Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon provided an overview of the Granby Center Study at the Feb. 28, 2023, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. She discussed how the commission is soliciting ideas from the public for items that should be included in the study.
Benjamin Perron, 25 Archie Lane, said that the Granby Center Study should include discussion on the T1 zone, which is south of the center. Regulations and/or actions should be implemented to ensure that the T1 zone does not become another town center.
Katherine Bogli, 198R Salmon Brook Street, shared the same concerns regarding the T1 zone.
Terri Ann Hahn, 6 Allan Place, recommended that the town look into the Center Commons zone, as the regulations are commercially based and do not allow flexibility for pre-existing assets; i.e., residential properties, historic homes, etc. Consideration for future sidewalk projects would increase connectivity and the walkability of the center. Hahn also recommended the implementation of gateways and associated signage, as well as improved signage showing the variations in speed limits throughout the area.
Glenn Ballard, 289 Granville Road, distributed written comments to the Commission outlining his recommendations for the study. He expressed concerns regarding next steps and the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, as well as the need for visually-oriented planning, accountability, meaningful public participation and outside assistance.
Meg Jabaily, 20 Oakridge Drive, discussed the need to look into behavior mapping, patterns and universal design for inclusion, health and aesthetics. She stated how users are the most important audience and the town needs to think about who this study will benefit.
Peter Bryanton, 5 Sullivan Drive, thanked the Commission for seeking public engagement in this process and recommended that a market study be conducted to better understand what will meet future needs of the town.
Kelsey VonKaenel, 15 Oakridge Drive, expressed concerns regarding traffic on Oakridge Drive, which is being used as a cut-through street. She also stated that the Geissler’s shopping plaza needs to be cleaned up and the Commission should take outdoor noise into consideration.
Melissa O’Brien, 16 Old Stagecoach Road, expressed concerns regarding the lack of walkability throughout town and would like to see more sidewalks.
Mark Higby, 25 Oakridge Drive, expressed concerns regarding trash and rules that currently are not being enforced. He also mentioned the possibility of conducting a local survey amongst residential homeowners within the area.
Deborah Holcomb, past resident, expressed concerns regarding the town’s walkability and would like to see more connectivity.
Gerald Ledger, 89 Bushy Hill Road, would like to see more walkability throughout town and expressed concerns for public safety, especially in regard to the recent road construction.
Susan Regan, 62 Hungary Road, would like to see the Town Green updated and noted concerns regarding the condition of several properties in the area and traffic on Hungary Road, primarily at the intersection of Hungary Road and Route 20.
Michael Ware, 45 Hungary Road, discussed concerns regarding walkability throughout the center and also stated concerns regarding the intersection of Hungary Road and Route 20.
E. Myers reiterated that this is an ongoing discussion and the public will have additional opportunities to comment. He encouraged those who prepared correspondence to submit their documents to town staff. Kenyon stated, for the record, the names of those who had submitted documentation prior to the meeting via email.
— From the P&Z Commission minutes, Feb. 28, 2023