HATFIELD — Two West Hatfield parcels situated between Routes 5 and 10 and Interstate 91, including a property where a plumbing and heating business operated for many years, could be rezoned to allow commercial uses.

At a public hearing Wednesday, the Planning Board voted unanimously to bring the rezoning of 6 and 12 Church Ave. from rural residential to commercial to Annual Town Meeting in May.

Other properties on Church Avenue, as well as nearby parcels on Linseed Road and West Street, which is the state highway, are already zoned for commercial uses.

Planners also voted 4-1 to recommend that voters approve the rezoning. Board Chairwoman Stephanie Slysz dissented out of concern of setting a precedent of supporting a rezoning appeal from resident, rather than taking no position on such a request.

Andrew Black of 6 Church Ave., who ran Prestige Plumbing and Heating from the site, is asking for the rezoning for both parcels, noting they are the only ones “spot zoned” for residential-only uses in the neighborhood.

“I find it unfortunate for me because currently I have a large, beautiful property not good for much else besides a small business to operate out of the 5,000-square-foot building in the rear,” Black said.

Slysz said it is “very bizarre” that two properties have stayed rural residential, but added that the plumbing business shouldn’t have been allowed.

She cautioned that rezoning would open to a range of new uses, some more intense than others, including convenience stores, taverns and restaurants. Any project, though, would be subject to the board’s review.

“We’re making a decision based on what is best for the neighborhood and the town, not necessarily what is beneficial to certain property owners,” Slysz said.

Still, the situation is unique, said member David Leon Bell Jr.. He added that the zoning change would fit in with the needs of that part of town, where homes are in close proximity to existing businesses such as RK Miles and StiebelEltron Inc. “I’m all for it,” Bell said.

No opposition came from residents, with only Gary Savard, who owns G&S Industrial,. Inc. at 4 Linseed Road, speaking.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Savard said. “It doesn’t make sense to have businesses all around two houses.”

In 2004, the street was part of the neighborhood nominated for a National Register of Historic Places.

Church Avenue took its name from one of the buildings on the street, the 1889 church built by the West Hatfield Union Chapel Society and where for several years Holy Smokes BBQ and Whole Hog House restaurant was located before burning down in 2007. That site is now the Jerusalem Masonic Lodge.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.]]>