Farmington Town Plan and Zoning Committee Approves Two Major Applications Amid Community Feedback
FARMINGTON, CT — Last evening, June 8, 2024, the Farmington Town Plan and Zoning Committee gathered in the Town Hall Council Chambers for a hybrid meeting. The session, led by Town Planner Shannon Rutherford, marked significant progress in community development projects, demonstrating the town’s commitment to balancing growth while preserving its cherished character.
The meeting commenced with a roll call of the committee members. Matthew Bandle, Robert Canto, Rojia Afshar, David St. Germaine, Lise Sanford, and Scott Halstead were all present, alongside alternates Bruce Polsky and Mike Tucci. Kyla Zimmerman was the only member absent.
The first order of business involved three new items, which were swiftly reviewed and rescheduled for further discussion on July 22, 2024. These included a request from Architectural Building Services, General Contractors LLC for a five-year extension on a re-subdivision approval granted in 2019 and two separate sign permit applications from Arneco Sign Company Inc. for locations on Wano Massa Lane and 362 Scott Swamp Road.
The evening’s public hearings began with Christopher Stevenson’s application for a special permit to construct a sizable accessory structure at his residence on 26 Skyline Drive. Stevenson, a car enthusiast, proposed a 26 by 36-foot garage to house his car collection, reduce highway noise, and maintain the aesthetic appeal of his driveway. He assured the committee that the garage would feature a geo-grid driveway, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
“I’m glad you’re doing the geo-grid,” remarked Commissioner David St. Germaine, underscoring the environmental benefits of the approach. “It keeps the natural look and helps with drainage.” Commissioner Bruce Polsky raised concerns about potential drainage issues, to which Stevenson confidently responded, “There won’t be an additional driveway. It’s actually going to be a geo-grid driveway.”
The committee members expressed their support, and the application was approved unanimously. Every vote cast was a resounding “Yay” from all six commissioners present.
The second public hearing of the night was more ambitious and drew considerable attention. CPD Properties and 342 Colt Highway LLC proposed redeveloping the long-neglected property at 342 Colt Highway. The plan included constructing a new fuel service station, a 5,400-square-foot convenience store, and a quick-service restaurant.
The Director of Facilities for CPD Properties Scott Parker presented the redevelopment plan. The project aimed to replace the rundown facility with a modern, well-designed complex that would serve the community better. The new development would feature a state-of-the-art stormwater management system and a significant buffer zone to protect adjacent residential areas.
Traffic and access were major focal points of the presentation. Heather Monacup, a traffic engineer from Greenman Peterson Inc., detailed a comprehensive traffic study. She outlined plans for a right-in, right-out driveway on Colt Highway and a full-access driveway on Fineman Road, along with enhanced signal timings and improved signage to facilitate smoother traffic flow. “We have run the analysis and our traffic impact study shows that the site will not negatively impact the current traffic flow,” Monacup assured the committee.
Public comments revealed strong support tempered with practical concerns. Ellen Margolis, a resident of Chimney Hill Drive, emphasized traffic safety and enforcement of left-turn restrictions. “My question is, is there going to be new traffic signals there?” she asked. “It’s a problem intersection, and something has to be done with the timing of the traffic lights.” Fred Klein, another Chimney Hill Drive resident, supported the project but suggested setting a firm completion deadline. “I think the town should approve the project but condition its approval on completion by some reasonable deadline,” he proposed.
The commission engaged in a thorough discussion, considering various conditions for approval, including delivery hour restrictions and compliance with noise ordinances. Commissioner Matthew Bandle emphasized the importance of a clear timeline, stating, “We need assurances that this project will move forward promptly to avoid prolonged blight.” Commissioner Scott Halstead added, “Consistency with other town regulations is crucial, particularly regarding delivery hours and lighting.”
Ultimately, the application was approved unanimously, with conditions to ensure adherence to town regulations and community standards. The conditions included restricted delivery hours between midnight and 5:00 AM, compliance with noise ordinances for any vacuum or air systems installed on-site, additional landscaping features to enhance aesthetic appeal, adherence to the proposed lighting plan to minimize light trespass, and execution of a conservation easement to protect the buffer zone.
The meeting concluded with unanimous approvals for both applications, reflecting the committee’s commitment to thoughtful development that addresses community needs and concerns. The commission extended gratitude to the public for their constructive feedback and emphasized the importance of ongoing engagement in the town planning process.
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