Farm Winery Proposal to be Considered by Planning and Zoning

Will our City add a stop on the wine tour?

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing tomorrow (Wednesday, 7PM) on a proposal to

develop a farm winery on Miner Street. This is the first application of this type since the Commission amended the zoning code earlier this year to allow wineries, breweries, and cideries to operate in our city, provided that some of the ingredients are grown on site. 

Joseph DeFrancesco plans a 2 acre vineyard, from which he will produce and bottle wine on his farm. He proposes a tasting room with seating inside and out for patrons to enjoy wine, beer, or cider. He will use his space for meetings, tours, catered events, weddings, and banquets, with a maximum capacity of 150 people.  There will be occasional small crafts fairs. 

Miner Street is a sparsely developed rural lane that runs along a cliff parallel to I91, north of the Country Club Road onramp. DeFrancesco proposes to have live entertainment that will end before 8PM outside Monday through Saturday, and before 10PM inside on Fridays and Saturdays, and before 6PM on Sundays. 

Other applications before the Commission
The Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposal by Bill Vasiliou of the Housing Authority to build 8 one-bedroom units for the elderly/disabled at Marino Manor located at 1361 Randolph Road.  The units would be in two one-story buildings, and would have over 25 new parking spaces associated with them. The applicant has requested a waiver of the city's requirement that new parking lots must include a minimum number of electrical vehicle charging stations. 

Mitalben Patel is proposing to close his liquor store at 598 Washington Street, and move across the street to an empty storefront in the mini strip mall that includes Dunkin Donuts.  New liquor stores must all be reviewed by Planning and Zoning, with a public hearing. 

The Planning and Zoning meeting will be held in a hybrid format, in person in Council Chambers, and via WebEx on the internet. The public can comment on the applications via either format. 

Planning and Zoning Commission
Wednesday, December 8, 7PM
Council Chambers.
WebEx

The Agenda is HERE.