City Council - Zoning Committee

City of Chicopee City Council Zoning Committee Members Shane Brooks, Chair James Tillotson, Vice Chair Fred Krampits Frank Laflamme Jerry Roy APPROVED 9-12-18 Stan Walczak George Balakier MINUTES July 31, 2018 The following are the minutes of a public hearing held Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers, Fourth Floor, City Hall Annex, 274 Front Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. Members Present Brooks, Tillotson, Laflamme, Roy, Balakier Members Absent: Walczak Also Present: Dan Garvey (Asst. City Solicitor) The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM In compliance with the Open Meeting Law the Chairman asked if anyone in the audience was recording the meeting. Hearing none the meeting continued. ITEM #1 Special Permit application under 275-63 F (5) purpose - increasing the area allowed for outside storage of manufacturing product form 2% (1,000 SF) of building area (50,000 SF) to 5% of building area (2,500 SF) location – 1000 Sheridan St. Applicant – Jain America Holdings, Inc., Bruce Worthington, 1819 Walcutt Rd, Suite 1, Columbus, OH 43228. Mike Gagnon and Bruce Worthington were present. Mike Gagnon stated that the applicant is requesting for an increase for the outdoor storage area. He stated that currently the allowed use is two percent of the gross building area He stated that we would like to request an additional three percent for the outside storage area which would increase it by another fifteen hundred square feet. Public Input Ken Vensutus?, “Inaudible”, 375 North Maple Street, Enfield, Ct stated that he owns Chester & Porter and Tru-Green, Air Park North, and Echo’s Energy buildings. He stated we own six hundred buildings in Chicopee and pay six hundred thousand dollars in taxes to the City. He stated that the storage they’re talking about is good but there’s tremendous flouting of the zoning 1 and storage requirements. He stated that all over the sites are stacked with artificial wood. He stated that this would set a precedence of being the very first building at Westover with any kind of outside storage. Everybody their respects the area and makes it look very nice. He stated that the way it’s been, it’s way out of line. He stated if there is a way to enforce it. Councilor Tillotson stated that the Fire Department has some concerns. He stated that they submitted photos to us and it doesn’t look very neat there is stuff all over the place. Bruce Worthington stated that we’ve opened that up so the Fire Department can get in. He stated that we’ve recently taken three hanger storages on Westover to eliminate some of the stuff outside. Councilor Brooks stated if we were to allow the Special Permit to go though we would have the Building Commissioner go out to make sure you are in compliance with the requirements with your Special Permit. He stated if the storage of materials went over the five percent threshold indoor reutilizing areas that are not approved, we would revoke your Special Permit. He stated that we do have eyes on this from time to time to ensure compliance. He stated that to the abutters point we want to make sure the neighborhood remains clean. Bruce Worthington stated he was following the steps proscribed by the City of Chicopee. He stated the next step would be to install a pad with fencing. He stated we have already installed shrubbery to block the view. Councilor Brooks stated that the Fire Department will do a final inspection to insure that it meets all of their standards set forth. Fire Department The Fire Department recommends professional evaluation of the site to meet the needs of the facility storage requirements and the requirements of the Fire Department for access to the building and surrounding storage areas and material. Current conditions provide no access to the rear of the building for fire apparatus in the case of a fire. There is also storage restricting access to the front and left side of the building. Planning Department Property is zoned industrial; use allowed via Special Permit (275-62-(B)(25)). SPRAC review was completed for proposed site improvements or February 8, 2018. SPRAC found no major issues with the proposed improvements Building Department Property is zoned Industrial and residence A according to GIS. Applicant may also need Special Permit under 275-22 of city code to alter a non-conforming use. Engineer Department This has gone through site plan review any additional changes will need to be reviewed by Engineering. No Engineer comments on Special Permit for tasting room. Restrictions Permit to run with the applicant Contingent upon satisfying all of the requirements of: City Code 2 Fire Department Building Department Planning Department Councilor Roy motion to approve with restrictions – Councilor Brooks 2nd the motion – motion passed Committee vote 6 – 0 favorable ITEM #2 Special Permit application under 275-50 purpose – replacing existing sign structure with new 4’x8’ sign with LED message center location – 431 Granby Rd. Applicant – Siba Services, Peter Surreira, 135 Higher Brook Dr., Ludlow, MA 01056. Councilor Brooks stated that he sees the work being done to beautify the Elks property. There’s a fence taken down, some loam added in and a new sign. Brett Bottero Treasurer from the Elks was present he stated that we previously had two signs in the front close to the road. The illuminated sign was destroyed by a storm. He stated that we wanted to replace those signs with a single LED sign. It will be used for Bingo or hall rental information, and it will also identify when someone is coming for a birthday party or a Jack and Jill party. Engineering Department No Engineering comments regarding the sign Any other improvements need further review by the Engineering department. Fire Department No Concerns Planning Department LED message signs require a Special Permit 275-50(c)(2)(a) Proposed location per provided site plan meets all setback regulations. Confirm applicant removes existing signage for the property. Otherwise recommend approval. Restrictions Permit to run with applicant Follows requirement of 6 second cycling rule Councilor Roy motion to approve – Councilor Brooks 2nd the motion – motion passed Committee vote 5 – 0 favorable ITEM #3 Special Permit application under 275-30 (B) purpose – parking a box – trailer box, PODS, or containers in the corner of parking lot for storage of trash barrels, damaged chairs or equipment, 3 lawn mowers and snow blowers and empty bottles and cans location – 371 Chicopee St. Applicant – Mario DoCarmo, 371 Chicopee St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Applicant was present he stated that he needs the PODS to remove all of the stuff in the basement, most importantly cans and bottles because of the infestation of fruit flies in the summer. He stated having them outside; it’s a better health environment. Fire Department Storage shall be limited to similar items as listed. No storage of any items that may pose a hazard or danger. Planning Department Property is split-zoned: Business A along Chicopee Street and residential A along the back of property. Special Permit required per 270-30(B). Proposed location meets residential A rear and side yard setbacks. Recommend approval Engineering Department Run off of storm water should not impact neighboring property Restrictions Permit to run with the applicant Inspection by Fire Department No snow blower and Lawnmowers; flammable materials Building Department sign off Councilor Laflamme motion to approve – Councilor Tillotson 2nd the motion – motion passed Committee vote 6 – 0 favorable ITEM #4 Special Permit application under 275-62 B (25) purpose – operating a tasting room on the premises of a brewery location – 95 N. Chicopee St. Applicant – Patrick Randall, D/B/A Leadfoot Brewing, LLC, 4 John Ln, South Hadley, MA 01075. Applicant was present he stated that we’re opening a brewery. He stated that we have a farm brewer’s license in the state of Massachusetts. He stated that they have a small tasting room which allows people to come in and sample what we brew. He stated that we can’t serve anything but what we make there. Fire Department Must comply with all applicable regulations for assembly occupancies including proper occupant load, emergency lighting, exit sighs and lighting, adequate exits for occupant load and all applicant permits and licenses. 4 Planning Department Property is zoned industrial; use allowed via Special Permit (275-62(B)(25)). SPRAC review was completed for proposed site improvements on February 8, 2018. SPRAC found no major issues with the proposed improvements. Recommend approval. Restrictions Permit to run with the applicant Building Department Property is zoned industrial and residence A according to GIS. Applicant may also need Special Permit under 275-22 of city code to alter a non-conforming use. Engineer Department This has gone through site plan review any additional charges will need to be reviewed by Engineering. No Engineering comment on Special Permit for tasting room. Restrictions Must comply with all applicable regulations for assembly occupancies including proper occupant load, emergency lighting, exit sighs and lighting, adequate exits for occupant load and all applicant permits and licenses. Councilor Laflamme motion to approve with restrictions – Councilor Brooks 2nd the motion – motion passed Committee vote 6 – 0 favorable ITEM #5 Councilor Laflamme motion to approve the minutes of June 20, 2018 – Councilor Brooks 2nd the motion Meeting adjourned at 6:35 PM 5