March 18, 2024
Regular Meeting
Present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann. Kelly Rome, Frederick Moffa, Margaret Chapple, Town Manager Mike Walsh, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Town Clerk Scott Nolan, Public Works Director Kirk Severance, and Student Liaison Ben LaVigne.
Potential use for Kearns property
In response to needs expressed by the Commission on Aging, the board agreed to conduct a Request for Proposal for the former Kearns school property for use as affordable senior housing and/or assisted living. This would further diversify housing and elderly housing in town as identified by the Plan of Conservation and Development.
Federal and state funding requests
Walsh recommended the town seek federal and state funds to help offset the significant costs of the radio communication project. In addition, to use the Kearns property for possible development as senior housing and/or assisted living, the existing buildings should be demolished. The board authorized Walsh to seek up to $4 million for the radio communications project, and up to $1 million for constructive reuse of the Kearns property. Walsh will begin outreach to appropriate agencies.
Town Manager’s Report
Walsh had an opportunity to look at the basketball courts at Salmon Brook Park. He will request the Department of Public Works fill the cracks but also asked for a skilled Parks and Recreations consultant to look at the courts and make a proposal to the board. Walsh also noted that CIRMA, the town’s insurance company, would be coming out for an inspection. Special Meeting
Community Development Director Abigail Kenyon and members of the Conservation, Development, Inland Wetlands & Waterways and Planning & Zoning commissions and the Board of Finance joined the special meeting for a question-and-answer meeting with Broadleaf Solar, LLC.
Broadleaf Solar LLC, D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments gave an overview of the proposed solar generation facility for the property at 90 Salmon Brook Street and 35 Floydville Road. Although Connecticut General Statutes identify the State of Connecticut as the governing entity for the project, Fiorentino said that Broadleaf Solar has been cooperative in working with Granby officials, and its representative was here to answer questions and listen to concerns.