Brews, Views and A New Plan of Conservation & Development

Brews, views and news about upcoming long-range planning projects were on the agenda of last week’s Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission meeting.

A public hearing was held for expansion at the Thimble Island Brewery at 16 Business Park Drive, but no decision was reached. The commission unanimously approved — with conditions — a proposal by Solar City Corp. to put a solar display near the town-owned Ecology Park on Tabor Drive. And consultants were chosen for the Plan of Conservation of Development (POCD) and the Transportation Oriented Development (TOD) study. Public hearings on the planning projects could begin by early summer.

Thimble Island Brewery Expansion

Justin Gargano, CEO of Thimble Island Brewery, wants to triple the size of the tasting room, increasing from 1,060 square feet to 3,194 square feet. “Our tasting room business is expanding quite a bit,” Gargaro said during the public hearing. “We’re running out of space to put people.”

The business, which was founded by Gargano and Mike Fawcett, opened in 2012 at 53 East Industrial Road, but relocated in 2015 to 16 Business Park Drive because it needed more space. Last June, the P&Z approved a seasonal patio and food truck area.

Gargano said increasing the size of the tasting room is not a problem, because the building has ample space, but there are questions about adequate parking. He said he is working on a plan with Charles Weber Jr., who owns the building, to use an adjacent parking area.

Town Planner Harry Smith discussed the staff report and parking issues. Commission chair Chuck Andres said the parking agreement would have to be put in writing and approved by the staff.

The public hearing was held open until the next meeting to allow time for Gargano to finalize the parking agreement. There were no public comments during the hearing.

Solar Comes to Ecology Park

The P&Z (pictured) unanimously approved a special exception for Solar City to install a solar-based electric energy generating facility on the south-facing slope of the town’s closed landfill at 100 Tabor Road. However, the commission placed conditions on the project.

Commission chair Chuck Andres said there seemed to be a trade-off issue between aesthetics and energy at recent meetings. Several people at recent public hearings expressed concern that the solar panels would block the views from Ecology Park.

However, Andres said the solar company has agreed to move some of the top panels to the bottom of the display. That was one of the conditions presented by the town planner.

Smith said other conditions include fencing, screening and landscaping around the equipment; and the possibility of relocating the gazebo after the solar array is installed.

At the February hearing, local environmentalist Bill Horne said if it came to preserving views versus creating solar panel energy, he would urge the commission to choose solar panels which would create some renewable power for the town.

At that same hearing, Paul Muniz, chair of the Solid Waste Management Commission, which has jurisdiction over the town dump, said he supports the solar project but had concerns about the effect on Ecology Park.

The Board of Selectmen approved the Solar City contract in July 2015.

POCD and Transit Studies

The town planner said the P&Z selection committee recently interviewed several prospective consultants for the upcoming Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) study.

Smith said the committee recommended Planimetrics, which is based in Avon, for the POCD. The company helped develop the previous POCD that was finalized in 2008. The state requires such planning every 10 years.

Commission member Marci Palluzzi, who was on the committee, said she felt the company had “a very good understanding of Branford …. and a vast amount of experience.”

Commissioner Joe Vaiuso, who was on the P&Z when the 2008 plan was finalized, said Planimetrics looked at the unique situations in Branford and did a thorough job.

In regard to the transit study, Smith said the committee recommended BFJ Planning, which is based in New York City and has an office in Stamford.

A TOD study typically looks at economic development issues, infrastructure projects, zoning and design guidelines. The state awarded Branford a $125,000 TOD grant to study the area within a half-mile radius of the Shoreline East train station.

Commissioner Joe Chadwick, who was a member of the selection committee, said he was impressed with the firm’s knowledge and experience. “I think they’re going to do a good job,” he said.

The commissioners agreed with the committee’s recommendations.

Following the meeting, Smith told the Eagle that he anticipates public hearings to begin for both studies by early summer. He said the POCD is a lengthy process, but the TOD study should be complete in a couple months.

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