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Date: 6/7/2023
CHICOPEE — In hopes of eliminating the existing split zoned property at 480 Burnett Rd. and 510 Burnett Rd. — where the Tesla dealership would be developed — the applicant, Scannell Properties, went before the Chicopee Zoning Committee on May 31.
Attorney Matt Eckel with Fletcher Tilton explained, “We are seeking a zone change from industrial garden plan unit development type one to industrial, for approximately 2.5 acres of properties for the purpose of creating a consistently zoned property.”
He noted that they did go through a special permit process, so the committee is familiar with the site plans.
Eckel said they want to eliminate the existing split zoned conditions and change to industrial so that the entire lot can be one consistent zone.
“We think this made sense because it gives a lot of consistency and clarity to the property. It will be easier to interpret the zoning,” he shared.
While there has been discussion that the use they are proposing is allowed in both zones, Eckel said there are still some conflicting dimensional regulations and other requirements that would make it easier and in line with the city’s planning initiative to eliminate the split zones.
Overall, the site on Burnett Road has 7.1 acres — 2.5 acres has already been changed and about 4.5 is already industrial.
Chairman George Balakier read aloud the Planning Board’s favorable recommendation.
Ward 6 resident David Amos said, “This seems a little sketchy. If you wanted this all zoned one zone when we were at the Planning Board, why didn’t you guys bring this up? Nobody brought anything up.”
He continued, “I’m in favor of having this dealership there but I’m wary and I don’t trust a lot of people that are involved with this whole project.”
Amos asked that the Zoning Committee wait to approve this.
Ward 6 City Councilor Derek Dobosz said, “I am in favor of the Tesla dealership, and I believe the neighborhood is [as] well and they have gone a long way to work with and I appreciate that.
Unfortunately, I support a lot of what Mr. Amos said … I just can’t support this zone change at this time unless the split zoning greatly affects the Tesla dealership, I don’t see a reason for the zone change.”
Dobosz said he met with the Law Department and based on the conversation, the Tesla dealership can be built right now with no changes. “I’m just kind of confused, I mean a consistent zone change is not a good reason for a zone change,” he shared.
If this is approved as an industrial zone change, once Tesla’s lease is up, basically anything could go there in the future, Dobosz said.
“I just can’t support an industrial zone change. I think it’s setting up the neighborhood for failure for the future,” he added.
After talking with the attorney, Balakier said the best thing to do is for the applicants to file an extension.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to postpone this item until the June 28 Zoning Committee meeting.