property, noting the farm store location, the two access points, parking and existing building lighting. Bogli discussed business hours, sign, special entertainment events with live music, buffering, and addressed sound and lighting concerns. The barn would have occupancy for 78 people, the proposed patio 10-15 people and the adjacent lawn area 20-30 people. Bogli described the brewery operation, size of production to be approximately 700 – 900 barrels a year and noted that the facility is on town water/sewer. A member of the Weston family, an abutting neighbor, noted they are all for farming and had no issues with the brewery and welcomed the addition to the neighborhood. The public hearing adjourned at 7:50 p.m. to resume March 13 allowing the applicant time to work with town staff concerning conditions of approval.
Application seeking a Special Permit for a Farm store for property located at the former Davis Farm, 170 North Granby Road, aka Rossmore Farm.
The public hearing for an application seeking a Special Permit for a farm store for property located at the former Davis Farm, 170 North Granby Road, aka Rossmore Farm, opened at 7:52 p.m. Tom Grimaldi, Engineer representing Rossmore Farm, presented site plans for the 65-acre parcel. He reviewed the site frontage, area of the proposed farm store, ingress and egress, noting that the driveway would be directly across from Creamery Hill Road, the parking and landscaping. Vaughan, owner, stated the new building will resemble the design and character of the existing dwelling. He felt that the windows and porch of the existing home are unique and wanted to replicate them in the new building. The existing buildings will be removed due to their poor condition. He discussed the building size and floor plan. The farm will produce such items as cheese, yogurt, butter and milk. These items will also be sold at the Farm Store. In addition they plan to sell organic vegetables, including potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, onions and squash grown on their farm. They also expect to offer produce from other local farms, including honey and maple syrup at the store. Mr. Vaughan discussed the anticipated hours of operation and employment. Eric Lukingbeal commented that he would like to have some trees included in the landscape plan. Steve Moor, of 111 Creamery Hill Road spoke in favor of the application, stating that this is a great idea and he is looking forward to it. The public hearing closed at 8:19 p.m.
Applications received
An application seeking a Special Permit for the retail sale of automobiles for property located at 388 Salmon Brook Street. The public hearing scheduled for March 13.
An application seeking approval of a Special Permit under Section 8.16 and 8.3 of the Zoning Regulations for a restaurant with alcoholic beverages and live entertainment for property at 261 Salmon Brook Street. Brignole property public hearing is anticipated for March 27.
An application seeking approval of a Special Permit for a rear lot subdivision with proposed excavation in excess of 5,000 cubic yards of earth material. Public hearing anticipated for March 27.
Discussions
The commission held a brief discussion concerning an application seeking a Special Permit for a barn in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 6 Knollwood Lane.
On a motion by James Sansone, seconded by Eric Lukingbeal, the commission voted (7-0- 0) to approve an application for a Special Permit for a barn in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 6 Knollwood Lane, F-2-18 as proposed.
The commission held a discussion concerning an application seeking a Special Permit for a farm store for property located at the former Davis Farm, 170 North Granby Road, aka Rossmore Farm,.
On a motion by James Sansone, seconded by Chris Chinni, the Commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application for a Special Permit for a Farm Store for property located at the former Davis Farm, 170 North Granby Road, aka Rossmore Farm, as proposed with the following conditions:
The farm store may be opened from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A sign in accordance with Section 8.15 of the Zoning Regulations may be placed within the general area of the existing sign, previously installed as part of the Davis Farm.
The applicant will work with the Director of Community Development in an effort to provide trees/vegetation in the vicinity of the farm store.
Staff Reports and Correspondence:
Armentano reported on the land clearing activities currently underway for the Ridgewood Development/Upstream Properties. He anticipates that construction of the first two apartment buildings will begin soon. He also commented on work force housing rental rates, the construction of the Grass Roots building and the many new restaurants.
Armentano commented that his last Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will be April 10, and that he expects that the replacement Director of Community Development will be announced very soon.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorcus S. Forsyth, Recording Secretary