P&Z Sets Public Hearing on Tolland Village Area for May 23

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing May 23 for residents to voice their concerns and ask questions about a conceptual commercial and residential development plan that has been proposed for the area adjacent to the Interstate-84 Exit 68 interchange.

At a March 7 workshop, residents got a three-dimensional glimpse of what the the residential and commercial aspects of the Tolland Village Area could look like. The animation offered a drive through the streets and neighborhoods of the development. The homes and commercial properties all fit into the confines of certain village standards - a few points of which were argued at last night's meeting.

Commissioners discussed the various regulations that would be specific to the Tolland Village Area and the LID, low impact development standards, including the regulation that would allow space for drive-throughs, both restaurant and pharmacy.

For the most part, commissioners agreed that a pharmacy with a drive-through would be welcomed. However, they also agreed that a restaurant drive-through, such as the ones at fast food restaurants, would not be appropriate for the Tolland Village Area.

"I don't know if that's what people want," said Commissioner John Hughes. "It doesn't add anything to the village concept at all...My feeling is it would be a detriment to the village concept."

Commissioner David Barrow agreed.

"I'm all for a drive-through [restaurant] in Tolland, but I do not think this is the right place for it," he said.

The commission also briefly discussed whether or not to allow a restaurant drive-through only in certain areas or on certain streets. In the end, the regulation was amended to change the language so that a pharmacy drive-through would be allowed, but not for a restaurant.

The businesses and residential neighborhoods of the Tolland Village Area would also have to comply with certain standards for facade and landscape appearance. Businesses would be required to take care of their plants and shrubbery, and replace dead or dying ones. Property owners would be encouraged to follow current low impact development standards, said the commission. The regulations also encourage businesses to apply attractive window treatments that invite traffic, both auto and pedestrian, to stop in.

The visible parking areas should also be landscaped said the commission. Trees or plants that are green all year round should be planted to act as a buffer between the main commercial area and the parking lots so as to create minimal impact to the view. Also, the positioning of the greenery and the parking lots themselves should be considerate of the safety and accessibility of potential shoppers.

Residents who would like to share their thoughts and concerns to the commission should attend the public hearing May 23 at 7:30 p.m.