September 12, 2023
Present: Eric Lukingbeal, Alternate Robert Lavitt, Mark Lockwood, Eric Myers, Jonathan Boardman, Christine Chinni, and Alternate Paula Johnson. Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre. Absent: Matthew Peters and Brennan Sheahan
Public session
Kate Bogli of 198R Salmon Brook Street expressed safety concerns regarding the State Department of Transportation road reconstruction project in Granby Center.
Application seeking a Special Permit for a detached accessory apartment at 380 Salmon Brook Street, File Z-16-23.
Applicant and property owner Elizabeth Cote is applying to establish a detached accessory apartment within an existing outbuilding. Kenyon stated that the apartment would be two stories and just over 1,000 square feet.
The commission unanimously approved the application as proposed.
Informal Discussion: Four Dads Pub, Outdoor Dining Area
Dante Boffi of Four Dads Pub discussed the potential expansion of the business, as well as current violations. The restaurant owners are considering a 500 square foot addition to the north side of the building to expand the existing kitchen, add interior seating, and potentially relocate live music performances inside. Boffi also stated that the owners would like to expand the existing parking lot and enlarge the dumpster enclosure area to accommodate rubbish and recycling needs. In a memorandum to the commission, Kenyon provided a history of prior approvals, as well as the temporary outdoor dining areas that were permitted under the Governor’s Executive Order and were to be removed once said order expired.
Staff Report and Correspondence
The Granby Center Advisory Committee will be kicking off at the end of the month. A site inspection at Station 280 was recently conducted for a bond reduction request, which was approved as the first course of pavement has been completed, along with the retaining walls, drainage, and other site work. Staff met with the applicant team a month ago to discuss Certificates of Occupancy and their anticipated timeline.
Kenyon reported a final site inspection at Murtha’s Way was conducted in August and the bonds are being released.
Harness Way is under construction and the first course of pavement is in, along with some additional landscaping throughout the site. Myers expressed concerns regarding the proposed drainage and Kenyon stated that the town engineer has been in touch with the project engineer regarding the front detention basin.
According to the Department of Transportation, the road reconstruction project in Granby Center should be substantially complete by the end of October. Kenyon and the commission discussed pedestrian activity in the center, crosswalks and the potential for striping, no turn on red signage, and realignment of traffic signals.