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Commission approves apartment plan for Canton Barn site

  • jfitts0
  • Nov 18, 2022
  • 6 min read

Updated: Nov 24, 2022

By John Fitts

Staff Writer


CANTON - The Canton Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 16 unanimously approved a plan for apartments at the Canton Barn site on Old Canton Road.

Simsbury Capital Partners proposed tearing down the existing building at 75 Old Canton Road and developing 55 apartment units on site – 29 of which would be one bedroom and 26 of which would be two-bedroom.

The apartment units would be spread out over three buildings, a smaller 2.5 story structure along Old Canton Road and two 3-story buildings near the rear of the 2.1- acre site.

A total of 81 parking spaces – one each for the 1-bedroom units and 2 for the two-bedroom ones - are included on the plan. Parking is planned as a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces spread out over the site with no garages visible from the road, developers said.

Todd Clark, of Terryville-based Blue Moon Design, described the architectural as consistent with a traditional row-house building.

The plan also includes a sidewalk along the property frontage on Old Canton Road as well as interior sidewalks, two benches and seven bicycle spaces.

Landscaping and downward facing LED lighting is part of the plan and developers contend there will be no light spillage to adjoining properties.

Primary access would be from Old Canton Road. A rear access to Canton Village area behind the old IGA building would be for emergency use only – at least initially.

For many years - as early as 1948 - Canton Barn, LLC operated its Saturday night auctions at the site. In recent decades, Richard Wacht served as the animated auctioneer until he retired in 2019. His business partner and ex-wife, Susan Wacht Goralski, carried on the homemade pie tradition at the barn that, arguably, was as much of a draw as the auctions. Many well-known Canton residents also pitched in at various roles at the auction barn, some for many years.

The site is in the Canton Village Design Village District as identified in the town’s form-based code, zoning intended to offer clear rules and design standards, emphasizing the physical form over specific uses.

The code was adopted after a public input process and moved the town away from the days when at least three separate land use boards would weigh in on projects (four if wetlands were involved) and impose what some contended were very subjective standards. The code, according to the town’s regulations is “designed to foster a setting for economic growth and development in a sustainable mixed-use pattern of diverse neighborhoods, integrating residential with employment, commercial, and recreation uses while preserving the existing neighborhoods and protecting the community character.”

During that process, the barn site was identified as a potential area for high-density residential.

“Subsequently through the implementation of the POCD (Plan of Conservation and Development), this area was specifically identified by the public, in the charrette process that resulted in the development of village districts and form-based design code, as an area for infill development and high-density residential uses,” Neil Pade, the town’s director of planning and community development, wrote in the staff report for the proposal. “This was identified as a benefit intended to support the town economically, to facilitate the evolution of the Canton Village area into an expanded village and to support the Canton village shopping area.”

Under the form-based code, approval of the project is largely administrative in nature, assuming it meets the numerous requirements in the town’s site plan regulations and the requirements of the form-based code. The code, for example has specific standards that dictate factors such as building heights, build-to-lines, property setbacks, floor levels , street façade, private open space and landscaping.

“As far as we know, there’s nothing within either the regular zooming regulations or form based code where we have run afoul of something,” said Phil Doyle of Simsbury based Landscape Architectural Design Associates, who acted as the agent for the applicant. “We meet all of the stipulations in the code and I think the site plan and the special exception is very well detailed in the narrative we put together.”

The special exception Doyle referred to was for the proposed movement of 10,000 cubic yards of soil for the project. Anything over 2,000 requires a special permit, triggering a public hearing.

Some residents at that hearing meeting spoke to issues such as water runoff, nearby wells and other concerns about the area. Developers, on the other hand, contended that all aspects of the plan were well thought out and the project would not result in any of those ill effects

But at that Nov. 16 hearing, the bulk of the comments were heavily focused on the additional traffic along the winding road that would be in place once the project is completed.

On behalf of the developer, Scott F. Hesketh, manager of transportation engineering for East Granby based F.A. Hesketh and Associates, inc. told the commission about the traffic report, including an automated traffic counter for 48 hours on Old Canton Road from Sept. 20 to Sept. 22, which registered 573 average daily vehicle movements, with morning (7 a.m.) peak hour volumes of 55 and afternoon peak hour (4 p.m.) movements of 71.

The apartment project, according to the report, will generate a projected 428 daily trips with 40 trips during peak morning hour and 44 in the afternoon peak hour.

It’s projected that 65 to 70 percent of that traffic would be to and from Route 44.

The report acknowledges a projected decrease in the level of service rating for the Old Canton Road approach to Route 44 during the morning peak hour taking average delays for motorists from 22 to 27 seconds

But Hesketh asserted that the roadway networks could handle the increase.

"It’s our professional opinion that the local roadway network has sufficient capacity to accommodate the additional traffic volumes form the proposed development,” Hesketh said.

Nearby resident Theresa Taylor was one of several who spoke, and said the traffic report failed to take into account the character and nature of the roadway and noted the town’s current struggles with driving issues and enforcement.

“We do not have enough police officers for traffic management and now you want to add more cars on a narrow, windy road? I mean, it makes absolutely no sense,” she said.

Dan Keating, who has lived on Old Canton Road for 54 years talked about some of the history of the road and traffic issues, including a horrific 1970s accident in which two teenagers were killed.

He noted the bikes, skateboards and pedestrians on the road and noted that while police have stepped up efforts, problems persist.

“Old Canton Road is a speed trap,” he said, later adding, “Now you’re talking about adding more traffic; I wish you’d re-think.”

Hesketh acknowledged the development would contribute to more traffic and said the roadway is 17 to 22 feet wide and can handle the traffic but also said the road should be driven as a rural country road. He said many of the roadway issues are from cut-through traffic.

“The people who are going to be using this roadway from this development will be residents of this neighborhood and I hope they’ll take as much care as all other residents in the neighborhood," he said.

Town officials also noted noted the concerns of traffic concerns.

"What’s unique about Old Canton Road - most of the characteristics that people describe there …It’s everything you can do to make a road traffic calming. You put in obscured sightlines, you put in the difficult movements and turns. But, people seem to embrace that and decide to make it a challenge and increase speed…. It's a conundrum,” said Pade, adding that the state Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, of which he is a member, has advised the legislature to study speeding and running of red lights as a systemic issue.

Pade did add that the town’s code has worked to address smart growth principals of putting people near services, employment and transit routes, in attempts to lessen vehicle dependency. He also noted that the town has secured grants to extend sidewalk infrastructure in the Canton Village area, including links to the Farmington River Trail, which, in turn, connects with shopping and other town amenities.

And while the commission unanimously approved the project, some members noted the concern of residents - but said they cannot deny a conforming application due to roadway conditions.

Chairman Jonathan Thiesse also noted that the possibility of business uses at the site would have likely been even more intensive and also encouraged residents to approach other town governing boards with their concerns about the roadway.

“What is being proposed here is certainly not any more intensive, and probably less intensive from a traffic standpoint, than if this were a business that was being operated throughout the day.

“I definitely hear the comments and the frustration from the residents,” he added. “Unfortunately, I think we are the wrong body to be bringing this to. The frustration needs to go to the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance… [Traffic calming is] a big issue in all towns. This road would be a relatively simple solution - that would probably be under $20,000 - to put four or five speed humps in on this road. It would be a perfect candidate for it, but that’s something that the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance needs to look into through a capital project. I would love my tax dollars to go to that but it’s not really our concern here.”

For photos from one of Canton Barn's final auctions in 2019, visit https://johnfitts.smugmug.com/Canton-Barn/n-dVqGj6/


This planting plan for the project also shows the general site layout and building locations.

An rendering of the front building along Old Canton Road.

75 Old Canton Road.

Valley Happenings

New Story Blooms on Blazer’s Trail

AVON – A new tale is waiting for young readers and nature lovers on Blazer’s Trail. The latest book featured along the trail is “Miss Maple’s Seeds” by Eliza Wheeler—a whimsical and heartwarming story about Miss Maple, who gathers lost seeds and cares for them in her cozy treehouse before sending them off to grow and thrive in the world.

This engaging story walk can be enjoyed along the scenic half-mile loop trail just behind Roaring Brook Elementary School (open to the public outside of school hours). Visitors are kindly reminded to respect the trail and leave no trace. Special thanks go out to the Roaring Brook School PTO for supporting this project.

 

New Exhibit Brings 1775 Avon to Life at the Avon Free Public Library

AVON — The Avon ‘s America 250 Coordinating Committee and the Avon Historical Society invites you to visit “We Are the Sons of Freedom,” a new historical exhibit on display now through the end of May in the Avon Free Public Library’s History Corner.

This exhibit marks the beginning of Avon 250, a multi-year commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the creation of our country. “We Are the Sons of Freedom” explores the lives of Northington (Avon’s colonial name) residents in 1775, highlighting their response to the first shots of the American Revolution in Lexington and Concord. A summary of the exhibit is also available at Digital Farmington/Digital Avon: https://digitalfarmington.org/digital-farmington-project/digital-avon/from-northington-to-revolution-avons-road-to-1776/ .

The exhibit is free and open to the public during library hours. The Avon Free Public Library is located at 281 Country Club Road.

 

Pine Grove Schoolhouse open house

AVON – The Avon Historical Society welcomes the public to an now annual family friendly OPEN HOUSE of the 1865 Pine Grove Schoolhouse, 3 Harris Road (at the corner of West Avon Road/Route 167) on Sunday, May 4 from 1 – 4 p.m.  After that it will be open to the public every Sunday through September. Anyone interested in volunteering to be a greeter for one Sunday this summer is encouraged to the Society at info@avonhistoricalsociety.org or leave a message at 860-678-7621.

 

May at Hill-Stead Museum

FARMINGTON – Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join Hill-Stead for the annual May Market, featuring premium vendors, flowers and unique plants perfect for Mother’s Day both indoors and outdoors. Shop and enjoy the beautiful grounds during this springtime celebration. $10/day

On View May 15 - June 29, 2025: Castles in the Sky, 2nd Annual Juried Members Exhibition at Hill-Stead Museum featuring artwork from local artists celebrating Theodate Pope Riddle’s passion for dreams, fantasies, and musings.

Visit hillstead.org for more details.

National Day of Prayer Observed

SIMSBURY – Thursday, May 1, 2025 will mark the 74nd annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. Local Simsbury Events on May 1, 2025 are:

Noon – On the front steps of Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St. (Gathering will be inside Eno in the Youth Room, in the event of rain)

7:30 p.m. – New Life in Christ Fellowship, 250 Firetown Road

For further information, visit: http://nlicf.com/ https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/events/new-gathering or contact: Pastor Dana Jorgensen, 860-658-7320 or Joan Rogers, 860-970-4457

 

Historic Trades of the Revolution

On Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Simsbury Historical Society will be transformed into a vibrant center of colonial era activities during Historic Trades of the Revolution Day. Skilled trades and crafts people dressed in period attire will interact with visitors and use antique and reproduction tools to demonstrate how colonists produced goods and materials immediately before, during, and after the American Revolutionary War.

The circa 1771 Phelps Tavern and homestead will depict life in the late 1700s; tours are included with admission.

The Simsbury Historical Society is located at 800 Hopmeadow St. Parking is available in the main lot at 10 Phelps Lane. Additional free parking is available in nearby municipal lots. Due to its age and historic nature, the Phelps Tavern is not accessible by wheelchair, walker, or stroller. General Admission is $10 per adult or $20 per household. Simsbury Historical Society Member Admission is $5 per adult or $10 per household. Email info@simsburyhistory.org or call 860-658-2500 with any questions.

 

Farmington Valley Chorale concerts

Farmington Valley Chorale presents its Spring concerts for 4- hand piano and choir featuring husband and wife piano duo, Anna and Dmitri Shelest and student choirs from Plainville High School and Canton High School. The two performances are as follows.  Friday, May 2, 8 p.m. at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill Street, Berlin, with student choir from Plainville High School. Saturday, May 3, 8 p.m. at First Church of Christ, 689 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury with student choir from Canton High School.

For ticket information, visit the chorale website at: info@farmingtonvalleychorale.org.

 

A Film screening with Robert Abbott

A film screening with Robert Abbott takes place Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m., St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely Street (Rte. 177), Avon.

Six-time Emmy award winner and St. Matthew member, Robert Abbott, will be screening his 2018 film “Port of Destiny: Peace,” chronicling former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos’ path to peace in a polarizing political environment. The documentary will be introduced by Robert and followed up by a Q&A.

A suggested donation of $10, will be donated to a peace-seeking organization that is yet to be determined.

 

‘Let’s Kolam- Your Dots Our Delights’

AVON – Agaram Tamil Padasalai, a Tamil heritage language school serving the Farmington Valley area, is hosting a cultural art competition, “Let’s Kolam- Your Dots Our Delights” on May 4, 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Avon Senior Center. This is open to the public with free admission to view the event and a great opportunity to experience the traditional art form that combines art, math, colors and fun. Public can either enter the competition or simply come visit us and experience the event. Senior Center’s public play areas are available for the kids to play after checking out the kolam.” For inquiries: Events24-25@agarampadasalai.com

 

Simsbury Light Opera presents ‘Ruddigore – or the Witch’s Curse’

SIMSBURY – Simsbury Light Opera Company will present Gilbert & Sullivan’s opera, “Ruddigore – or the Witch’s Curse” at Henry James Memorial School in Simsbury.

Dates: April 26 at 7:30 p.m and April 27 at 2 p.m.; May 3 at 7:30 p.m. and  May 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets in advance: Adult $30 and Seniors/Students $25. Visit sloco.ludus.com to purchase tickets. Visit sloco.org for more information about Simsbury Light Opera

 

Bike Rodeo

CANTON – Join BikeWalkCantonCT, the Canton Police Department & the Canton Parks & Recreation Department for a Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 3 from 1-3 p.m.

The vent will take place in the field at Canton Intermediate School Parking will be at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave. Rain date will be Sunday, May 4. Learn bike safety rules, participate in helmet & bike fittings, try out bike courses & so much more. Leo, Canton’s Canine Law Enforcement Officer will also be making an appearance. Helmets are mandatory, and don’t forget to bring your bike as well. Parents will need to remain on site with their children during the event.

Registration for event participants is required, and must be completed by 3 p.m. on Friday, May 2. This event is for Canton kids in grades Pre-K to 6.

Register at https://cantonct.myrec.com/ Find the register tab and click on programs.

 

Pancake Breakfast

SIMSBURY – The Simsbury Lions & Knights of Columbus are having our 33rd annual combined pancake breakfast on Sunday, May 4, from 8 to 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Parish Center, 946 Hopmeadow St. We are selling several different size placemat advertisements as well as breakfast tickets (Adults-$10, Children under 12-$5, Family of 4-$25), with all proceeds benefitting scholarships. For more information, contact Elaine Giannini at 386-566-1003.

 

Senior Conference, Resource Fair

New Season In Life will host free Senior Conference and Resource Fairs on the following dates:

• May 3 – Valley Community Baptist Church, Avon

• June 12 – Farmington Senior Center

All events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free lunch at noon. Call 860-965-8114 to register.

11th Annual Memory Walk

WINDSOR – On Sunday, May 4, Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families will host its 12th Annual Memory Walk at Northwest Park; 145 Lang Rd, Windsor at 9:30 a.m. Walk with us in memory of your loved one! This moving fundraiser connects families, friends, and the community to support programs at Mary’s Place. Honor the memory of a loved one and help make a difference in the lives of grieving children & families by joining us for this special event. Come and enjoy kids’ crafts, snacks, auctions & more! Register at www.marysplacect.org/memory-walk

 

Plant & Tag sale

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club is holding a Plant & Tag Sale on Saturday, May 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 123 River Road, Canton. The sale will include a variety of shade and sun-loving perennials, houseplants, and flower gifts. Gently used garden-related items will also be for sale during the event. Proceeds from the sale support the club’s civic beautification projects and scholarship fund. Visit www.cherrybrookgardenclub.org for more information about the club.

 

Irises in New England

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club (Canton, CT) is hosting a presentation, Growing Irises in New England, with Ruth Bennett on May 13 at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton.  Her program will emphasize irises hybridized in New England, discuss iris culture, and show how interspecies crosses have given even a wider range of garden plants to choose from. Ruth is a Master Judge for the American Iris Society and a well-known speaker for the CT Flower Show and Federated Garden Clubs of CT. The presentation begins at 11 a.m., and a $5 guest fee is required for non-members of the club. For more information, email cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

Tunxis Seniors Association meeting

FARMINGTON – The Tunxis Seniors Citizens Association will hold their monthly meeting on May 12, at the Community Center, 321 New Britain Avenue, Unionville. We will begin at 1:30 with our traditional introduction then we will be entertained by Tre’ Johnson who has been singing professionally for over 40 years. For more information, call 860-675-2490.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered by Farmington Station takes place May 15, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. This month’s group will be held in person and we will be offering a Dementia Friendly Experience presentation. Groups are held on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

Perennial Plant Sale

AVON – A Perennial Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Church of St. Ann parking lot, located on the corner of West Avon and Arch roads. A variety of plants from members’ gardens will be offered.   Knowledgeable gardeners will be available to answer questions concerning plant selection.

 

Farmington Rotary 5K Trail Race

FARMINGTON – Farmington Rotary’s Annual 5K Trail Race will be held on Sunday, May 18 beginning at 10 am. This year’s race will be held at Winding Trails in Farmington, which has donated the use of their trail. The race course will be on a designated 5k trail inside their 300 acres around Walton Pond.

The Lee Chisholm Award will be presented to the first Farmington resident finishers, male and female. Prize categories include $250 awards for both the male and female First Place winners and $25 awards for top male and female winners in each of the three age categories which include Ages 18 and under, Ages 19-49, and Ages 50 and above. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Farmington/FarmingtonRiverRun5KTrailRace.

Registration is available online and will also take place on the day of the race beginning at 9 a.m. This year’s cost will be $35 plus a $3.60 charge fee. A Waiver and Release must be signed for all runners at sign-in.

For those under 18 years of age, the waiver must be signed by an adult. At the event, Rotary will also collect food donations of boxed or canned items for the Farmington Food Pantry, where they will be available to those in need.

 

Aquarion Water Company Reminds Connecticut Residents to Order Upcycled Rain Barrels

Aquarion Water Company is reminding residents that it is offering upcycled rain barrels for sale as part of its ongoing water conservation efforts.

Connecticut customers can purchase a high-quality, 60-gallon upcycled rain barrel designed to fit under a downspout and catch rainwater running off the roof.  Order barrels online at www.aquarionwater.com/rainbarrels. The cost is $85 and orders must be received by April 21, 2025.

Locally, barrels will be available for pickup Saturday, May 10 at Simsbury Public Works, 66 Town Forest Road, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Farmington Valley Quilt Guild

SIMSBURY — Farmington Valley Quilters will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday evening, May 21.  The guest speaker, Jill Staubitz, is a weaver, graphic designer and quilter. Jill will present a trunk show of her work. She will be sharing her insights about color, pattern, and the design process as she discusses how the elements of the art of weaving apply to quilting. The meeting is held at Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. Registration opens at 6:30 pm, meeting begins at 7 pm.  Guest fee is $10.00. For more information about the Guild visit our website: https://www.fvquilter.org/

Meditation for Peace and Well Being

Avon Free Public Library presents (Virtual Event) Meditation for Peace and Well Being.

Thursday, May 22, 7 pm. John Bednarik, long time meditator for this deep and engaging meditation, will talk about the journey of finding lasting peace, happiness and a greater sense of well-being. For more information, contact Adult Services Reference Desk avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

 

Music at Greenwood: Elliott Davis

AVON – Virtuoso violinist Elliott Davis will perform five of Eugene Ysayë’s Sonatas for Solo Violin in the second concert of Music at Greenwood’s 2025 season. Join us on Saturday, May 17, at 4 p.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely St. Suggested donation: $10. After the concert, stay to enjoy a reception of light appetizers. For more information about upcoming events, visit us online at https://www.stmatthewavon.org/music-at-greenwood.

 

Show to benefit Avon VFW project

Avon VFW Post 3272 will host a benefit show with the New Orleans style jazz music of Tenpenny Bounce! The show takes place Sunday May 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Avon Sycamore Hill Senior Center. The show will help the post continue to provide essential support for our community’s Afghan refugee family, the Tarins.

Come and meet the family, learn how their first year in America has gone, and enjoy. Free will offering

($10 suggested)

 

Gallery on the Green Presents ‘Member/Guest Exhibition’

CANTON – The public is invited to the Gallery on the Green’s annual “Member/Guest Exhibition” showcasing artists who are members of the Canton Artists Guild and their invited guests.

In a show entitled, “Everyday People,” Kathy Schwartz celebrates the human form and the expression of the human spirit through the lines and shapes of the physical body.

In “Cracked and Crazed” Donna Namnoum, the second solo artist, is exhibiting over thirty ceramic works that incorporate the covered jar and other wheel thrown forms. A free opening reception will be held on Saturday May 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. The gallery is located at 5 Canton Green Road near the intersections of Dowd Ave. and RT. 44. The gallery is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The main floor gallery is handicap accessible. (860) 693-4102; https://www.galleryonthegreen.org

 

Art open house

Local artist,Lori Racicot is hosting an Art Studio Open House on May 3 & 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 43 Farmstead Lane in West Simsbury. Stop by to see Lori’s new paintings, watch her paint and ask questions. For more information, visit LoriRacicot.com.

 

Email event listings to

jfitts@turleyct.com. The deadline

for our June issue is May 6.

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