September 24, 2024
Members present: Mark Lockwood, Eric Myers, Robert Lavitt, Steve Muller, Brennan Sheahan and Christine Chinni.
Also present: Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre.
Public Hearings
The commission heard the applications for 254 and 256 Salmon Brook Street at the same time.
Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 3.12.3 for a professional office and associated site improvements for property located at 254 Salmon Brook Street, CE Zone.
Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 8.16 and 8.6.14 for a restaurant with outdoor dining and live outdoor entertainment, and for an illuminated sign and associated site improvements, for property located at 256 Salmon Brook Street, COCE Zone.
Property owner John Pagliaro, applicant Tara Pagliaro, land surveyor Brian Denno, architect Lori DiBattisto and applicant Meghan Peterson were present. Pagliaro discussed revisions that were made to the applications and submitted to town staff just prior to the meeting. The proposed hours of operation for the first-floor professional office tenant within the existing garage have been modified to Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The proposed hours of operation for the coffee shop have been modified to 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, with outdoor dining limited to 9 p.m., except on Fridays and Saturdays when it is permitted until 10 p.m.
The applicant is requesting a directory sign with LED lights on the ground that would be directed upward to illuminate the sign face. This directory sign would contain three, 1.5’ by 3’ panels and it would be located at the northeastern corner of 256 Salmon Brook Street, along the Hartford Avenue entrance. Pagliaro presented a landscaping plan for both properties and provided an overview of the materials used on the exterior of the buildings. Denno provided an overview of the changes that were made in response to staff comments and stated that the town engineer has been in communication with the applicant’s engineer. Since the revised plans were submitted this evening, Kenyon noted that town staff has not had time to review the drawings in further detail; however, most comments appear to have been addressed.
Lockwood expressed concerns regarding the proposed traffic pattern. Denno indicated that he will modify the site plans. DiBattisto indicated the patio lighting has not been finalized; however, the intent is to have soft lighting via string lights. Peterson eliminated the request for live outdoor entertainment and would prefer outdoor speakers for background music instead.
Public Comment
Dave Roberts, 6 Thronebrook Road, spoke in favor of the application. As treasurer of the Salmon Brook Historical Society, he and other members met with the owner/applicant to discuss the application and are pleased with the proposal. A letter was provided for the file.
The public hearing was continued to Oct. 8, so town staff can review the revised plans in detail and prepare a draft motion.
Commissioner Reports and Correspondence
Lockwood informed the commission that he received a formal notice from the Connecticut Siting Council that a public hearing on the battery storage facility will occur on Nov. 19.
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