July 21, 2020
Present: Chairman Wayne Chapple, Robert Lindeyer, Suzanne Yucha, Ann Crimmins.
Wayne Chapple convened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. and introduced the members.
Robert Lindeyer read the Legal Notice that was published on July 10 and July 17 in the Hartford Courant, Connecticut Section, Zone 5.
Minutes
On a motion by Ann Crimmins, seconded by Suzanne Yucha, the board voted to amend the minutes from June 16 to include Crimmins as in attendance at the meeting and voting in favor of the variance (4-0-0).
On a motion by Crimmins, seconded by Lindeyer, the board voted (4-0-0) to approve the minutes from June 16.
Procedure
Chapple explained the procedure of the meeting and noted to those in attendance that decisions would generally be mailed to the applicant within ten days. Approval, when granted, shall be null and void if not filed within 90 days of approval date.
Public Hearing
The hearing on appeal by Conn. D.O.T. seeking a lot area variance (Sect. 5.1) to reduce a non-conforming lot by 21 sq. ft. in a CC Zone to accommodate intersection improvements at 275 Salmon Brook Street, File Z07-20-02
The hearing on appeal by Conn. D.O.T. seeking a lot area variance (Sect. 5.1) to reduce a non-conforming lot by 1,227 sq. ft. in a CC Zone to accommodate intersection improvements at 4 North Granby Road, File Z07-20-01
The hearing on appeal by Conn. D.O.T. seeking a lot area and front yard variance (Sect. 5.1) to reduce a non-conforming lot by 51 sq. ft. and to reduce the front yard by 1 ft. in a COCE Zone to accommodate intersection improvements at 19 East Granby Road, File Z07-20-03
Matthew Geanacopoulos, a representative for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, provided an overview of the proposed intersection improvement project and explained the need for the variances. Additional travel lanes will be added in the vicinity of the subject properties. As a result of these additional lanes, the existing sidewalk will need to be shifted. While the majority of the sidewalk will fall within the right of way, small sections will be located outside the right of way and additional room is needed for maintenance. As a result, property acquisitions are needed and variances are being sought. Geanacopoulos went on to explain Connecticut State Statute requires DOT obtain the variances.
Public Comment
Tim Carmen; 61 Rainbow Trail, South Windsor; questioned what an easement is and asked for more explanation as to what tree will be removed from the property at 275 Salmon Brook Street. He expressed concern in regard to the tree being removed, which will expose the house completely. He questioned whether the tree would be replaced or not. Geanacopoulos explained they will not likely replace the tree, but an offer would be made to compensate the owner of the property for taking the square footage and replacement of the tree.
The public hearing closed at 7:46 p.m.
On a motion by Chapple, seconded by Crimmins, the board voted (4-0-0) to grant the appeal by Conn. D.O.T. seeking a lot area variance (Sect. 5.1) to reduce a non-conforming lot by 21 square feet in a CC Zone to accommodate intersection improvements at 275 Salmon Brook Street, File Z07-20-02, subject to the following:
• The Connecticut D.O.T. works with the property owner and/or the Town of Granby to restore landscaping as similar as possible to what was removed.
On a motion by Chapple, seconded by Crimmins, the board voted (4-0-0) to grant the appeal by Conn. D.O.T. seeking a lot area variance (Sect 5.1) to reduce a non-conforming lot by 1,227 sq. ft. in a CC Zone to accommodate intersection improvements at 4 North Granby Road, File Z07-20-01, subject to the following:
• The Connecticut D.O.T. works with the property owner and/or the Town of Granby to restore previous landscaping as similar as possible to what was removed.
On a motion by Chapple, seconded by Crimmins, the board voted (4-0-0) to grant the appeal by Conn. D.O.T. seeking a lot area and front yard variance (Sect. 5.1) to reduce a non-conforming lot by 51 sq. ft. and to reduce the front yard by 1 ft. in a COCE Zone to accommodate intersection improvements at 19 East Granby Road, File Z07-20-03 as follows:
• The Connecticut D.O.T. works with the property owner and/or the Town of Granby to restore previous landscaping as similar as possible to what was removed.
On a motion by Chapple, seconded by Yucha, the board voted (4- 0-0) to adjourn at 7:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Vanessa Berrelli