Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/category/town/page/127/)
Public Hearings
Pam Stevens, 31 Wells Road is requesting a Special Permit for a detached accessory apartment under the revised Zoning Regulations, Section 8.5. The apartment is part of a larger barn-style building and contains 850 square feet.
Public Session
Tom Vaughan, 183 Day Street, commented that he had two issues that he wanted to comment on. The first was to encourage the Commission to support the request for the relocation of Tim’s Automotive Shop to a 352 Salmon Brook Street that is in the Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone.
Stanley Hayes of the House of Hayes, was allowed to give a presentation to open the hearing. After that, comments were restricted to three minutes each.
Town Manager John Ward received a letter on April 3 from resident Tom Vaughan withdrawing his proposal for an organic dairy farm to be developed at 107 East Street. He cited a lack of action from the Board of Selectmen and the fact that his family was being exposed to unpleasant comments and actions from town residents, both in person and on social media.
Walking out the door of the Building Department office in the town hall on April 13 was bittersweet for retiring Community Development Director Fran Armentano and all the staff who have interacted with him for the past 32 years. Right-hand man to the town manager, procurer of grants, integral advisor to the Planning and Zoning and Development Commissions and always willing and able to step in wherever help was needed, his absence will be greatly felt by many.
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services has announced the 2018 Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program that provides tax credits to businesses that make cash investments in qualifying community non-profit programs. Projects approved in the past have come from public service departments such as police, fire, ambulance, health service agencies, land trusts and more. Requests have included energy saving measures such as new windows, boiler replacement and fuel-efficient vehicles; programs for youth, parents and seniors.
A Granby resident is needed to fill a vacancy on the Park and Recreation Board. If you are interested in serving your town on this board, call the Democratic Town Committee Chairman Jim Lofink, 860-810-0274; Republican Town Committee Chairman Mark Neumann, 860-653-9668; or Town Manager John Ward, 860-844-5300.
In previous Drummer articles, I have expressed my opinions on aspects of our town’s fiscal status and how they are impacted by the boards’ decisions in the final determination for action on asset properties (eg. Kearns School and East Street Farm).
Two questions, asked during this year’s Public Hearing on the budget, related to assessed value and mill rate. It may be helpful to address both more closely.
