Food Trucks, Apartments, and the Great Farmington Sidewalk War
Food trucks, apartment conversions, and—somehow—a heated debate over sidewalk materials dominated the latest Farmington Town Plan and Zoning Commission (TPZ) meeting on March 10, 2025. Yes, asphalt vs. concrete got that serious.
Food Trucks and Blasting: Approved for Public Hearing
The first item on the agenda moved fast:
- Eric Stagel was granted a public hearing for a food truck at 17 Depot Place (March 24, 2025).
- Sweeney Associates LLC got the same for blasting at 71 Eli Road to build a single-family home (April 14, 2025).
No fireworks there—just business as usual.
Nursing Home to Apartments: Bureaucratic Limbo
Things got more complicated when Charles Partners Northeast LLC requested approval to convert a nursing home at 20 Scott Swamp Road into apartments. The commission agreed to deny the application without prejudice unless the developer files for an extension.
Translation: File your paperwork or start over.
Sidewalk Wars: Asphalt vs. Concrete
The meeting’s biggest fight? The sidewalk at 402 Farmington Avenue.
Developer Metro Realty wants to use asphalt instead of concrete, arguing it looks better and costs less. The town, however, had originally approved concrete sidewalks, with a later exception allowing asphalt on a nearby property.
Pros and cons flew around:
✅ Asphalt melts ice faster.
✅ Concrete lasts longer.
❌ Asphalt is cheaper. Developers love it.
❌ Concrete looks better. The town loves it.
The commission was undecided and kicked the decision to a future meeting, forcing Metro Realty to make their case in person. A thrilling sequel awaits.
Camp Courant Wins Approval for Events
Farmington’s beloved summer camp can now host third-party events, with conditions:
- One municipal sports contract per town, per season.
- No amplified sound except existing baseball PA system.
- Lights off by 10:30 p.m.
- A staff member must be on-site for every event.
A six-month check-in was added to ensure compliance.
Golf Course Patio, Pickleball, and Splash Pad Delays
On the lighter side:
- Westwood Golf Course is replacing its restaurant deck with a concrete patio.
- Carol’s Lunchbox is moving in with expanded dinner hours.
- The splash pad faces contractor delays but should be ready mid-summer.
- Pickleball courts are behind schedule but still happening.
What’s Next?
Expect fireworks (metaphorically) at the March 24 TPZ meeting, when the sidewalk debate resumes. Until then, concrete vs. asphalt remains unresolved.
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About the Author:
Jack Beckett is powered by coffee, municipal meetings, and existential dread over sidewalk debates. He has strong opinions about zoning and even stronger opinions about New England weather.
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