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Neighbors speak out against Farmington development plan

By Paul Palmer

Staff Writer


FARMINGTON – Opponents of a planned subdivision to be built along Morea Road in Farmington brought their concerns to the Planning and Zoning Commission at a public hearing. Residents raised concerns over increased traffic, preservation of wetlands, destruction of wildlife habitat, and flooding that they say will come from the proposed 25-unit cluster development by the Carrier Group. The Commission will continue the public hearing at its March 27 meeting. The meeting will be a hybrid of on-line and in person starting at 7pm.

The Commission meeting ran just over four hours in length with the final two hours devoted to the Morea Road project. SLR Consulting gave a lengthy presentation of changes that had already been made to the project. That was followed by questions from Commission members and with 45 minutes left in the session, it was opened up for residents to speak at the online only meeting.

SLR’s representatives began by explaining that by using a cluster development, more than 71 of the 87 acres in the two parcels will remain as dedicated, contiguous open space. “The cluster subdivision protects natural resources, critical habitats, and wetlands,” said Tom Daly of SLR, which is working with Carrier. He stated that there is no designated flood zone on any of the proposed lots and that none will face Morea Road. Daly also discussed the plans to handle storm water runoff stating that their studies showed no increase in runoff rates during a peak storm. Among the concerns expressed by the 8 people who managed to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting was potential flooding.

“We do have a basin in our backyard and on any given time you will see when it rains our backyard is a swamp,” said Eric Roy, who lives on Plank Hill Road.

“The runoff from these houses into the wetland becomes a risk,” said Dan Garbee of Tall Timbers Drive, which sits opposite the proposed subdivision.

Town Planner Shannon Rutherford went through some of the dozens of letters she and the Town of Farmington have received regarding the proposal. While she did not read each one, nearly all were opposed to the plan, with many calling for the Town to buy the 2 properties and keep them as protected, open space. Among the groups who sent correspondence was the Pequabuck Watershed Association, which cited “concerns about the development of the Scott Swamp property. The local basin known as Scott Swamp has its upland most point in the Morea Road property proposed for development. The headwaters of Scott Swamp Brook are on this parcel. There are many ecologically significant and notable features of this property and the brook itself.”

A letter from the Farmington River Watershed Association raised concerns with the impact of the proposed development on wetlands.

“The proposed level of development in this plan will increase impervious surfaces in the wetlands and upland review areas and increase flooding issues while also fragmenting and negatively impacting the biodiversity of the area. Developing this parcel will negate the environmental values of its wildlife habitat and increase water quality and quantity impacts.”

The Capitol Region Council of Governments noted in its letter that the parcels were part of a CRCOG Priority Conservation Area and an Environmentally Sensitive Area, but they supported the proposed construction. “However, upon discussion with the Town of Farmington, CRCOG acknowledges the benefits of the mitigation measures requested by Town staff, including working with the applicant to place approximately on- acre of the site under a conservation easement, amending site plans to elevate the development and increase storm water retention volume.”

The other major concern that was raised by neighbors was the impact on traffic into and out of the subdivision. SLR said it did a traffic study on Jan. 4, 2023 and found that any increase in traffic related to the project would be minimal.

“We estimated it will only generate 18 new trips in the morning peak period and 24 new trips in the evening peak hours,” said Emily Foster a traffic engineer with SLR. Several neighbors commented they thought those numbers were grossly underestimating any increase. “From 7-9 a.m. I counted 177 more cars going through the through the intersection,” said Ed Gelardi who said he did his own count of vehicles using Morea Road. Jane Carlozzi of Tall Timbers Drive, which sits opposite the proposed site, said the traffic numbers just don’t add up. “I heard the traffic numbers and it does not sound right that 25 houses is going to create those few trips,” Carlozzi said.

Several residents of neighboring Cope Farms Road raised concerns about the increase in traffic they said they would see if the project is approved. Some said they already deal with people speeding through the area as a cut through to avoid delays along Morea Road. “As a cut through, people are going 40 to 50 miles an hour on Cope Farms Road,” said Fred Baruffi who lives there. “Someone is going to get hurt there.”

Farmington currently has a moratorium on approving new subdivision while it looks to revise its affordable housing plans. However, any project – like the More Road plan, which already received approval from the Inland/Wetlands Commission – is grandfathered. But Planning and Zoning Commission chair Inez St. James wondered if the land could not have been used for other purposes.

“Did we look at affordable housing here?” she asked. Daly told the Commissioners that, “It’s always been a cluster subdivision we’ve been focused on.”

And Attorney Chris Hoheb, who is representing Carrier, said he would go back to his client regarding the question from St. James and have an answer at the next meeting.

A "composite site plan" included with the application.

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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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