March 10, 2025
Members present: Marty Schwager, Matt Brady, Jim Caldwell, Ken Kuhl, and Anna Sogliuzzo. Also present: Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon
Right to Farm Ordinance
Schwager asked for commission members’ feedback on the proposed right to farm ordinance referred from the BOS. Commissioners stated they support farming and agriculture in town, noting that the existing zoning regulations are permissive of agricultural uses and Granby is one of the most horse-friendly towns in the area. The commission agreed that efforts to brand Granby as agriculture-friendly should be pursued, but an ordinance that duplicates the state’s right to farm law isn’t the best vehicle to accomplish this.
Commissioners questioned whether the town attorney and town administration reviewed the draft, asked who would be responsible for handling complaints and enforcement of the ordinance and questioned which zones or properties the ordinance would apply to as agricultural uses are allowed in many zones and a property doesn’t have to be identified as a farm under zoning regulations to have agricultural uses.
The commission discussed the upcoming Plan of Conservation and Development update and other opportunities to express and show support for farming’s role in the community.
Land use and development application update
Kenyon stated she has been contacted regarding two possible business developments in Granby Center. They are in the informal, information-gathering stage and no formal land use applications have been submitted as yet.
In response to a question about 137 Salmon Brook Street [across from Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital], Kuhl and Sogliuzzo reported the owner is looking to lease the land. The commission discussed the T1 Zone and possible uses under the current zoning regulations.
April 14, 2025
Members present: Marty Schwager, Matt Brady, Jim Caldwell, Rob Rome and Anna Sogliuzzo. Also present: Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon.
Update on BFJ Planning/Granby Center
The commission reviewed the March 26 presentation that BFJ Planning provided to the Granby Center Advisory Committee and discussed the various proposals. The commission agreed expansion of the town green was a good idea, but questioned how the relocation of the Frontier driveway and connection to 10 Hartford Avenue would function, noting vehicles may potentially use that connection as a cut-through from Merchant’s Way to Hartford Avenue, which would be a concern. Overall, the commission was glad to see increased pedestrian connections and agreed it would be beneficial if the zone boundary and requirements could be simplified to further consolidate the existing Granby Center zones.
Real estate and current activity
It was reported there are only a few properties for sale. The commissioners questioned the status of the lots on Day Street. Kenyon responded that the application is pending before the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission and no approvals have been given.