April 14, 2026
Members present: Eric Lukingbeal, Christine Chinni, Mark Lockwood, Eric Myers, Robert Lavitt, Steve Muller, Brennan Sheahan. Also present: Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre
Proposed zoning regulation changes for Transit Community Middle Housing Developments (2-9 Residential Units) and Mixed-Use in Commercial Zones
Kenyon provided an overview of Public Act 25-1, which requires the commission to amend its zoning regulations to address middle housing, i.e., a residential development with two to nine housing units and a mixed-use development with residential and commercial uses. Per the legislation, this is to be allowed by summary review in commercial zones.
Staff drafted a regulation with proposed amendments including updates to definitions, permitted uses versus special permit uses allowed within the COCE, CC, C2, ED and T1 Zones, and new Section 8.30, Transit Community Middle Housing Development. Commissioners addressed criteria for roof design, wall/exterior design, landscaping, parking and lighting. Some requirements deemed unnecessary were removed. Staff will consult with the Town Attorney and prepare a revised draft regulation.
280 Salmon Brook Street, Station 280: Bond status for outstanding work and Certificate of Occupancy
Kenyon noted that all five buildings have received Certificates of Occupancy, but the pool/pavilion area remains outstanding. At this time, the property owner is requesting the C/O be issued for these items. When the building official issues a final C/O for a project, he is certifying that the property complies with the zoning regulations and commission’s approval. As the following items are outstanding at this time, it is staff’s position that a C/O should not be issued. Final topcoat of pavement; line striping after topcoat; final landscaping inspection/verification plantings are in accordance with the approved plans, including fencing; site to be stabilized and all silt fence/E & S measures to be removed; final review that all trash/debris has been removed; design engineer to issue a Certificate of Compliance that states the infrastructure was constructed in accordance with the approved plans; an as-built of the site utilities, structures, and hard surface to be prepared, approved by the Town Engineer, and filed with the Town Clerk.
The current surety bond in the Town file is $1,542,988.21. Thomas Kalista of Burkentine Real Estate Group explained that they are looking to close out the open permits for the pool and pavilion so tenants may utilize them this summer. The pool would be open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Bids were received for the final topcoat of pavement, which wouldn’t be complete until the end of September. A temporary or conditional C/O was requested, and the commission asked staff to consult with the town attorney for a decision based on their recommendation.
551 Salmon Brook Street, Granby Motel, possible conversion to residential use and associated site improvements
Attorney Richard Case was present on behalf of his client Freedom Property, LLC, to discuss the potential conversion of the property located at 551 Salmon Brook Street to residential use. The 4.1-acre property is located within the C2 (Business) Zone and is occupied by a 14-room motel that is served by a private well and septic system. Freedom Property, LLC is under contract to purchase the property and would like to convert the existing structure into an apartment complex. The majority of construction would be to the rear. Each apartment would have private access to the outside, and most would be one-bedroom, with a handful of two-bedroom units available.
Professional Engineer David Whitney has been retained to develop site plans including the installation of a new septic system and well, along with the future construction of detached garages. Case will prepare a zoning text amendment for consideration, as multi-family is not currently an allowable use in the C2 Zone.