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Inland Wetlands tables decision on controversial apartment plan

By Ted Glanzer

Staff Writer

FARMINGTON - The town’s inland wetlands commission on Sept. 22 tabled its consideration of a plan that calls for the construction of eight apartment buildings on 25 acres of land on Route 4 near what’s colloquially known as the “Big Bird” bridge.

The again tabled the decision at its Oct. 6 meeting.

The mixed-use project, which calls for a total of 190 apartments, a gazebo, a swimming pool, the construction of a bike path, requires a permit from the commission because the project calls for regulated activity within wetlands and upland review area. The plan also calls for the commercial redevelopment of the large warehouse building, known as the McCallum building, which currently has an auto parts business, as well as another empty building on the site.

The application was filed before the Inland Wetlands Commission in July by JRF Management and Kaoud Real Estate Development. In December 2020, the town’s Plan and Zoning Commission approved a change in the zone to allow for the kind of project the developers have proposed. However, if the project gets approval from the inland wetland commission at its next meeting in October, the project’s site plan still needs an OK from the TPZ.

During the Sept. 22 hearing, several residents opposed the project, saying it would harm the environment, increase the possibility of flooding in the event of a 100-year storm and would impede the pristine views of the Farmington River.

“By the Connecticut state rule this is a wetland,” Joe Fiorello said. “The developers want to bring forth someone to say this doesn’t meet their definition of a wetland. But as far as I’ve heard today, that’s a Connecticut wetland, and should not be developed.”

Fiorello said the installation of a pool so close to the Farmington River will inevitably lead to chemicals leaching into the Farmington River.

“They want to develop a pool on Farmington’s greatest resource,” Fiorello said. “Not to go way out there, but didn’t a building just fall in Florida because of the use of a pool that rotted out the building? Who is going to tell me pool isn’t going to have seepage into our rivers?”

Several speakers brought up the flood of 1955, which was caused by two back-to-back hurricanes and led to nearly 90 deaths and a staggering loss of property.

“Who if anybody is looking at the flood issue?” resident Jay Bombara asked, saying at a TPZ hearing in December, the applicant’s expert said he’d never heard of it. “I found that horrific and I felt it was too bad nobody spoke up.”

Bombara asserted the remnants of Hurricane Ida in early September brought the water near the trestle leading to the McCallum building. He noted that climate change has increased the number and severity of storms such that what was once considered a 100-year flood may now be a 50-year flood. Further, Bombara said that the protections that were put in place following the flood of 1955 may not be adequate protection against more intense storms.

“Has anybody looked as this and asked what happens now based on climate change and based on the increased moisture we can expect?” he said. “We’ve seen the floods in Europe, what happened to these cities and how everybody was surprised by it. Why would we be building alongside the river now, knowing what’s coming? Why isn’t the town seeing the bigger picture? Preserve this parcel of land, or at least keep development very close to Route 4 and not have the risk that someday we’re all going to be going ‘Oh my God, look what happened.’”

Bombara also said while he wasn’t sure if aesthetics were part of the commission’s charge in looking at whether to approve an application, the beautiful views that are offered in the area up for development would be ruined by the sight of apartment buildings.

“Keep this area more natural so everybody in town can enjoy it without putting everybody at risk,” he said.

Tom Scanzillo was even more succinct.

“We are going to destroy a beautiful piece of land in Farmington Connecticut,” he said. “We don’t want another Route 6, we don’t want another Route 44. This looks like the Blue Back Square with a water front. … We’re just ruining a beautiful spot.”

But attorney Robin Pearson, who represents the developer, responded that the environmental impact of the regulated activities was minimal because the alluvial soils in question “no longer function as wetland soils.”

The soils are cut off from the floodplain and cannot be reactivated or renovated or brought back as a wetland resource, she said.

“We have satisfied [the commission’s] criteria and it would not be prudent to deny development of this site as set forth [under the] plan of conservation and development,” she said.

Tom Daly, of SLR Consulting, who also is a part of the developer’s team, said that his firm has “moved with the times” in performing its calculations concerning 100-year storms and flooding.

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Valley Happenings

Canton Community Health Fund Applications Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton...

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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. 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. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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