The most topic of the meeting was the discussion surrounding Granby’s zoning bylaws, particularly the restrictions on outdoor displays of goods in the General Business zone and mixed-use overlay. The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) addressed a petition from 185 West State Street LLC, which sought to challenge a decision by the building commissioner that prohibited outdoor displays. The applicant’s representatives argued that the decision was detrimental to their business operations and inconsistent with how other businesses in the district were allowed to operate.

Chair Bronner of the ZBA clarified that the board lacked the authority to override the building commissioner’s decision under the current bylaws. He informed the applicants of their option to withdraw their application without prejudice, allowing them to reapply later, and emphasized that the responsibility for rewriting bylaws lay with the planning board.

The conversation highlighted the ambiguity and broad interpretation of terms such as “goods and wares,” which complicated enforcement and compliance. Members of the ZBA expressed sympathy for the applicants, recognizing the outdated and restrictive nature of the existing bylaws. The discussion also revealed a shared frustration about inconsistency in enforcement, with examples cited of other businesses seemingly operating without facing similar restrictions.

Parallelly, the Granby Select Board meeting addressed the town’s fiscal challenges, with a detailed presentation of the 2026 school district budget. The budget, reflecting a reduction in services, faced a $335,000 deficit despite an increase in state funding. The board discussed the implications of being classified as a minimum aid district, where state funding per student remains limited, forcing a rise in required local spending by 6.6%.

The budget constraints were compounded by increasing costs in special education and aging infrastructure, necessitating reductions in staffing. Specifically, the school district proposed a reduction of 8.5 full-time equivalent positions, adding to the 18.5 positions cut over the last two years. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on class sizes and service delivery, particularly the role of paraprofessionals in special education.

Despite these challenges, the board acknowledged the efforts of the district administration in avoiding layoffs and maintaining employment levels, thanks to continued financial support from town leadership. The proposed budget, totaling $12,450,413, marked a 3.37% increase from the previous year. However, this figure included reductions in areas such as professional development and special education contracted services, necessitating strategic resource allocation to maintain quality education.

The board also deliberated on the broader implications of federal funding uncertainties and potential shifts in Title I funding utilization. A cautious approach was emphasized in projecting federal grants, with a focus on aligning with existing Massachusetts frameworks. The administration planned to present the budget for a formal vote in April, ahead of the May annual town meeting.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for continued collaboration between the planning board and the ZBA to address the zoning bylaws and support business operations. The board expressed a commitment to advocating for bylaw revisions through public hearings and town meetings, emphasizing the importance of enabling business growth while managing fiscal responsibilities within the school district.