Bloomfield denies 95 Granby Street special permit; applicant told to clear violations before reapplying

The Town Plan and Zoning Commission on June 25 denied without prejudice a special permit application for 95 Granby Street, where an applicant sought permission to open a front retail bakery/pita outlet and continue furniture retail in the same building.

Staff told the commission the property has been subject to multiple enforcement actions, an active cease-and-desist order remains in place and the principal building has been deemed unsafe and placarded; staff therefore recommended denial without prejudice so the owner can correct violations and reapply. The report noted numerous open building permits related to code violations.

Applicant Mohsen Youssef said he has been working with building officials, has submitted multiple permit revisions for the bakery, expects an inspection for the furniture retail portion the following Monday and described “substantial compliance efforts.” He asked the commission to let the application proceed administratively after violations are cleared.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on why he filed before the cease-and-desist was lifted and asked for clarity on whether the violations affect both the furniture retail and the bakery. Commissioners and staff emphasized that special permits are not granted while violations remain active. In the end the commission voted to deny the application without prejudice, allowing the applicant to return once the zoning and building issues are resolved.

What’s next: Staff told the applicant he may seek a fee waiver from town council when he reapplies but that the commission lacks authority to waive fees. The applicant will need to secure code compliance and have the cease-and-desist removed before the commission will consider the permit again.