Study Committee to Delve into Granby Dirt Bike Issue

The Granby Planning & Zoning Commission on Tuesday agreed to form a special study committee to address the issue of the use of recreational vehicles such as ATVs and dirt bikes in town.

The use of recreational vehicles has been a controversial subject in Granby, as town cease and desist orders over the past several years that have prevented residents from using their recreational vehicles, even on their own property.

There are no ordinances or regulations that specifically deal with the use of recreational vehicles in town, though Volovski issued the cease and desist orders under the provision that dirt bikes were not appropriate accessory uses of the property.

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The cease and desist orders that have been challenged have been upheld by the Zoning Board of Appeals, though one case brought by the Cavaciuti family has been appealed in the state Superior Court in Hartford.

Recently, Director of Community Development Fran Armentano suggested the that would allow the use of dirt bikes if certain conditions on the property were met.

The study committee, which will comprise several members of the Planning & Zoning Commission as well as residents from both sides of the issue, will further delve into the issue and provide the commission with an opinion on what should be done concerning the use of recreational vehicles.

Planning & Zoning Commission Chair Paula Johnson said that the call for volunteers on the study committee will go out in The Drummer in July and the committee will most likely start meeting in September.

Commissioner Paul Lambert said that the study committee was a good idea, as it would be able to research how other towns handle recreational vehicles as well as utilize expertise that committee members would bring to the table.

“We need a broader range of input than just our opinions,” Lambert said.

In other business, the Commission in a 5-0 vote approved an application by the to replace its current 10 square-foot sign with one that is 17 square feet.

The new sign will also allow for a separate hanging sign beneath it for special occasions - perhaps six to 10 per year - and would replace sandwich boards that are currently used.

The new sign will be lighted with LED light bars or ground lights that are under 100 watts.

While the signage for the church’s property exceeds zoning regulations, Armentano said that the new sign was appropriate given the size of the parcel of land on which it sits.

Commission members agreed and unanimously approved the application.

Also, the commission received two new applications, one seeking a special permit for a bed and breakfast on the property located at 289 Granville Road, while the other seeks to open a beauty salon at 17 Hartford Ave.