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03/16/2017 09:21 PM

North Branford Zoning Board Denies Bulk Propane Application


Planning and Zoning Commissioner Fran Lescovich Ccenter) makes a point against voting for the applciation at tonight's meeting.Pam Johnson/The Sound
J.J. Sullivan Inc. Loses Bid to Build 60,000 Gallon Propane Facility at 40 Ciro Road

North Branford will not allow a 60,000 gallon bulk propane facility at 40 Ciro Road, based on town regulations pointing to the proposed installation's inability to ensure protection of surrounding property values; not being in conformance with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development, and a third zoning regulation concerning accessibilty.

 J.J. Sullivan Inc. of Guilford was denied its site plan application for the installation in a close vote of 3 -2, made by the town's Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC). The vote came tonight after hours of deliberation and input over the course of a three-part public hearing which began March 2. Tonight's hearing included passionate requests from nearly 20 speakers in a crowd which filled North Branford Intermediate School's cafeteria from 7 p.m. until the vote came down, to a standing ovation, shortly after 9:30 p.m.

PZC vicechairman/acting PZC chairman William Galdenzi led the final night of the public hearing, in the absence of chairman Harry Dulak, who was traveling due to work. The vote to deny the application was called for by commissioner Frances Lescovich, with Galdenzi and alternate member Tricia Mase joining in the vote to deny. Commissioners Ronald Siena and David Hultgren voted against the motion to deny the application.

The vote closes a chapter on a long application that has fueled community controversy since late 2014.