MONROE, CT — A new 7,500-square-foot general store will be built at 685 Main St., on the site of the former hot dog stand near Northbrook Condominiums. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the site plan application with conditions during its meeting Thursday night.
A representative for the applicant, Calito Development Group, could not reveal the name of the store that is coming, but described it as being similar to a Dollar General store, adding his client is experienced with that business.
The one-acre-lot was changed from a Residential Farming zone to a Business-1 zone a few months ago, so a retail use is permitted on the site.
The hearing started on Nov. 7 and was continued to Thursday night, when the developer shared some tweaks to the site plan in response to input from town staff and commissioners.
Among the changes was an agreement to stain the fence and a proposal to reduce the number of parking spaces to address commissioners’ concerns over the ability of a delivery truck to maneuver in the parking lot.
Though a minimum of 38 parking spaces are required in accordance to town zoning regulations, Christopher Russo, the attorney for the applicant, said his client believes 30 parking spaces are more than enough for the use.
The site plan shows 39 parking spaces. By eliminating nine spaces, Russo said there will be more room for the large WB-50 truck that will make deliveries once a week to maneuver on the site.
Eliminating the parking spaces also frees up space for a snow shelf and allows for more landscaping on the south and west of the property, providing a thicker buffer for residential neighbors of the site, according to Russo.
The commission could defer up to 25 percent of the required parking spaces, according to town zoning regulations. Russo said this allows for the deferment of nine parking spaces from his client’s plan.
“I’m actually in favor of the reduced parking,” Vice Chairman Bruno Maini said.
Maini said this is because it will allow more landscaping and due to the fact that the commission could change its mind in the future if members believe the extra parking spaces are necessary.
Russo said the store hours will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the peak hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m.
In addition to the weekly deliveries by the WB-50 truck, smaller trucks will make several deliveries of items such as snacks and soda. Russo said this will be done during non-peak hours.
Nicole Lupo, a commission alternate, wanted to make sure the residential neighbors will not have to deal with late night deliveries around 10 and 11 p.m.
Maini said deliveries should be made during regular work hours, but not at peak times.
Among the conditions of approval, all deliveries must be made from 8 to 11 a.m., from 2 to 5 p.m., and from 7 to 9 p.m.
The approval also allows the applicant to defer the nine parking spaces with the understanding that the commission has the right to require some or all of the spaces if it later deems it necessary.
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It is honestly insane to see how Monroe lacks any sort of forward thinking strategy. Town pushes this right through while fighting tooth and nail for a mixed use development right next door to this property. It is sad to see this level of incompetence from P&Z and it will be sad to see this town wither away due to poor strategy on the towns part.