Granby advisory committee adopts Granby Center study recommendations, adds design standards

Granby —6 — The Granby Center Advisory Committee voted unanimously on Dec. 11, 2025, to approve a revised use table and adopt the Granby Center Town Study presented by consultants from BFJ, adding design standards and design guidelines to the committee's list of priorities.

The study presentation, delivered by Frank Fish and Suzanne Goldberg of BFJ, outlined the proposed boundary for a new Granby Center Zone, summarized public outreach, and described proposed permitted and special-permit uses, setbacks, lot-area and height standards. The consultants also presented a sidewalk and circulation plan identifying possible parking locations, streetscape improvements and several opportunity areas with conceptual designs.

Committee action and next steps

The Committee first approved the Oct. 29, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Eric Myers; seconded by Meg Jabaily; vote 4-0-0). The panel then voted 4-0-0 to replace Table 4-1 in the study with a revised use table that has been posted on the town website (motion by Eric Myers; seconded by Meg Jabaily). Finally, the Committee voted 4-0-0 to adopt the study recommendations with the addition of design standards and design guidelines as a stated priority (motion by Eric Myers; seconded by Meg Jabaily).

Public comments and committee clarifications

During the public session several residents asked questions and raised concerns. John Morrone of Maple Hill Road asked a series of practical questions about the study, including "How much did the study cost?" and who owns the properties identified in the Center, and he questioned sidewalk costs, maintenance and liability. Ellen Thomson of Salmon Brook Street thanked the Committee and said, "There is a need for sidewalks in the Center," adding that the approved expansion of Julien's will draw more people to the area and urging that sustainability and affordable housing be explicitly addressed. Robert Flanigan of Woodcliff Drive cautioned about state changes, saying the "Bill 8002 that was passed means Hartford now has control over towns" and that the town should proceed with caution. David Disiderato of Simsbury Road asked whether existing single-family houses in the proposed zone would still be able to add accessory dwelling units. Kara Marshall of Bushy Hill Road said the study "is going in a great direction" and urged continued focus on walking and circulation.

Chair Mark Fiorentino responded to questions by explaining the study's origin and next steps, saying a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Planning and Zoning Commission will likely be scheduled to review the study and discuss Bill 8002. Fiorentino also clarified that the Town owns little land in the Center area but that planning guidance remains important; he stated that "any use associated with a single-family house could continue to be allowed in the proposed new zone, so an existing single-family house could still have an accessory apartment." Fiorentino reported that $75,000 of ARPA funds were spent on the study.

What the study proposes

According to the BFJ presentation, the proposed Granby Center Zone would codify a compact boundary intended to encourage pedestrian activity, allow a mix of permitted and special-permit uses, and set dimensional standards for setbacks, lot sizes and building heights. The consultants highlighted sidewalks, circulation improvements and streetscape opportunities as mechanisms to make the Center more walkable and identified opportunity areas where design concepts could be applied.

Where this goes next

The Committee's vote forwards the study and the committee's prioritized items (including design standards) for consideration by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Selectmen; the Chair said those bodies are expected to meet jointly to review the final study and to discuss the implications of Bill 8002. No formal zoning changes were adopted at this meeting; the Committee's actions are a package of recommendations and a revised use table to be considered by the broader local decision-making bodies.