Explosive Decisions: Blasting, New Signs, and Farmington’s Evolving Landscape

Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission Moves Forward on Blasting Project and New Business Signage at October 7th Meeting

The Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission met on October 7, 2024, for a hybrid meeting that tackled key town issues, including a large-scale blasting and rock-crushing project on Colt Highway and the approval of new signage for prominent local businesses. These discussions, though technical at times, laid the groundwork for significant developments in Farmington’s commercial and infrastructural landscape.

Watch the full meeting on YouTube

Blasting Project at 245 Colt Highway Moves Forward

The most high-profile agenda item of the evening was the Bulwark LLC application for a special permit allowing blasting and rock crushing as part of the site development at 8120 and 8122 Colt Highway (also known as 245 Colt Highway). This 5-acre site will soon host a four-story, climate-controlled storage facility totaling over 79,000 square feet.

Dave Ziemba, a professional engineer from FA Hesketh Associates, walked the commission through the project’s technical requirements. Due to the presence of trap rock—a hard volcanic rock—the site will require blasting to remove approximately 1,830 cubic yards of rock.

While blasting often raises safety and logistical concerns, Dave D’Ambrosio, representing Ambrosio Blasting Company, assured the commission that their team would execute the project with minimal disruption. The blasting will last two weeks, with five to six active blasting days. “We’ll likely have four to five blasts per day,” D’Ambrosio explained, “but each blast itself will last just a second.”

Route 6 will experience temporary closures during these brief but impactful blasts, coordinated with the Farmington Police Department. Traffic will be stopped for five to ten minutes per blast to ensure public safety.

Commissioners raised questions about pre-blast surveys and safety measures. Ziemba explained that pre-blast surveys would be conducted to record the current condition of nearby properties, ensuring that any claims of post-blast damage could be properly assessed. The use of blasting mats will also help prevent debris from escaping the site.

Additionally, Ziemba confirmed that neighboring areas, including the Tungsis Trail and the Hilton Hotel’s dog park, would be notified of the blasting schedule and receive appropriate safety warnings.

Signage Approved for Scott Swamp Road

In another significant agenda item, the commission unanimously approved a signage application for 170 Scott Swamp Road, submitted by Hartford Sign and Design LLC. The approved plan includes a monument sign at the property entrance, along with vinyl graphic signs above individual tenant entrances.

Jerry from Hartford Sign and Design presented the commission with detailed renderings of the signs, explaining that the signs were sized well within the town’s zoning regulations. The monument sign, positioned back from the road, will aid visitors in locating the property, and the tenant signs, though modest, will provide clear identification for each business within the complex.

Commissioners sought confirmation that the sign placements complied with Department of Transportation (DOT) right-of-way regulations, and Jerry confirmed that all signage was positioned appropriately, ensuring visibility without obstructing traffic.

Café Pesto Set to Open on Farmington Avenue

Exciting news for local foodies: Café Pesto will soon open its doors at 1274 Farmington Avenue, replacing the now-closed Sugo restaurant. This location, once home to Wooden Tap and Toro Loco, has been a popular dining destination for years.

Town Planner Shannon Rutherford informed the commission that Café Pesto’s application involved only the rebranding of existing signage, with no significant changes to the size or design. The vinyl graphic signs will be installed over the building’s existing sign structures. Although an official opening date has not been set, residents can expect Café Pesto to be operational soon.

Other Matters: Zoning Amendments Accepted

The commission also accepted an application submitted by the Town of Farmington Plan and Zoning Commission to amend local zoning regulations. The amendments involve Article 2, Section 8 RDM, Subsection C, which relates to development standards, and Section 8B3, which focuses on off-street parking in the RDM zone. A public hearing on these proposed changes is scheduled for November 13, 2024.

Looking Ahead

The next meeting, scheduled for October 21, 2024, will revisit the Sign Pro application for 838 Farmington Avenue, among other important topics. Farmington residents can expect continued development, both in terms of large-scale construction and the arrival of new businesses, signaling ongoing growth in the town.

Watch the October 7, 2024 meeting here on YouTube