Farmington’s Epic Showdowns: The Great Sign Replacement and Fence Gate Debates

A black and white stipple illustration depicting a lively town hall meeting. Community members of various ages, including Gen-Z, are animatedly discussing topics. The scene includes a traditional town hall building, a large sign, and a fence in the foreground.
Upcoming Town Meetings to Decide the Fate of Farmington’s Most Critical Sign Replacements

Farmington, CT — In what is expected to be the most riveting display of local governance since the Great Potluck Debacle of 2019, the Farmington Historic District Commission (FHDC) and the Town Plan and Zoning Commission (TPZ) are gearing up for meetings that promise to reshape the very fabric of Farmington’s aesthetic landscape.

FHDC: The Sign Wars Continue

Date and Time: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Online Web Conference and Town Hall Council Chambers
Webinar Link: Join FHDC Meeting
Call-In Information: +1 646 558 8656, Webinar ID: 813 0088 9396

The FHDC meeting is set to tackle the fiercely debated issue of sign replacement at 771 Farmington Avenue. Bianca Signs Plus LLC’s quest for a Temporary Certificate of Appropriateness has been dragged on since the June 18, 2024, meeting. Residents have been on the edge of their seats, as the fate of the sign must be decided by July 25, 2024, or risk plunging Farmington into a signage identity crisis.

Not to be outdone, St. James Episcopal Church is also vying for attention with its bold proposal to replace six doors and one storm door at 3 Mountain Road. Will the new doors usher in a new era of ecclesiastical entryways, or will they face the same fate as the ill-fated sign of 771 Farmington Avenue?

Other business includes a staff report, approval of minutes from the previous meeting, and other unspecified but undoubtedly thrilling items.

TPZ: Signs, Fences, and Housing – Oh My!

Date and Time: Monday, July 22, 2024 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online Web Conference and Town Hall Council Chambers
Webinar Link: Join TPZ Meeting
Call-In Information: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656, Webinar ID: 860 5557 1210

The TPZ meeting agenda is a cornucopia of development drama, starting with a plea from Architectural Building Services General Contractors, LLC for a five-year extension of a resubdivision approval on Palazzo Drive. One can only speculate on the potential chaos if this extension isn’t granted.

Arnco Sign Company, Inc. is doubling down with not one, but two sign applications for 4 Wannowmassa Lane and 362 Scott Swamp Road. As if the sign drama wasn’t enough, Udolf Properties seeks site plan approval to transform 784 Farmington Avenue from an office space into residential units. Will this change herald a new era of living arrangements, or is it simply the latest chapter in Farmington’s ongoing saga of zoning upheaval?

And then there’s Zyta Zajaczkowska, who is daring to challenge the status quo with a request for a fence exception to install a six-foot gate at 19-21 Reservoir Road. The audacity!

Two public hearings will further fan the flames of local intrigue:

  1. Philip Meusel’s application for a special permit to construct a house at 340 Meadow Road that will exceed 4,000 square feet of finished living area and 5,000 total square feet. Who knew suburban sprawl could be so expansive?
  2. Jack Kemper’s audacious plan to expand his home at 22 Tunxis Street beyond 30% of its current size, complete with an attached accessory dwelling unit over 700 square feet. Bigger truly is better.

The meeting will wrap up with the approval of minutes from previous gatherings and the always riveting planner’s report.

Thank You to Our Sponsor

We Are Farmington’s coverage is brought to you by Farmington Storage, located at 155 Scott Swamp Road. When your home expansion projects or sign replacements leave you in need of extra space, Farmington Storage has got you covered. Call them at 860-777-4001.

In a town where every sign and fence can spark debate, these meetings are not to be missed. Mark your calendars and join the drama, either online or in person. Because in Farmington, democracy is as thrilling as watching paint dry—on a newly approved sign, of course.

-JB-

 

TPZ 072224 Agenda

FHDC 072324 Agenda

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *