Residents speak out on winery permit modifications

Aug. 10—COVENTRY — The Planning and Zoning Commission heard from neighbors of the Cassidy Hill Winery and members of the community at large in regards to proposed modifications of the winery's permit during a public hearing on Monday.

Winery owners Bob and Carol Chipkin were represented by their attorney, Dory Famiglietti, and an engineer and senior project manager from East West Engineering, Galen Semprebon.

The winery's permit, which was granted in 2011, has been long expired, and the Chipkins have been operating out of compliance. However, they were not made aware of this discrepancy until last year, after which they began working to organize compliance with the town and state.

The permit modification would allow the winery to continue to its business practices that have since been halted, such as music nights on Fridays.

Famiglietti said the Chipkins simply "inadvertently outgrew their permit as the business grew and there is nothing dishonest or deceptive in that."

The original permit allowed for special events such as weddings, reunions, and other outdoor events.

With the modification to the permit, the winery wants to further define what the outdoor events include.

For its Friday night events, which features live music on the east side of the building, the winery wants to host a maximum of 23 of these events from April to September. The winery would also like to have 10 public or private events throughout the year, including antique car shows, craft fairs, and weddings.

Semprebon presented the property proposals for the winery, and explained how they would help with controlling the influx of traffic to the area.

The traffic study determined that the majority of vehicles would arrive at the winery between the peak hours of 5 and 6 p.m., with most traffic expected from Coventry and Tolland.

The proposed plans will allow for a maximum of 195 parking spaces. Semprebon said certified flaggers, employed by the winery, would help with keeping track of the cars in attendance and turn away any additional traffic.

Resident Howard Haberern, who spoke against the permit modification, said the original permit did not include permission for live outdoor entertainment, and that the Chipkins showed a knowing disregard for the permit.

"They should not be trusted to comply in the future," said Haberern. He said the owners should prove they are in compliance on a yearly basis.

"We're not trying to shut the winery down," he said. "But we don't have any confidence given their past conduct that this town should give them an increase."

Other neighbors did express their concerns about bringing extra traffic through the otherwise quiet neighborhood on the weekend.

However, many residents spoke in favor of the winery.

Scott Francis said the winery was his first job and that the "winery has always been a privilege to have." Francis said that the winery has become a large part of the community and town as a whole.

Scott Sleeman, who lives directly across from the winery, said that the Chipkins have always lived up to what they said they would do and expressed his support for the winery to continue its events.

"As the people closest to their property, I think that should speak for something," Sleeman said.

At the end of the hearing, Famiglietti reiterated her statement that nothing done by the Chipkins was ever intentional.

"I do not think there was anything malicious or intentful about the violations," she said.

Town Planner Eric Trott said the hearing will continue Aug. 22.