Bolton PZC wants more info on B&B

Joseph Villanova, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·2 min read

Aug. 11—BOLTON — Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission asked the developer of a proposed bed-and-breakfast for more information at a public hearing Wednesday.

The proposed dwelling would be located on a lot at 60 Villa Louisa Road, sharing an address with the "A Villa Louisa" corporate event and wedding venue.

BED AND BREAKFAST

WHAT: Asim Etem, owner of a A Villa Louisa, has proposed building a B&B near the banquet hall.

WHY: Etem says the B&B would serve as his primary residence, and he would primarily rent out rooms to brides and grooms that have an event at A Villa Louisa.

WHEN: A public hearing on the matter is scheduled to continue Sept. 14.

The application, filed by A Villa Louisa owner Asim Etem, shows a total of five bedrooms, with one master bedroom and one bedroom compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The building would also have a two-car garage, kitchen, living and dining rooms, office space attached to some of the bedrooms, and attic space.

Etem said at the public hearing Wednesday that the B&B would serve as his primary residence, as is required by both state and local regulations, and that the rooms would mostly be rented to brides and grooms having an event at A Villa Louisa.

The PZC voted unanimously to extend the public hearing to its Sept. 14 meeting. PZC members and town staff made a number of requests to the applicant for the next meeting, including additional information on the site and modifications to the proposal.

Director of Community Development Patrice Carson said the application required lighting plans, and a landscaping plan may be required. The applicant also needs to ensure no wetlands are on the site, as the project would require review by the Inland Wetlands Commission if there were.

Etem said designing a landscaping plan for the site is difficult due to the fact that the proposed area is entirely wooded now.

Other staff comments included a need for additional parking, concerns with the driveway shape for emergency response vehicles, questions on drainage, and clarification on waste removal plans.

PZC member Jeremy Flick said he would like to see a service road or path between the A Villa Louisa function hall and the B&B. That would allow visitors to safely walk between the two facilities, he said.

"Nobody should be walking on (Villa Louisa Road) after hours in the dark ... we don't want anyone getting run over after a wedding," Flick said of the small, winding country road.

Despite the added requests, the application already has support among the PZC.

Flick said he has been to multiple weddings at the facility and thinks that the B&B would be a good addition for anyone getting married.

"It's a great idea, I love the idea to have a little getaway," Flick said.