02/14/2023 Planning Commission

PLANNING COMMISSION – REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Main Meeting Room – 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Leavitt-Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

II. ROLL CALL

Present: Town Planner, George McGregor; Planning Consultant, Glenn Chalder; Chair Leavitt-Smith; Holly Beum, Joseph Campolieta, Donald Colantonio, Diane Duran, Julie Eaton, and Craig MacCormac.

Absent: Secretary, William Rice and Marcus Furze.

Craig MacCormac was appointed as a regular member for tonight’s meeting.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

All present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 10, 2023, REGULAR MEETING

MOTION: Commissioner Beum made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Colantonio, to accept the Minutes of the January 10, 2023, Regular Meeting as submitted. The motion carried unanimously. Commissioner MacCormac abstained (6- 0-1).

IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS

No public hearings.

V. NEW BUSINESS

No new business.

VI. PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

POCD Update Discussion

• Mr. Chalder went over the data collected from the POCD Community Workshop.
• While residents were most proud of the community facilities (Simsbury Farms, Simsbury Meadows / Performing Arts Center, schools, and the library) our open space, community character, and Simsbury Center were decently ranked.
• What residents felt sorry about were the 29 “Community Character” subsections of over-densification, apartments, blight, 30 the Wagner Ford property, the State Police Firing Range, etc. Business / 31 economic development (loss of businesses) and community facilities 32 (government in general, senior center / community center, and other facilities) 33 gained attention as well.
• For upcoming planning residents felt preserving open space and business / economic development were main priorities. Sustainability, housing affordability / needs, community character, and community facilities also deserved precedence.
• Mr. Chalder stated that he would like sections and chapters worked on so that by the end of May or June there is a draft POCD.

VII. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS

Mr. McGregor stated continuing advertising for the Assistant Town Planner vacancy.

VIII. CORRESPONDENCE

No correspondence.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

Chair Leavitt-Smith adjourned the meeting with no objection at 7:47 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Amanda Blaze
Commission Clerk