Public hearing delayed on gas station plan

Residents object to potential traffic impact

TORRINGTON — Residents concerned by a proposed gas station’s potential traffic onto their nearby street were ready to bring a petition to the Planning & Zoning Commission for its meeting this week, but that hit a snag late Tuesday afternoon.

The plan to build a gas station on Route 4/New Harwinton Road had been scheduled for a public hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, according to the commission’s agenda. However, that public hearing was continued to Oct. 13, “at the applicant’s request,” according to the city in a post just before 4 p.m. Tuesday on the city website.

The tight entrance and exit areas and the nearness of Circle Drive prompted the citizens’ petition. “We, the undersigned residents of Circle Drive and Santa Maria Drive submit this petition signed by 57 residents ... In opposition of the application being presented to

them on July 21, 2021,” the petition reads in part. “Health, safety and welfare are part of the city of Torrington zoning regulations and the safety of our neighbors is at risk every time we try to exit Circle Drive.”

Harwinton-based Alam Realty owns the existing business, Sam’s Food Store, at 861 New Harwinton Road, according to the application, which is for a special exception use permit to add gas dispensers, a canopy, storm drainage, modified parking and changes to the building’s facade.

The plan first was presented in July. Residents presented petitions against it in August, citing concerns about increased traffic entering and leaving the gas station. Circle Drive is adjacent to the parking lot.

The applicant was given a long list of required changes to the application, according to City Planner Martin Connor, who gave his own report at the commission’s July 21 meeting. The application was missing key information and had incorrect dates and road names; had no outdoor lighting plan; required a performance bond, a stormwater management plan, and a description of the station’s underground fuel storage tank plan. He also suggested including electric car charging stations and an emergency generator large enough to power the gas station and convenience store.

Building Official Kevin Gillette said the applicant already had completed “substantial” interior renovations to the store without any permits. Until those renovations are inspected and approved, no other permits should be granted and no other work should be done, Gillette said.

Fire Marshal Ed Bascetta also weighed in, saying the building should be equipped with a complete fire protection and alarm system, and that its electrical system needed to be brought into compliance. City engineer Paul Kundzins pointed out that cars at gas pumps must not be allowed to exit onto Circle Drive or Route 4 on the opposite side of the entrance.

The public hearing Oct. 13 will begin at 7 p.m. in the City Hall auditorium, second floor.

Instructions for watching via Zoom are available online at www.torringtonct.org /zoom.