Minutes • Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, March 14, 2018

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On a motion by Christine Chinni, seconded by Eric Myers, the commission voted to add the consideration of a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen to accept the extension of Mill Pond Drive to the agenda.

Director of Community Development Fran Armentano reviewed the original approval of the Greenway Village development that included the extension of Mill Pond Drive. He noted that the existing road has been moved west onto Greenway Village property and the original cul-de-sac removed. The Warranty Deed has been submitted for filing.

On a motion by Christine Chinni, seconded by Eric Myers, the commission voted to recommend that the Board of Selectmen accept the property and roadway extension of Mill Pond Drive.

Chairman Johnson noted a change in the order of the public hearings, with the commission hearing 388 Salmon Brook Street first. Because member Brennan Sheahan was delayed this change allowed him to be present for the continuation of the public hearing for 192 and 198R Salmon Brook Street.

Public Hearings

The public hearing for an application seeking a Special Permit for the retail sale of automobiles at 388 Salmon Brook Street opened at 7:06 p.m. Rob Rome, the applicant explained that the site is currently used for automobile repairs. He would like to upgrade his license from repair to dealer. He sells most cars through the internet and only intends to have a few cars displayed as “for sale.” He would not have more than 12 vehicles on the site. He intends to make the property more attractive and noted that his son owns the adjacent property. There was no public comment.

The continuation of a public hearing on an application seeking Special Permits for a farm store and for the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages in conjunction with a farm brewery at 192 and 198R Salmon Brook Street opened with Kate Bogli presenting the application. She reviewed the application as discussed at the previous meeting. She explained that she worked with Fran Armentano on possible conditions of approval as suggested by commission members. The conditions were discussed. Several members of the public spoke in favor of the brewery application noting this would be a welcome addition adding more agricultural diversity and putting Granby on the map. Several emails supporting the application were also received. Jonathan Boardman commented on the potential for increased traffic in that area. The consensus of the commission members was to approve as proposed, with conditions.

Consideration of the above applications, where the commission has concluded the public hearing.

The commission held a brief discussion concerning the application seeking a Special Permit for the retail sale of automobiles. On a motion by James Sansone, seconded by Jonathan Boardman, the commission voted to approve the Special Permit for the retail sale of automobiles with repairer’s license, with the following conditions: No more than 12 vehicles can be located on the property at any one time. Not more than four vehicles can be displayed as “for sale” at any one time, no more than seven vehicles can be parked overnight on the site, no more than one unregistered vehicle can be on the site.

The commission discussed 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 at 192 and 198R Salmon Brook Street. On a motion by Christine Chinni, seconded by Margaret Chapple, the commission voted to approve the application with the following conditions:

The normal business hours of operation shall be 10 am to 7 p.m., seven days per week. Musicians are permitted inside the building and on the deck during normal hours of operation.

Periodic special events are permitted, provided that such events are limited to 60 per calendar year. A special event is any activity where the general public or a group of invitees of more than 50 but not more than 100 people are scheduled for activities in addition to the sale or promotion of beer or other farm products. Special events must end by 9 p.m.

The applicant is permitted to hold large events that host performances by musicians/bands/DJs or others, outside of the existing building/deck with amplified music. Such events are restricted to a maximum of six days per calendar year with no more than 250 persons in attendance. The Granby Zoning Enforcement Officer shall be notified in writing/email at least seven days prior to any such performance.

If a temporary outside tent or other such structure will be used on the property, then such temporary tent or other outside structure shall be limited to five building permits per calendar year. No such temporary tent/structure may remain on the property for more than four consecutive days. Each individual tent permit will be for a single event.

No outside lighting structures are approved, except for lighting fixtures attached to the farm store and lamp post lighting where such posts are four feet or less in height.

The parking area, as depicted on the site map, is designed to limit the amount of activity and maintain the operation as part of a farm use. The commission expects that this area will not change from the existing gravel/dirt/grass base, as typically used for events in support of agricultural land uses and the area shall not be paved unless approved by the commission.

The use of the property and facility for the production, sale and onsite consumption of beer and the above outlined events are permitted only in conjunction with the operation of a farm and the business shall be operated only by the owner of the property.

The commission opened a discussion of proposals, submitted under Requests for the Acquisition and Agricultural Use of the Town of Granby, East Street Property, as directed by the Granby Board of Selectmen on March 5, 2018. Two proposals will be considered: House of Hayes, LLC and Westmeadow Farm.

Chairman Johnson announced that this matter would be a commission discussion only and would not be opened for public comment. Sally King was invited to the podium and, on behalf of P and Z Commission member Eric Lukingbeal, read his letter opposing the sale of the East Street property into the minutes.

The commission held a discussion of the proposals, expressing various opinions and concerns. Some commission members expressed the need for more information concerning the financial impact and other impacts to the town. The consensus of the commission was to continue the discussion at the next meeting. Fran noted that the Development Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Westmeadow Farm proposal. At its meeting, the applicants presented their proposals to the Commission and answered questions from members.

Receive Applications

An application seeking a Special Permit for a detached accessory apartment for property located at 31 Wells Road, File Z-8-18.

Set Public Hearings

Public hearings for 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 at 261 Salmon Brook Street was scheduled for March 27, 2018.

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 for property located at 292 Granville Road, File Z-7-18 is scheduled for March 27, 2018.

Staff Reports

Armentano referenced the press release announcing the hiring of Abigail St. Peter Kenyon (Abby) as Granby’s next Director of Community Development.

Chairman Johnson noted the resignation of Dorcus Forsyth, Recording Secretary, who is retiring after 28 years of working with Planning and Zoning Commission.

Armentano noted that Copper Brook Circle model homes are open for inspection. He also noted the removal of the cabins at the Ridgewood Development, Salmon Brook Street as construction for two apartment buildings will begin this spring.

Dorcus S. Forsyth, Recording Secretary