The Granby Board of Selectmen held two Open House sessions on June 13. First Selectman Mark Fiorentino led both, with Kelly Rome joining him on the morning session, and Mark Neumann on the evening one. In total, about 50 residents attended to discuss relevant issues, many of which involved housing, such as the state’s affordable housing requirement, the impact on the town of the housing developments in progress, and the need for more senior housing.
Suggestions were made regarding a possible gun buyback program headed by police but privately funded, and perhaps a town-wide composting program. Waste and recycling concerns came up as well as the possibility of being able to bring lumber to the transfer station.
Questions were raised about how the Public Works Department prioritizes projects, and what could be done about speeding on our roads. Other suggestions involved keeping the lighting for the new apartments north of the center the same as those used along Rte. 10/202 south of the center.
In addition to responding to all the questions and comments, Fiorentino gave an update on the town strategic plan. In response to a request to improve communication between the town government and residents, he instructed participants in how to sign up for updates from the town boards.
At a later BOS meeting, Town Manager Erika Robertson said that she was quite impressed with the quality of the Open Houses. “This is the Granby way,” she noted, along with its characteristic volunteerism, that makes Granby such a special place.