October 10, 2023
Present: Eric Lukingbeal, Robert Lavitt, Eric Myers, Jonathan Boardman, Christine Chinni, Paula Johnson and Mark Lockwood. Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre.
Absent: Matthew Peters and Brennan Sheahan. Johnson was seated for Peters and Lavitt was seated for Sheahan.
Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 3.1.2.4 for the construction of pickleball courts, horseshoe pit, and associated site improvements for property located at 1 Broad Hill Road, R2A Zone: File Z-17-23.
The commission visited the site on Oct. 3 during a practice pickleball game and observed that the noise level diminished substantially as you moved further away, and nothing could be heard near the closest neighboring residences. Many commissioners were comfortable approving the application without a condition for sound dampening. There was no public comment. The commission voted unanimously to approve the application.
Conservation Commission Presentation of Proposed Changes to the Zoning Regulations Landscaping Requirements, Native and Invasive Plants.
Conservation commission members Zachary Donais and David Desiderato recommended modifications to the zoning regulations to better manage invasive species and promote native species. The proposed changes would be incorporated into landscaping requirements and be applicable to any new, proposed development. The P and Z commission determined that further review is necessary and staff was directed to work with the conservation commission regarding additional changes or recommendations.
October 24, 2023
Present: Eric Lukingbeal, Robert Lavitt, Eric Myers, Christine Chinni, Paula Johnson, Brennan Sheahan, and Matthew Peters. Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre
Absent: Jonathan Boardman and Mark Lockwood. Johnson was seated for Lockwood and Lavitt was seated for Boardman.
Application seeking a Zone Change from Center Edge (CE) to Commercial Center (COCE) for properties located at 254 and 256 Salmon Brook Street: File Z-18-23.
John Pagliaro purchased the properties in August 2023 and is seeking a zone change to allow for mixed residential and commercial uses. The property to the east is located within the COCE zone, while the property to the south is located in the CE zone. The applicant would like to convert the existing, detached garage into a professional office space for a speech pathologist, while maintaining a residential use for the existing house. At this time, there are no plans for the print shop located at 256 Salmon Brook Street.
The existing structures will remain and be refurbished both internally and externally. Staff stated for the record that the Town of Granby does not have a demolition delay ordinance and a zone change would not impact the historic overlay district. References were made to the Plan of Conservation and Development, and clarification regarding the historic overlay district was provided. It was noted for the record that the proposed use for professional office space is allowed within the current zone by special permit. Commissioners expressed concern regarding the increase of commercial uses that would be allowed with a zone change, and the future of the property if the current owner decides to sell.
Public Comment
William Ross, 239 Salmon Brook Street, and president of the Salmon Brook Historical Society expressed his opposition to the application.
David Roberts, 6 Thronebrook Road, and secretary of the Salmon Brook Historical Society spoke of the need for historical preservation and his opposition to the application.
Ellen Thomson, 250 Salmon Brook Street, expressed opposition to the application and concerns over commercial expansion within the historical overlay district.
John Morgan, 221 Salmon Brook Street, stated concerns over the potential for increased traffic and how vehicles would enter/exit the site. He noted that the uses permitted within the current zone appear to meet the applicant’s needs and that historic preservation should be maintained.
Katherine Morgan, 221 Salmon Brook Street, spoke of the historic district and recommended that the applicant consider a use that is permitted within the current zone.
Eric Mainardi, 17 Haleview Drive, acknowledged the need for historic preservation, while accommodating various commercial uses and opportunities. He spoke highly of the applicant’s character and would like to see the community support his efforts to enhance, as well as preserve the properties.
Pagliaro reiterated for the record that he has no intention of demolishing the existing structures and would like to maintain a residential use for the existing house. In the current zone, a two-family home is not permitted; however, it would be allowed via Special Permit if the zone change were approved. Kenyon provided a memorandum outlining the various uses currently permitted within the existing zone and the proposed zone, which was reviewed by the applicant and commission. Myers stated that there are no protections currently in place within the regulations to prevent the demolition of structures within the historic overlay zone.
The Public Hearing was closed.
The commission deliberated on the application. Lukingbeal recommended waiting for the results of the Granby Center Study prior to allowing any zone change. Johnson expressed concerns regarding the future of the property if a zone change were permitted and then sold and stated that there are plenty of viable uses allowed via special permit in the current zone. Lavitt noted that the property is quite visible and when considering a zone change that would allow more uses, potential impacts on neighboring properties should be considered. Chinni stated that the application does not provide enough justification for a zone change. Myers acknowledged the need for historical preservation; however, provided examples of existing properties in Granby center that have fallen into disrepair and noted that the commission should be open-minded to future commercial uses and opportunities within Granby center to allow property owners to invest in and reuse their properties that will facilitate preservation of the historic nature of the property/area. It was recommended that the application be denied without prejudice, and that applicant come before the commission once plans for the property have been solidified. The commission voted unanimously for that recommendation.