July 9, 2025
Members present: Nicholas Dethlefsen, David Tolli, Sue Okie, John Laudati, Fred Jones, Aurelle Locke, Vickie Dirienzo. Also present: IWWC Agent Kate Bednaz and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre.
Laudati recused himself from all proceedings regarding this application; however, received permission from the commission, public and applicant to continue to run the meeting.
8 East Granby Road–C. Peeler c/o AutoZone, Inc.–Permit application to demolish existing structures and construct a 6,796 sq. ft. commercial building and other associated site work within a regulated area.
Applicant representative Trent Suddeth of Kimley Horn discussed the application. AutoZone is seeking to demolish the existing single-family home and detached garage on-site, to construct a 6,796 commercial retail building, parking lot and associated site improvements. There is an intermittent watercourse located to the west on the other side of Hungary Road. The majority of this property falls within 200 feet of said watercourse and is therefore within the upland review area. Once built out, the impervious coverage will be just under 50 percent. The parking lot will consist of 41 spaces and an underground detention basin that flows to the north. Suddeth discussed the proposed erosion and sediment control measures, as well as the stormwater management plan, which was designed based on a 100-year storm event. Since the last meeting, plans have been revised to include a planting plan and address comments from both the Town Engineer and IWWC Agent.
Public Comment
Robert Flanigan, 24 Woodcliff Drive, read Reinhard Maier’s presentation into the record, stated that the site is not a suitable location for the proposed business and questioned whether bonds will be submitted by the applicant.
Maureen Eberly, 37 Silkey Road, expressed concerns regarding maintenance of the stormwater system, remediation efforts if something goes wrong, and overall feels the proposal is a bad fit for the town.
John Corbett, 89 Quarry Road, had environmental concerns regarding the products that would be sold on-site and potential hazards that could arise.
Lynn Krauss, 20 West Granby Road, questioned how the proposed business will benefit the town and expressed environmental concerns.
Sandra Crain, 20 East Street, stated that the site is not conducive to an AutoZone and expressed environmental concerns as well.
Connor Smith, 57 Heather Lane, stated concerns regarding snow maintenance, run-off, treatment of the pavement, and feels the proposed parking lot is simply too big.
Toni Flanigan, 24 Woodcliff Drive, stated that the site is not a suitable location, had environmental concerns regarding the products that would be sold, and questioned remediation efforts if something happens.
Bednaz noted that she needs more time to review. Concern was raised regarding the lack of an oil/water separator and the use of pervious pavement was recommended. Some commissioners questioned run-off from the site and stated that the parking lot is too big and perhaps a variance could be considered for a reduction of required spaces. Suddeth agreed to a continuation of the public hearing to the Aug. 13 meeting.
Editor’s Note: At the Aug. 13 meeting the commission voted 2-3-1 to deny the applications with its current conditions. Please see town website (granby-ct.gov) for minutes and GCTV video.
15 Peck Orchard Road–R. Marr–Permit request to modify an existing permit to construct a brook crossing, driveway, and associated improvements within a regulated area, to include test borings on both brook banks as part of a geotechnical review.
Property owner and applicant Richard Marr confirmed he was aware that the bridge company requires a geotechnical report to determine footing sizes. This requires the drilling of several bore holes about 80 feet into the ground on both the east and west banks of the brook. As this temporary crossing location is outside the area under the permit that was just issued, and some vegetation clearing is required to provide access, a permit modification is needed. While the east bank can be accessed at the proposed site, it is too steep at that location to cross to the west side. Since the last meeting, a revised application and drawings have been submitted that propose an alternative crossing that allows for a 70 percent reduction in wetlands disturbance. Bednaz walked the proposed route and had no questions or concerns. A draft approval letter was provided to the commission for consideration and staff recommended one modification.
The commission approved the application and draft approval letter as amended, with conditions.
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