Planning & Zoning Minutes

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Nov. 27, 2018 

There was no public comment.

On a motion by Jonathan Boardman, seconded by Eric Lukingbeal, the commission voted to approve the minutes of November 13, 2018 as amended. Public Hearing, Section 8.16.10.11 (dealing with special permits for outdoor dining) should read: Light music may be permitted until 10 p.m. The decibel (dB) level for music may not exceed 50dB measured at the property line.

Public Hearings

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.6.13 and 8.6.14 for a 14 square-foot illuminated freestanding sign for property at 91 Salmon Brook Street a/k/a 3 Murtha’s Way (The Grand at Ridgewood). 

Mr. Mancuso of Upstream Properties addressed the commission. He explained he would like to install a 14-square-foot illuminated freestanding sign at 3 Murtha’s Way. It will be located approximately 80 to 100 feet back from Salmon Brook Street and the bronze letters will be mounted on the face of the existing stonewall. The lighting will be located at the base of the wall and be flush to the ground.

Eric Lukingbeal recused himself from voting.

The public hearing closed at 7:07 p.m. 

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

The commission held a brief discussion concerning a Special Permit for an illuminated sign, noting that the sign is compatible with the development in both design and scale. On a motion by Margaret Chapple, seconded by Jonathan Boardman, the commission approved the Special Permit. 

Staff Reports and Correspondence

Modification to an Approved Site Plan for 9 Bank Street, Geissler’s Plaza parking lot repaving and improvements. Director of Community Development Abby Kenyon, reported the site plan was approved by town staff, and the Town Engineer signed off on the erosion and sediment control plan. Work is expected to begin in the spring.

Modification to an Approved Site Plan, Zoning Regulations for 91 Salmon Brook Street a/k/a 3 Murtha’s Way, walkway/patio, stone wall, mail kiosk, and fence.

Kenyon reported that Mancuso submitted an application to modify the approved site plan. Changes include adding fence for a dog park, adjustments to the patio and location of walkways, and the installation of a mailbox kiosk. James Sansone asked if there will be flag poles installed. There will be two flag poles installed behind the stonewall for a United States flag and one for the State of Connecticut flag.

Kenyon noted a Special Permit application was received for 116 Salmon Brook Street to replace an existing sign. This application is scheduled for public hearing on December 11, 2018.

She also announced a public informational meeting regarding the Connecticut DOT Granby Center intersection improvements. The meeting was held on January 15, 2019 at the Granby Senior Center at 7 p.m. She noted the meeting was conducted by DOT.

Kenyon reported there has been interest in the development of several properties located in the T1 Zone, across from Mill Pond Drive. She asked that the commission review the T1 Zoning Regulations as there may be an informal presentation to discuss potential uses, including drive-thru options. Paula Johnson stated the applicant may want to address the Development Commission first to discuss the site as it was instrumental in drafting the T1 Regulations and can provide guidance, whereas the Planning and Zoning commission is limited in the feedback they can provide during an informal discussion. She noted a joint meeting is also a possibility.

Commission discussion of items of interest or concern

In response to a question regarding sidewalk lights in the center of town, Kenyon stated she spoke to Eversource on Monday and was told the work should be completed this week. She will continue to contact Eversource until the work is complete.

James Sansone asked how the Stony Hill Village improvements are funded. The project is funded through the Small Cities program, with the funds being disbursed through the Community Development Office.

Nov. 13, 2018

The minutes of Sep. 25, 2018 were reviewed.

On a motion by Eric Myers seconded by Jonathan Boardman, the commission voted to approve the minutes of September 25, 2018. Charles Kraiza and Brennan Sheahan abstained.

Informal Discussions

Discuss possible application for 100 Salmon Brook Street, self-storage facility in the Economic Development and Aquifer Protection Overlay Zones.

Jeff Michaelson, building contractor, addressed the commission. Michaelson stated that he is expanding on information presented to the Planning and Zoning commission at the September 11, 2018 meeting. Michaelson noted the commission previously expressed some concerns regarding a self-storage facility in the Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone. He explained measures would be put into place to contain any potential spills, for example the porous concrete floor of the facility would be sealed; a contract between the facility and customers would prohibit storing hazardous materials; and facility staff would visually inspect items being brought into the storage facility. 

The commission commented on building techniques to contain spills, the importance of protecting the aquifer, and noted relying on a staff member to inspect items may not be sufficient. It was noted this is an informal discussion and therefore the commission is unable to give an affirmative response regarding a future application at this time.

Michaelson asked about next steps. Kenyon stated self-storage facilities are currently prohibited in the Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone and only allowed in the Industrial Zone by Special Permit. Therefore, the commission would have to consider two regulation changes in order to proceed. Specifically, amendments would be needed to allow the use in the Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone and to allow the use as either a Permitted Use or Special Permit Use in the Economic Development zone. The commission could possibly consider a zone change for the property to the Industrial Zone, as the proposed use is allowed by Special Permit in the Industrial Zone.

Public Hearings

Application seeking an amendment to the Zoning Regulations (Section 8.16 Restaurants), which would allow by Special Permit a seasonal outdoor dining area. File Z-19-18.

The public hearing for the above application was opened. It was explained the intent of the proposed amendment is to encourage outdoor dining while mitigating potential impacts on surrounding properties. The commission reviewed Section 8.16.10. After discussing the amendment, the following modifications (in bold) were made to Zoning Regulations Section 8.16.10:

8.16.10:

All tables, chairs, trash receptacles, outdoor heaters, etc. shall be removed at the end of each outdoor eating season. If they are to remain on site outdoors, a storage plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the commission, per Section 8.16.9.

8.16.10.11  Light music may be permitted by 10 p.m. The decibel (dB) level for music may not exceed 50dB measured from the property line.

8.16.10.12  A public address system or other system intended to convey verbal messages is prohibited.

New 8.16.10.13 Live outdoor entertainment may be permitted pending review of the suitability of the site and proximity to other sensitive uses.

The regulation, which was 8.16.10.13, changed to 8.16.10.14:

8.16.10.14:

If alcoholic beverages are to be served at the outdoor dining area, the enclosure of the outdoor dining area must also meet the requirements of any agency having jurisdiction over the service of such beverages.

The public hearing was closed.

Receive Application and Set Public Hearing

Application seeking a Special Permit for a 14 square-foot illuminated freestanding sign for property at 91 Salmon Brook Street a/k/a 3 Murtha’s Way. File Z-21-18. The public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 27, 2018.

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

On a motion by Eric Myers seconded by Jonathan Boardman, the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve the amendment to Zoning Regulations Section 8.16 Restaurants, with three changes with an effective date of Dec. 1, 2018.

Staff Reports and Correspondence

Kenyon reported that the Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation Committee had their first meeting last week. Margaret Chapple and Eric Myers are subcommittee members. It was noted the next meeting is on November 28, 2018.

Discussion of items of interest or concern

In response to a question from a commissioner about Farmer’s Kitchen, Kenyon stated she has spoken to the owner about moving the tables and chairs that block the sidewalk and was told they would be removed. It was noted that the owner has not yet complied.

Respectfully submitted,  

Patricia Tappenden, Recording Secretary