01/10/2023 Planning Commission Minutes
PLANNING COMMISSION – REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Main Meeting Room – 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Leavitt-Smith called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Town Planner, George McGregor; Planning Consultant, Glenn Chalder Chair, Erin Leavitt-Smith; Secretary, William Rice; Donald Colantonio, Diane Duran, Julie Eaton, and Marcus Furze.
Absent: Holly Beum, Joseph Campolieta, and Craig MacCormac.
Diane Duran and Marcus Furze were appointed as regular members for tonight’s meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 22, 2022, REGULAR MEETING
MOTION: Secretary Rice made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Eaton, to accept the Minutes of the November 22, 2022, Regular Meeting as submitted. The motion carried unanimously. (6-0-0).
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
No public hearings.
V. NEW BUSINESS
No new business.
VI. PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
POCD Update Discussion
• Mr. Chalder announced that there is an upcoming public meeting on Monday, January 30th at Henry James Memorial School, where residents can participate in an interactive community discussion on what they appreciate and hope for Simsbury.
• Mr. Chalder went through the results from the Simsbury POCD Community Survey.
• Responses showed success in the Town’s community facilities, appearance, and protection of natural resources and open spaces, but revealed a need for addressing sustainability, retaining existing businesses, and both piped and wired/wireless infrastructures.
• Housing needs, promoting village centers, and pursuing development to grow the tax base are also potential topics of discussion.
• Chair Leavitt-Smith stated that there should be a joint meeting with the Zoning Commission and another with the Open Space Commission, as they are gate keepers for certain decisions that greatly impact the functionality of the Planning Commission.
VII. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
• Mr. McGregor stated that the Commissioners would be receiving a registration opportunity for the Connecticut Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Boards and Commissions to learn and fulfill their annual four-hour requirement of continued education.
• Mr. McGregor informed the Commission that the Board of Selectmen have directed staff to draft a town ordinance prohibiting the sale of cannabis for 18 months, to allow for more community conversation.
• Chair Leavitt-Smith expressed gratitude for Savannah-Nicole Villalba’s service as the Assistant Town Planner, as the position is now open for applications and will be closing January 23rd.
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence.
IX. ADJOUNRMENT
Chair Leavitt-Smith adjourned the meeting with no objection at 8:06 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amanda Blaze
Commission Clerk