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Update: Hearing for 9-15 Albany Turnpike did not take place Oct. 20

  • jfitts0
  • Oct 19, 2021
  • 6 min read
Application withdrawn, new one filed

By John Fitts

Staff Writer


Update:

CANTON – The Canton Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing for earthwork grading and removal at 9-15 Albany Turnpike did not start on Oct. 20 as planned. Earlier that day, the application was withdrawn and a new one filed.

The 26-acre property sits on the Simsbury/Canton town line, with most of the acreage being in Simsbury.

The Oct. 20 application for the site is similar in many respects to the one that was filed on Aug. 25 and withdrawn. It proposes grading to support potential future development at the site, likely on the Simsbury portion of land. The new application still notes the intent to remove 17,659 cubic yards of material from the site. Nearly 13,000 of that would be in Canton and the balance in Simsbury.

A letter from the attorney for the development team, Timothy M. Herbst of Marino, Zabel & Schellenberg, states in part, "The application only seeks special permit approval to allow for earthwork and grading, as the proposal calls for grading more than 2,000 cubic yards. As stated by the applicant's engineer, Solli Engineering, the primary purpose of the application is to obtain permission to perform grading activities on the property which may provide an opportunity to create a gravel access road to the rear of the property in the future. No site development is proposed as part of part of the application at this time."

More to come.





Original Story


On Oct. 20, the Canton Planning and Zoning Commission is planning to open a public hearing on the latest proposal for 9-15 Albany Turnpike.

Earlier this year — after months of controversy in town — the commission rejected a proposal for an Electric Vehicle Showroom, fueling station and convenience store on the property, stating that the proposed activity would have too greatly altered the natural resource of the traprock ridge and did not strike the balance of economic activity and preservation referenced in the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development.

While most of the 26-acre property is in Simsbury, the majority of that development would have been in Canton. (The former La Trattoria restaurant is not part of this property but is adjacent to it).

This time around, the development team is proposing earthwork and grading they say would be needed to support future development, primarily in Simsbury.

“We’re simply proposing to do some rough grading through the site and potentially into Simsbury to create an area that could be utilized in the future for an access way to the land in Simsbury,” Kevin Solli, of Solli Engineering – a member of the applicant team — recently told the town’s conservation commission.”

The latest application seeks some special permits for earthwork and grading and material processing. An engineering report with the application, states in part, “The proposed earthwork is to construct a ±540 LF gravel access road to support future site development.”

But at the Conservation Commission meeting and in other documents to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the development team said a divided driveway would come later, and that the proposal now is simply for the earthwork and grading, an assertion that could also be important to some legal questions about uses raised for the Planning and Zoning Commission. (The Valley Press, based on that phrase in the application also used the term "gravel access road" in previous stories).

“We’re aren’t proposing an access driveway right now,” Solli said at the Oct. 5 Conservation Commission meeting. “We aren’t proposing a specific use with this application. We’re simply proposing to do grading on the property to allow for the connectivity, or the connection, into the land in Simsbury. … It’s been designed in accordance with the Canton driveway standards so that if in the future we do propose a driveway here it will be able to be constructed in accordance with appropriate requirements.”

Conservation Commission member Cynthia Zdanzukas asked Solli why the application is being filed before final plans for the property.

“Why now if you don’t even have any plans for the property going forward?” she asked. Why do you want to do this now? Why wouldn’t you put the application in with the rest of the plans for the property?”

Referencing the controversy over blasting in the last application, Solli stated, “There were a lot of claims and assertions made that were ultimately proven unfounded and I think the applicant is essentially concerned with securing his rights that he has bestowed upon him as a commercial property owner to try to make sure the land isn’t essentially kind of taken from him and not allowed to be utilized in any means. So, I think he’s trying to secure these rights to do the grading. We think it’s a much less intensive way to approach the development of the property and I think those are the primary reasons we’re going through the effort at this time.”

The new application does propose blasting and related activity that would involve a total of 17,659 cubic yards of removal of material from the site, a little less than 13,000 of which would be in Canton. Solli later noted was that the previous proposal involved approximately 180,000 cubic yards of removal from the site.

Kevin Erwin, chairman of the Conservation Commission said some idea of what type of development might help the group make an informed recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Solli said some type of multi-family project would be the “highest and best use” of the property.

Later in the meeting, Solli acknowledged that future development would involve some additional blasting be he also contended it would still not reach anywhere close to the previous application.

Additionally, Solli said it was likely the owners would seek a pad development in Canton, he said it would be nowhere near the scope of the previous project and ,would “not necessarily” impact the ridge at all.

“This area that was contemplated before I think that’s been conceded,” he said, pointing to an area he marked for the commission that involved much of the hillside coming into Canton. “We went through that battle and I don’t think we’re going to be proposing to remove or anyone would be proposing to remove that much material in the future and I think the Planning and Zoning Commission did a good job of expressing their concerns that that was too much, too intensive. I certainly think the ship has sailed, so to speak, with trying to mimic something that was previously submitted,” Solli said.

Earlier in the meeting, Solli also acknowledged that the POCD talks about both opportunity and preservation when it comes to the property.

"I think one thing we observed through the last application is the importance of this resource to the community and I think any future plans need to be respectful of that so trying to limit and minimize the overall impact to this resource," he said.

Solli did, however, assert that allegations that blasting could impact area wells, the aquifer or the plume from contamination at another property were “unfounded” and did speak adamantly when it came to some past and even lingering assertions that rock removal could be viewed as a mining operation.

“Quarry activities don’t exist for this small amount of material. There’s no economic value to trying to secure and process 13,000 yards of material. The costs of setting up that type of operation doesn’t justify the expense if you’re only excavating 13,000 yards. This is an expense. this is not a cheap expense and this is not a money making activity in any way, shape or form.”

Solli also said an access from Simsbury would not be practical and would involve much more intensive degradation of land.

Solli also said the goal was not to perform activity right away but secure the rights and estimated it could be 6 to 12 months before the team would apply for a project in Simsbury. (He also expressed confidence for endorsement in Simsbury, noting the Simsbury Zoning Commission’s unanimous approval for the last project and other meetings with the town).

“We want to secure the rights so we have the right to do it," Solli said. "The actual activity probably wouldn’t happen until we’re a little bit further down the road but we need to make sure we have the rights to do so.”

A few Conservation Commission members noted the proposed activity was certainly far less than last time around and Neil Pade, the town’s director of Planning and Community Development noted the Planning and Zoning Commission hearing could, in theory, just take one evening.

Still many members of the Conservation Commission said it was hard to make an immediate decision without further review of the material. Others said the lack of complete clarity on what could eventually happen on the property made it a little difficult as well.

“Certainly I can say the scale of this in comparison to what we were talking about as a development effort from a conservation perspective is sizably less,” Conservation commission member Bill Spatcher said. “I’m not trying to influence my fellow commissioners here but I wouldn’t mind having a little more time to collect input on this.”

Eventually members voted to have Pade relay the message to Planning and Zoning that the Conservation Commission was requesting more time to take a position on the application.

The virtual Planning and Zoning Commission meeting is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 20.

See the meeting packet at


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Valley Happenings

St. Mary’s Church Invites Community to Faith Exploration Program

SIMSBURY — Is there more to life than this? How can I have faith? How does God guide us? How can I make the most of the rest of my life? Have you ever had such questions? Now you can find some answers.

St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury will offer two separate 10-week Alpha programs starting on Sept. 22, 2025. Sessions include Monday evenings, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., or Wednesday mornings, 9 to 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Parish Center located at 942 Hopmeadow Street. An all-day retreat will be offered Nov. 15. The program is open to both active and inactive members of the parish, as well as to people in the wider community.​

Alpha is an opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. Alpha is a safe place to explore life’s biggest questions. It has three key elements: food, a talk or video, and small group discussion.​ To get more information about Alpha and sign up on St. Mary’s website to register as a guest, go to https://stmarysimsbury.org/alpha.

 

Coffee Social for Solo Agers

This coffee social for solo agers – those over 50 aging alone – provides an opportunity to get together for conversation and meet other solo agers in the community. This social is held the fourth Saturday each month at Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main Street, Farmington. Registration is appreciated. Register online at  https://soloagersconnect.com/events/ or call 860-930-3253.

 

Quilt Show Preparations Begin

Preparations have already begun for the Farmington Valley Quilter’s Guild bi-annual quilt show. The theme of this year’s show, From Fabric to Fabulous, showcases what the talented women of the guild can make with fabric. The show dates are Sept. 20 and 21. In preparation quilts are being finished, raffle prizes and boutique offerings are being made and donated and finishing touches are being done to the fabulous raffle quilt.  The show will also feature the entirety of the Farmington River Quilt. This special display portrays 25 locations on the Wild & Scenic Section of the Farmington River each made independently by local quilt artisans. Along with the displays of beautifully crafted quilts will be several local vendors.  The event takes place at the Kingswood Oxford School’s Hoffman Field House on Trout Brook Drive in West Hartford. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door.  Children under 12 are admitted free of charge.  Parking is free and plentiful. More information can be found on their website fvquilter.org

 

Avon History Museum opening delayed

AVON –   Due to a problem with the HVAC system in the Avon History Museum, the grand opening has been rescheduled to Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, Labor Day, from noon to 3 p.m.  The new museum is located at 8 East Main St. Parking is available at the Avon Post Office, 15 Enford Street, behind the museum of Simsbury Road (Route 10.)  As was planned for the July 4th opening, the day will feature a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, ringing of church bells 13 times for the 13 colonies, games for kids, and an official launch of Avon America’s 250 commemoration.  If there is heavy rain, the event will be postponed to a later date.

 

Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival

The 10th Annual Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival is returning on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Winding Trails in Farmington. Della Mae will headline the festival, which also features Buffalo Rose,

Cold Chocolate,The Tenderbellies and more. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $40 adults, and $10 children at https://windingtrails.org/music-festival or on Eventbrite.

 

Register for Fall Semester at CT State campuses

Credit registration is in progress at CT State Community College (CT State) campuses statewide. Fall 2025 semester credit classes begin on Aug. 27 with a mix of on-campus, online, and hybrid course options.

Prospective students should start by applying online at www.ctstate.edu/apply. To ensure the best course selection, students are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

 

Canton Main Street Farmers Market

The Canton Main Street Farmers Market in Collinsville is open every Sunday with 21 full season vendors and another 12 who schedule appearances throughout the year.​

The market is open from 10 am to 1 pm every Sunday through Oct. 12 in historic Collinsville. Family-friendly with stunning views of the Collins Company and the Farmington River.

 

Tunxis Seniors Citizens Association

The Tunxis Seniors Citizens Association will hold their monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 11, at the Community Center, 321 New Britain Avenue, Unionville. We will begin at 1:30 with our traditional introductions then we will enjoy what we call our Hot Dog Roast. The cost for this is $5 per person. After we have enjoyed our delicious hot dogs, we will be entertained by Blaise American Song Book. He is a wonderful talent you won’t want to miss. He plays all the old songs we like to listen to. We hope you will consider joining us for an afternoon of fun and food. For more information, call 860-675-2490.

 

Book Collection at the Simsbury Public library

The Friends of the Simsbury Public Library sponsors a Book Collection at the Simsbury Public library for their Annual Used Book Sale on Oct 4 & 5, 2025. The book collection drop off runs through Sept. 13th on Tuesdays & Fridays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Tariffville Room on the ground floor of the library.

Accepted items for the collection are books, complete games & puzzles, DVDs, music CDs, records, and recent computer software.

Magazines, textbooks, encyclopedias, VHS tapes, or any item in poor condition can not be accepted. Drop off is in the lower level parking lot  for carts and volunteer assistance.

Farmington Library Accepting Book Donations

FARMINGTON – The Friends of the Farmington Libraries are in need of donations of gently used books to support an upcoming sale in June, as well as ongoing sales in the library’s Book Nook. Adult and children’s books, hardcover and paperback, fiction and non-fiction, in excellent condition are appreciated. Games, puzzles and unique vintage books that are clean and intact are also needed.  Donations can be brought to the circulation desk at the main Farmington Library at 6 Monteith Drive. Please note that the Friends cannot accept books or other items in poor condition. VHS tapes, encyclopedias, magazines, Reader’s Digest condensed books, travel guides, books on finance or health dated prior to 2019, and other time-sensitive materials also cannot be accepted.

 

Simsbury Lions Club seeks volunteers

SIMSBURY – 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.”

 

Avon Free Public 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. For virtual events, visit https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/ to register and receive the zoom link.

•  (Virtual Event) Tea Travels Through India and Sri Lanka. Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 2 pm.

• (Virtual Event) Take Control of your Mind with Meditation. Thursday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m.

• War at Home. Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m.

Educators from Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center will discuss the experiences of the residents of the museum’s site during the Battle of Ridgefield, Connecticut’s only inland Revolutionary War battle.

• (In-Person Event) Understanding Nutrition Labels. Thursday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.

• (Virtual event) Home Downsizing Workshop with Mike Ivankovich Aug. 11, 1-2pm

• (Virtual event) Your Children Don’t Want It, What Can You Do? Workshop with Mike Ivankovich Aug. 18, 1-2 p.m.

• CringeFest and Mocktails on the Patio or Community Room depending on weather. Aug. 22, 2 to 4 p.m. Open to ages 18+  Register Online www.avonctlibrary.info

• (In-Person Event) Black Bears in Connecticut. Thursday, Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m.

• (Virtual Event) Achieving Gratitude with Meditation. Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.

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