Friday, September 27, 2019
www.southingtoncitizen.com
Volume 14, Number 39
Architect approved for new library By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
second firm recommended to the council by the library board.
Town leaders chose a Boston-based architectural firm to design a new library and determine whether incorporating the existing building is feasible.
The town earmarked $35,000 to draw up plans for a new library. Library director Kristi Sadowski said there are accessibility, fire code and space issues with the current building downtown, which was built in the 1970s.
The Town Council voted Monday night to hire Tappé Architects, the
Councilors had concerns about the first company the library board recommended, QA+M Architecture of Farmington, and wanted one with more experience with libraries. Library board chairman Kevin Curtiss said board members were initially concerned about an out-ofstate company but did appreciate how many libraries Tappé had com-
pleted. After discussions with the company, board members were assured that Tappé had the resources. The company offered examples of libraries they’d designed that were traditional, modern and a blend of both. See Library, A2
Reluctant ZBA postpones vote on 5-story hotel By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
Zoning officials appeared reluctant to grant a hotel developer more stories than allowed by regulations for a proposed West Street building. The Zoning Board of Appeals on Tuesday night didn’t vote on the request, but board members said they had difficulty finding a reason to grant an exception to zoning rules. Chris Orts tries to entice Wynn and Gracie to sit.
Greyhound adoption group holds gathering
Dawn Pieratt, president of the Connecticut Greyhound Adoption, pets a hound at the organization’s annual picnic and volunteer thank you event at Southington YMCA Camp Sloper on Sept. 22. Photos by Devin Leith-Yessian, Record-Journal
Bindie, a 7-yearold greyhound, was one of around 40 dogs that attended the event.
By Devin Leith-Yessian Record-Journal staff
Greyhounds had their own day of appreciation at Camp Sloper on Sunday. “They’re very sweet dogs, they’re very loving,” said Dawn Pieratt, president of Connecticut Greyhound Adoption.
Jaymin Mehta of Canton is looking to build a five-story “micro hotel” with 80 rooms at the intersection of West Street, West Main Street and Marion Avenue. Sev Bovino, a planner with Kratzert Jones & Associates representing Mehta, said the proposed building met the town’s height requirements but not the maximum allowed floors. Zoning regulations for the area permit up to three stories. The building would have five, with the first floor designated for parking. Bovino said the floor cap and 65-foot height allowance are in conflict. Hotels are an allowed use in the zone, but he said that hotels with only three stories “don’t work” on a one-acre site. “We’re trying to achieve the highest and best use for the property,” Bovino said.
The group, which pairs former racing hounds with local families, held its annual reunion and volunteer picnic at the YMCA
camp. Around 40 greyhounds and a few other family dogs See Greyhound, A6
Zoning board chairman Joseph LaPorte said he feels the financial viability of a smaller See Hotel, A3