February 26, 2025
Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Meg Jabaily, Abby Kenyon, Eric Myers, John Oates, Martin Schwager. Also present: Frank Fish and Jonathan Martin from BFJ Planning
BFJ Update
Status of Work/Timeline
(Editor’s Note: A public workshop has been scheduled for May 15, 7 p.m. in the senior center.)
Fish noted BFJ has not spoken to the owners of the Starbucks Plaza and the Frontier property but have spoken to the other business owners.
Discussion of Zoning Ideas
BFJ’s proposed zoning idea is to create two areas of the center: Granby Center Zone A, composed of the area between Routes 10/20, Bank Street and Hartford Avenue, and Granby Center Zone B—the area surrounding Zone A.
BFJ proposed a maximum front yard setback of 20 feet on local roads in the center to allow room for a sidewalk and buildings to be closer. State roads would have maximum of 30 feet.
The possibility of constructing townhouses on the lot south of Geissler’s Plaza at the corner of Bank St. and Rte. 189 that would have a zero-foot side yard was discussed
The maximum height of buildings is currently three stories and 45 feet. The proposed change is three and a half stories and 48 feet. This would allow retail on the first floor with higher ceilings.
A minimum lot area would be 15,000 square feet in the center, reduced from 20,000.
Reduce minimum lot frontage in Granby Center A from 100 feet to 75 feet.
Minimum lot area for multi-family is currently five acres in the CC Zone. BFJ’s suggested change is 1.5 acres in Granby Center Zone B.
Parking, pedestrian pathways and accessibility through the center were also discussed.
Preliminary Design Work
Martin discussed ideas for the center, including a circular pedestrian and vehicular connection through the center, additional crosswalks, some lighting, parking, etc.
Expanding the town green to the Citgo station, moving the driveway and parking for the Frontier building, additional parking in front of the Frontier building and pedestrian pathways connecting to the Starbucks plaza were discussed.
A brief discussion was held on how to pay for this, including incentives, federal grants for sidewalks, etc.
Overview of 2009 Adoption of Granby Center Zones
In 2005 the Plan of Conservation and Development recommended a mixed-use zone in the Center.
In 2007 and 2008 the Development Commission proposed regulations to Planning and Zoning that were adopted in 2009.
There have been minor changes since 2009, including an amendment to allow accessory apartments in the CE and CZC zones in 2015. In 2014-15 an application was denied by the commission to allow commercial uses in the historical overlay. In 2015, a committee reviewed the regulations and how to allow commercial uses in the historical overlay. In 2019, P&Z approved an amendment to allow mixed use by special permit in the commercial zone.
Public Session
Terri Hahn, 6 Allen Place, provided some history regarding the changes to the property over the years, including the green and the plot next to Geissler’s Plaza. She would like to see more sidewalks and outdoor seating than proposed. She opposed rezoning 26 Hartford Avenue and zero setbacks for townhouses.
Glenn Ballard, 28 Granville Road, would like to see the consultants explore other options with more measurable outcomes and allow residents to provide their input. He would like something more design oriented.
Toni Flanigan believes townhouses on Bank Street would be out of place. She does not want to turn the center into a city or create more traffic. This plan will not help taxes and will create more maintenance.
Maureen Eberly noted the proposal of townhouses on Bank Street would call for additional parking spaces, handicapped parking and dumpsters. Consideration needs to be made regarding ambulances and fire trucks getting in and out of the area. She feels the town needs to proceed cautiously. Additional people equate to the need for additional services and employees, and the sewer capacity would need to be assessed.
Michael Fusick feels Granby is a small community and does not want to turn it into something it is not. He believes these changes do not benefit the current residents and is fiscally irresponsible.