ORANGE, CT — The Town Plan and Zoning Commission unanimously approved plans Aug. 4 to convert about 67,400 square feet of existing retail space at 200 Indian River Road into a full-service Big Y grocery store.
The commission voted 5-0 to approve Big Y Foods Inc.'s application for a special exception, permit or use, site plan and architectural review. The proposal includes outdoor display, services and storage. Commissioners determined that the application met the criteria for the special use and was consistent with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development.
Before the vote, the commission closed the public hearing on the application by a 5-0 vote. No members of the public commented during the hearing.
The commission was told that the Traffic Commission had signed off on the proposal July 13. The minutes also note a change involving an electric generator at the rear of the property, which was switched out. Following discussion, Commissioner Kevin Kaplan moved to approve the application, Commissioner Jay McGuire seconded the motion, and Chairman Oscar Parente and Commissioners Kaplan, Judy Torrenti, Judy Cornell and McGuire voted in favor.
Zoning Enforcement Officer Steve Hotchkiss also told commissioners that he has been compiling a list of signage violations along Boston Post Road.
Hotchkiss said he had identified 23 locations and expected to begin enforcement within the next week or two. The minutes do not identify the properties or provide details about the alleged violations.
Hotchkiss also reported that the commission is expected to receive an application for a map change on Racebrook Road.
Under old business, Parente said Town Counsel Owen Weaver was working on an application involving the Parking District and a draft of the Housing Plan. Both matters were expected to appear on the commission's next agenda.
Commissioner Cornell also asked about the status of the Planned Residential Development at 271 Peck Lane. Hotchkiss said Strawberry Hill Realty LLC was scheduled to appear on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission's Aug. 11 agenda.
The commission approved its July 7 meeting minutes as amended by a 4-0 vote, with Cornell abstaining.
The Aug. 4 meeting was held at the High Plains Community Center and was called to order at 7:07 p.m. Commissioners unanimously adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
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