Farmington, CT—On July 22nd, 2024, the Town Plan and Zoning Commission met in an evening filled with planning, zoning, and a touch of local drama. The hybrid in-person and online meeting kicked off at 7 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers, navigating a packed agenda that reflected Farmington’s dynamic community development scene.
Roll Call and Legal Notice
Town Planner Shannon Rutherford initiated the meeting, announcing the roll call with an air of anticipation:
- Matthew Bandel: Here.
- Robert Canto: Here.
- David St. Germain: Here.
- Liz Sanford: Here.
- Rojia Afshar: Here.
- Scott Halstead: Here.
- Bruce Polsky (Alternate): Here.
- Mike Tucci (Alternate): Here.
- Kyla Zimmerman (Online): Here (promoted to panelist).
Chair welcomed everyone, passing the baton to Liz Sanford, the commission’s secretary, to read the legal notice:
“Notice is hereby given that the Town Plan and Zing Commission will hold a hybrid in-person and online public hearing on Monday, July 22nd, 2024, at 7 PM in the Town Hall chambers, Council chambers, on the following applications:
- Philip Musil, application for a special permit to construct a new house in excess of 4,000 square feet of finished living area and 5,000 total square feet at 340 Meadow Road in an R40 zone.
- Jack Kemper, application for a special permit for expansion of home greater than 30% of existing square feet in excess of 2,400 square feet finished living area, 3,200 square feet total area, and an attached accessory dwelling unit in excess of 700 square feet at 22 Tunxis Street in an R20 zone.
New Business
1. Arnko Sign Company: Sign Applications
Jeremy from Arnko Signs presented two sign applications for Russell Speeder’s Car Wash. The first location was at Wano-Masa Lane and the second at 362 Scott Swamp Road.
Sign Details:
- North Elevation: 48-inch Russell Speeder’s logo with plastic acrylic push-out letters and a 31.5-inch car wash letter.
- West Elevation: 30-inch logo with acrylic letters.
- Existing Post and Panel Sign: 44.3 by 72 inches with no lighting modifications.
Commissioner Questions:
- Liz Sanford: Asked about post reuse, confirmed existing posts would be reused.
- David St. Germain: Inquired about the lifespan of acrylic signs, estimated around 15-20 years.
- Kyla Zimmerman: No questions.
Motion to Approve (First Location):
- Moved by: Matthew Bandel
- Seconded by: Bruce Polsky
- Vote: Unanimously approved (9-0).
Motion to Approve (Second Location):
- Moved by: Matthew Bandel
- Seconded by: Bruce Polsky
- Vote: Unanimously approved (9-0).
Public Hearings
1. Philip Musil: New House Construction at 340 Meadow Road
Philip Musil presented his application for a special permit to construct a new home at 340 Meadow Road. The house, designed by Farmington-based architect Garth Meehan, spans over 4,000 square feet on the first floor, with an additional 2,100 square feet on the second floor intended as an attic.
Commissioner Questions:
- Matthew Bandel: Asked about water containment, Musil confirmed compliance with engineering recommendations.
- Liz Sanford: Sought clarification on site lines and the house’s position on the lot.
- David St. Germain: Confirmed no issues with the stone wall and drainage.
Public Comments:
- No public comments were made.
Motion to Approve:
- Moved by: David St. Germain
- Seconded by: Rojia Afshar
- Condition: Engineering comments to be addressed.
- Vote: Unanimously approved (9-0).
2. Jack Kemper: Home Expansion and ADU at 22 Tunxis Street
Architect Jack Kemper presented the application on behalf of Brandon and Brittany Connery for an expansion of their home at 22 Tunxis Street. The project includes a new garage and a 730-square-foot accessory dwelling unit for Brandon’s parents.
Commissioner Questions:
- Matthew Bandel: Confirmed compliance with ADU regulations.
- Liz Sanford: Clarified historical preservation requirements.
- David St. Germain: Discussed drainage and erosion control measures.
Public Comments:
- Three letters of support from neighbors were read into the record.
Motion to Approve:
- Moved by: Liz Sanford
- Seconded by: Robert Canto
- Conditions: Adherence to engineering and ADU standards.
- Vote: Unanimously approved (9-0).
Planners Report
Ferrari Event at Polo Grounds:
Shannon Rutherford updated the commission on the Ferrari event held at the polo grounds. Despite initial concerns, the event ran smoothly with improved coordination and minimal disruption to the community.
Ridgeline Violations:
Rutherford discussed recent ridgeline violations and efforts to maintain communication with property owners to prevent unauthorized clearing and development.
Approval of Minutes
Motion to Approve Minutes:
- June 24, 2024 Meeting: Moved by Liz Sanford, seconded by Bruce Polsky. Unanimously approved.
- July 8, 2024 Meeting: Moved by Liz Sanford, seconded by Bruce Polsky. Unanimously approved.
Adjournment
The meeting concluded with a reminder of the commission’s next steps and a special thanks to Farmington Storage, located at 155 Scott Swamp Road. For storage needs, visit Farmington Storage or call 860.777.4001.
Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter in Farmington’s Town Plan and Zoning Commission saga.