Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting

Do you want me to start, Alex, or are you gonna start? Um, well, uh, I think a valid point was brought up that we need to amend the agenda um, asking for nominations for the chair uh, to get things going um, pretty much before anything else. So, I don't know if you wanted to make that motion, etc.

Okay. So, I'm going to open this the meeting of the zoning board of appeals. And yes, we need to amend the agenda so that um election of chairperson and election of secretary is done uh first before we um do anything else. I'll second it.

Okay. And then after that, we can do the call of the meeting and go down and do the rest of it. So, Alex, you're up. So, I'm assuming that motion has it been seconded. Do you guys need to vote on that or you're all set with that? We're we're missing somebody. Shel's not here. Um, okay. Okay. So, we have a motion. We have a second. All in favor? I I

Okay. Any nos or ex or or abstensions? No. Okay. So, the motion passes. So we'll start with new new business.

So Alex, you you need to run this part of the meeting. Okay. Um so are there nominations for the chair? I would like to nominate um Jackie, which I think Jackie does a great job. So, I would nominate Jackie to be continue to be chair and I'll second that.

Is there a vote? Yeah, you need to call for a call. Yeah. call for a vote. You need to make a motion to close nominations and then you need to make a motion to vote. So, we need three total um motions and votes for each uh position. So, we have our motion to um elect Jackie as chair. Now, we need a motion to close nominations. I move we close the nominations. One second. All in favor of closing the nominations. I I

I opposed things. Nominations are closed. Now we vote on chair. Alex is supposed to be doing this. Hey, Alex. Go ahead. Alex has to do it because I'm not the chair yet. I can't do it. Yeah. Sorry. Um, my last town, uh, I was in between elections and this is actually the first the first one that I've run into. Yeah, you're running the meeting until I'm elected. Until I'm saved. Um, yeah. So, uh, is there a motion to vote? Um, Jackie as chair.

We have that motion on the floor. We just need say how many in favor and who is against. Uh, how many in favor? Um, four against I I All right. So, the motion is unanimous. Okay. All right. Um, thank you everybody. Congrats, Jack. Thanks. Do I have a motion for um for secretary? I guess I'm gonna nominate Alan Bakovski as secretary.

Do I have a second? I'll second. Okay. I'm going to um ask for nominations be clo any other nominations. Okay. Going to ask for nominations to be closed. All in favor? I. Okay. And then um I'm going to ask for a vote for secretary. All in favor? I I You're not voting for yourself, Alan.

Yeah. I I was thinking about [laughter] allo. Any any opposed or abstensions? No. Okay. All right. So, um, do you have the call of the meeting in front of you, uh, Alan, or do you want me to read it? Yes, sir. If you have it, you can read it. Okay. Congratulations, Alan. Yes. Congratulations. Thanks.

Hartford Current published November 21st, 2025, zone 6, and again on November 28th, 2025, zone 6. Legal notice. Town of Bloomfield Zoning Board of Appeals. Notice is hereby given that the zoning board of appeals will hold its regular meeting virtually via Zoom on Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 7:30 to consider the following. A 92 Graanby Street applicant ago Kenuka owner. I'm sorry I'm messing up that name. 86 Graanby Street LLC principal Hassan uh Kurissa for a variance of the zoning regulations section 8-1- C1 non-conforming uses of land and section 4-3B lot area bulk requirements of the I1 district front yard setback to expand the legal pre-existing non-conforming gasoline service station use and construct a f a fuel island canopy within the required front yard setback B 919 Blue Hills Avenue applicant owner Dan um priny for a variance of the zoning regulation section 4-5- C Note one, bulk requirements, front yard parking setback and section 81C1, nonconforming uses of land. expand the legal pre-existing non-conforming

car dealer and and repair repair vehicle storage area, including the front yard setback and and abandon the pre-existing legal non-conforming fueling station use and associate structures. Applications are available for review on the town of Bloomfield website and the land use office located 800 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield, Connecticut 060002. Zoning Board of Appeals, Shirley Williams, secretary. And that's that's the legal notice. Um, okay. And let's see. So Shirley Shirley is not here. So Shelby will be sitting for this application. And we So we have five members. We have myself, Alan Bukovski, Seth Pittz, Shelby Maven, and Pansy Archer. Um,

I just I just do want to mention a couple of quick things. Um, just housekeeping things. So, because we do have at least one new person here tonight that um applications need to have four affirmative votes to pass. Um there are five people that will be sitting at all on on on applications. Um we encourage all our all our alternates to attend all meetings. You are welcome to be a part of the meeting, but unless you're a voting member, you can't vote for that day. But we still you can be part of the conversation and ask questions and everything else. So, just wanted to say that. And um Okay, so I did roll call. Um do I have a motion to approve the minutes?

I'll make a motion to approve the minutes as emailed, unless there's any changes or correction. Two different ones. Let's do the September minutes. Okay. The September 8th one. Uhhuh. [clears throat] Okay. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? No. Okay. And then I have the minutes from November um

November 3rd. Do I have a motion to approve those minutes? I make the motion to approve the minutes as emailed for November 3rd, 2025. And do I have a second for that? Second. Okay. All in favor? I I I Okay, Shelby, are you there? Here.

Oh, okay. All right. Just want to make sure you're there. Okay. So, the first public hearing is 92 Graanby Street, and we have somebody here on behalf of the applicant. So, could you state your name and address uh for for the record and then you can tell us what what you're proposing to do and your legal hardship and all that?

Yep. Uh good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is James Deo. I'm a professional engineer in the state of Connecticut. My address is 1 Mcconey Grove in Derby, Connecticut. I'm here representing um 86 Graanby Street, LLC at 492 Graanby Street. Um the current property, if you can tell, I have the GIS open. We're in an industrial one zone. Uh the property is right here. We It's uh just under an acre. It's like about.7 acres. It's an existing um the existing use is a uh it [sighs] a uh a vehicle maintenance facility as well as a natural gas dispenser. Um so it's already currently all built out. This is what it looks like from street view. Um, so as you can tell there's the existing uh service door bays with an office and then the natural gas dispensers there. We are we are what we are proposing to do is essentially we're going to take out uh sorry take out and remove all of the improvements that are associated with the natural gas dispenser all the utilities in the back corner. We want to leave the existing building as well as the existing canopy and pumps where they are right there. Um we're and essentially we're going to leave the parking lot a as it is otherwise very little changes to grade and other utilities. And what we want to propose is we want to propose two pumps in the front that uh now when you pull up you will be parallel to Graanby Street. Um, we're also going to end up

proposing a second curb cut that allows for much better circulation throughout the property. Um, these pumps will be, you know, regular gasoline pumps and then the natural gas pumps will just be converted to diesel to keep them um, you know, the the heavy diesel users kind of away from the normal um, normal fueling. Um, the building itself will be converted to a convenience store. So, aside from that, we're going to kind of restripe the parking and kind of redo um that. We're also going to propose some EV chargers on the southern end of the property. We are

with the chargers be.

Oh, so they are down here. um on the southern end of the property here. Um just so everyone's aware, you know, we did meet with staff and the fire marshall's office. Um so we're also showing where the underground fuel tanks are going to end up being located. Again, these will be underground. Um we, you know, at their request as well, we're showing turning movements for refueling operations, which typically always happen overnight. Um but this is showing that the um the refueling truck coming north on Graanby coming in. They'll basically park right here, refuel the tanks, and then they'll be able to leave leave the site. This is coming south on on Graanby Street. Um so we are proposing the So actually this is part of our uh submission package. Um we're proposing a reduction in the front yard setback from 40 feet to 20 20.9. Now this reduction is happening due to this configuration of the canopy. Um the canopy is not to extend past the existing pavement line that we already currently have which also currently has parking all in that setback as well. So, we're taking the the non-conforming use of the existing parking. We're going to kind of remove that, but but then we're going to end up adding the uh refueling canopy. Um that one. Um so, so that's that's that uh variance. And then the second is the expansion of the non-conforming use of the gas station in the I1 zone. Um there was an application in January of 2024

that was previously submitted and approved um which we have here. Um this was the propo the approved layout um at that time. So it still had the dispensers one and two in the same location. same EV charging in the same location um with dispensers three and four along the front here um like this with the parking spaces across the front. So what we're proposing to do to increase you know um flow through the property we would like to basically rotate these dispensers so that every refilling dispenser is now pulled through. So, this will allow for, you know, one, it it it allows for additional stacking on the on the property. It allows people to find the pumps that they need that much quicker. Um, so it it it really just helps with the flow of the property. Um, and then it was already approved as a convenience store. So, we're really just for the use, we're really just reconfiguring these um in comparison to the previous approval. So that's the the high level overview. So do we have any questions?

Okay. So the does anybody have any questions? I got a couple. Okay. Allan, go ahead. Okay. So can a tractor trailer pull in up to the diesel pumps and make the turn around the building and go back out? Yes. Is sufficient radians radius? Yes. Can two can two tractor trailers do it? one on each side of the pumps.

Yes, the they will be able to there's plenty of space. So, that's one of the reasons why currently right now our dumpster location is off in this corner because if it was right here, it would start to become a problem. But the way that the movement is going to go, um, if they're on the north side of the pumps, they'll have even more clearance in sorry, near this handicap space. This is the choke point, but they'll actually be further away from this. So, they'll be able to make this swing no problem. And then the um the other side. Yeah. They'll be able to to be able to pull all the way through and and get around. Yes.

Also, I noticed that um you don't need you're not going to sell used cars at all or make car repairs. Correct. Correct. So, so the the final use is a convenience store and gas fueling dispense dispensary fuel gas station. So, you have no problem if we void the uh variances from June 2018 and December 28, 2018 regarding used cars and uh and auto repair. Um, I would just have to check with the property owner to see if they Oh, and they do not have a problem with that.

Okay. We just don't like them floating out there. So, 20 years they come back and say, "Oh, we got a used car permit." Whi- Which one are you saying? The June 8 the June 28th June 28th, 2018. Yes. And December 28th, 2028. Uh, 2018. So, we want to we're going to we're going to have to put in that we'd like those voided. Okay. Yeah, we want to avoid those, too. Okay. Is there a convenience store there now? No. No. Okay. And what do what hours of operation are you proposing?

Uh, so I I believe we're going to end up complying with the what's listed in the zoning regulations. um uh 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The only note, sorry, I just got to circle back to the waving of the variances. Make sure it's for the correct property, not not the property to the north. It's for 92 uh Graanby Street. Yeah, we Yeah, we just want to make sure it's not for 86. Um is there a lot number there? Uh yeah uh map block uh 11-185.

Yeah, they have separate P IDs as well. Yeah. Yeah. We we just want to make sure because it's it's the same owner. So and and there's surveys that kind of show them kind of together but not really. So that was our only request is we just want to make sure. Okay. Oh yeah. Okay. Where were we? Um hours of operation. Hours of operation. I thought I had saw I thought I saw 10 o'clock somewhere. Um let me see. Did we have that somewhere? Something that I was really Oh, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Yep. No, you are correct.

Yeah. I I mean the only um caveat to be to that would be just if if zoning regs allow us to go to 11, we you know we'd probably try to go to 11, but um we're not requesting a waiver of that currently. Other questions? Now, does staff have anything they want to um add to this?

Really minimal. Um I'm not necessarily sure I if you guys have reviewed my staff report, I think rather than just read those every time. Um the only point that I wanted to make was just the original application had a couple extra sections that's not really not really relevant. Um but I think the applicant had kind of covered that. This isn't really discussion of lot coverage uh percentages. Um just what was discussed by the applicant. Jackie, I think you this is a public hearing, so you have to ask. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Yeah, I will. I just wanted to see if anybody else here. Do we have any anybody in the audience?

Well, there's 10 people in attendance, so I don't know which Yeah, I guess uh raise your hand. Uh if you're one of the attendees who would like to speak um via Zoom, they might be here for the other application. True. Is there any anybody in the room that wants to speak on this application? No, you're not getting anything. All right, Alex. No, nothing.

Nobody had requested anything in advance. Um, okay. And they can just raise their hands, but nobody's doing that, I guess, right? I can't really see them there. Okay. All right. Anybody have any other questions or comments to ask uh Mr. Deo before I close the public hearing? No. And Mr. Deo, do you have anything else you want to add before I close the public hearing?

No, I think I think we're pretty much good. Um, yeah. Okay, then I'm going to close the public hearing. Um, is there any discussion? Do you need a motion to close the public hearing? Yep. No. We never have. We've never done that. Yeah, you're supposed to. Am I? Okay. We're going to put you as parliamentarian also. [laughter] Okay. I make a motion to close the public hearing. Okay. A second. Seconded by and all in favor of closing the public hearing.

I Okay. All right. So, the public hearing's closed. We can have discussion among board members if if there is any that anything that wants to be brought up or I can entertain a motion. I think I don't know. Allan, you are you okay with this? Oh, yeah. Yeah. Okay. We guess got to incorporate the uh boarding those other two variances. So, I'm I'm going to ask you to make the motion. I knew you were going to do that. Yeah. The the motion in my staff report only has what's relevant.

Right. All right. So I make a motion to approve the application of 92 Graanby Street owner 86 86 Graanby Street LLC. That's good and confusing for variance of a zoning regulation of 8.1 C.1 for non-conforming use of land section 4.3B. uh lot area bulky requirements of I1 zone um to expand the existing non-conforming gasoline service station use construct a fuel island canopy with the required front yard setback uh to avoid the variances granted in June of 20 uh June 28th, 2028 and December

18 18 I'm sorry 18 2018 and December 28th two 2018 regarding used car dealership applications based upon the plans Um, is there a date on these plans? 428. Is that the date of the plan? Um,

what's the most current plan? D James, you have a current plan date? Yep. Sorry. Uh, 10:2125. Oh, there it is. Okay. Yep. plans dated 10 10 1125 right one I'll be honest there's multiple sheets with different dates so the one that is the site layout with the zoning information and the uh variances being requested is 102125 okay 102125 okay

Alan Ellen did you just you just want to mention that The variances that were voided were for the property at 92 Graanby. That's correct. Yes, that's good. Okay. Do I have a second to that motion? Second. Seth seconds it. Okay. All right. All in favor? Hi Shelby. I uh Seth I

Okay, so the motion passes five to nothing. Okay. And I think there were some things, Mr. Deo, that they needed you to do. Um, so make sure you check with staff about the getting the permission for the EV. Um, and any any, you know, any other permits that you need. Yeah, we're still going to have to go through a site plan approval and and other things such as that. So, but everybody, thank you all. Appreciate your time. Thank you. You're welcome.

Thank you. Okay. Um, second application, 919 Blue Hills Avenue. All right, John, if you don't mind unmuting. [clears throat] So, I see the applicant in the attendees. I'm going to give them a quick call to see if they're having trouble with the audio.

That John Clark. Yeah, John Clark. And I see my phone's ringing. So, let me see if I can troubleshoot this. Okay. I just promoted him to panelist. Yeah.

So, he should be able to unmute and Okay, the mail's gone. 60 downtown. Rebecca, can you slide your cursor over his name and ask him to turn the camera on? Yeah, I've already done that. He's not answering. No, I'm trying. You know, I can

now he's gone. Oh, there he is. No, he's not. Oh, okay. He's not up here. Trying to Once he gets promoted to a panelist, it should eliminate uh some of the issues, but I don't know. He might come back.

Allan's talking to somebody. Alex, I mean, Rebecca, do you have any idea while we have a minute why why uh we didn't get the signons? Michelle usually sends them out. Yeah. So, I had you all uh entered as panelists as I normally do, and I went back and checked all my settings to see if it was something I did. And we didn't we didn't get a notice. We we normally get a notice a week before and then an hour before.

Yeah, I know. And that the option for that uh that schedule was selected. So, I'm not really sure what happened. I got it an hour before. I didn't get anything. Yeah, I got it an hour before.

Did you? I I had to call Alex. I did not have anything. Oh, [clears throat] okay. So, John is here again. Hey, I'm going to promote him to panelist again. harder than nail polish. I just got a notification. and he declined to be a panelist. So, I'm not really sure why I'm assuming that Alex is talking to him.

Yeah.

Yeah, he is. So, Let me actually move stuff out for a second. Alex, can you tell us what's going on?

Um, so I'm on the phone with John and he is trying to figure out why his microphone is not working. I'm going to try promoting you to panelists now that seems like you're caught up. Um, his microphone's open. Okay. He did. Let me see if I see. Yeah. So, I see you as a panelist and I'm going to ask you to unmute. So, just accept the ask to unmute and you should be all set. You're in the panelist column. So, that's that's the whole battle. Yep.

And a camera. Um, well, it's not if it's not working. Um, so how about you do the little check? Have you ever done that in Zoom? Sorry, I'm going to mute. What we call person that

Haven't had this problem for a while. Call from Washington.

Mom. If he can't get on, we'll just have to uh I guess continue it to next meeting. Yeah, I'll give him one more minute and then uh if he can't figure it out, we'll Yeah, we'll table it.

Okay. Yeah, it looks like we're tableabling this one. Okay.

All right. So, I have a motion to table the application till our January move. One second. Okay. All in favor? I oppose. Okay. Uh let's see. We don't have any old business right now except that Alex if you can ask um uh Linda if we can get a report on on our litigations. Yeah, I mean I think we should have an executive session in general. Um Okay.

I mean especially with the new elections and there there's a number of things I want to talk about. Okay. You know, things we can streamline. So, we'll we'll get that set up and you guys will be in touch via email about that. Okay. All right. I want to welcome Shelby. We have um some other new members that are in here tonight. Nancy and um Shirley I just want to let everybody know Shirley's in the hospital hope so hopefully she'll be home and able to join us next time. Okay. I don't I don't have any other business. Anybody else have any other business? No. No. Do I have a motion to adjurnn?

So move. Okay. All in favor? Hi. Okay. All right. All right. Thank you. Thank you. We're all set. Thank you. Have a great holidays, guys. Yep. Everybody have a good