Granby Planning Commission Approves Japanese-Themed Bed and Breakfast, Beauty Salon

It wasn’t an ordinary Granby Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on Tuesday evening.

Indeed, the commission unanimously and enthusiastically approved applications for two special permits: one for a beauty salon at 17 Hartford Ave., the other for a Japanese-themed bed and breakfast at 289 Granville Road.

Glenn and Yumi Ballard, the owners of the bed and breakfast, said that they plan on having two guest rooms in the converted 1,600-square-foot farmhouse that will be Japanese-themed on the inside of the structure only. The outside of the house will not change, nor will there be any additional lighting on the property.

Director of Community and Development Fran Armentano noted to the commissioners that the Ballards had been working with the town’s building official regarding changes being made to the house.

There will be a sign for the bed and breakfast that is consistent with planning & zoning regulations, according to Glenn Ballard.

The commissioners, for their parts, were intrigued by the business’ idea.

“Only in Granby can you have a Japanese-oriented bed and breakfast,” Commissioner James R. Sansone marveled.

Sansone wasn’t the only one who expressed approval of the plan.

“I think you’ve got a great idea,” Commissioner Eric Lukingbeal said.

The commission also approved a three-chair, 1,500-square-foot beauty salon, which will be accessed in the back of the building at 17 Hartford Ave., according to Michael Guarco Sr., who was representing the applicants.

The commission approved the application on the condition that the parking lot in the back of the building be striped to mark spaces.

“It’s a good use for a vacant store,” Sansone said.

On top of the approval of a new Japanese-themed bed and breakfast and a beauty salon, the town also received at least a partial application for the construction of a new cemetery on the 2.87 acres of land located at 298 Salmon Brook St.

The land is owned by the Freemasons, but there is an option by the Granby Cemetery Association to build a cemetery on the land, according to Armentano.

Armentano said that there were several issues with the application that he had to clear up before he could say whether the application had been officially filed.

In other business, the commission continued a public hearing on an application seeking a special permit for an easement for the property located at 123 Old Messenger Road.

Two neighboring property owners spoke of their concerns if the easement were granted. The commission continued the hearing until its next meeting because the applicants were not present.

Clarification: The person representing the applicants who appeared before the commission concerning the beauty salon was Michael Guarco Sr.