03/28/2023 Planning Commission Meeting - DRAFT
Subject to Approval
PLANNING COMMISSION – REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Public Meeting was Zoom-based.
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Leavitt-Smith called the meeting to order at 7:02 P.M.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Town Planner, George McGregor; Planning Consultant, Glenn Chalder; Chair, Erin Leavitt-Smith; Secretary, William Rice; Donald Colantonio, Marcus Furze, and Craig MacCormac.
Absent: Holly Beum, Joseph Campolieta, Diane Duran, and Julie Eaton.
Marcus Furze and Craig MacCormac 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 FEBRUARY 14, 2023, REGULAR MEETING
Secretary Rice and Commissioner MacCormac stated that bullet point beginning at line 48 could read as, “What residents felt sorry about were the “Community Character” subsections of over-densification, apartments, blight, the Wagner Ford property, the State Police Firing Range, etc. Business / economic development (loss of businesses) and community facilities (government in general, senior center / community center, and other facilities) gained attention as well.
MOTION: Secretary Rice made a motion, seconded by Commissioner MacCormac, to approve the Minutes of the February 14, 2023, Regular Meeting as amended. The motion carried unanimously. (5-0-0).
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
No public hearings.
V. NEW BUSINESS
No new business.
VI. PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
POCD Update Discussion
• The Board chose an evolutionary approach that copies the organization of the 2017 version of the POCD. There will be a revamped focus on sustainability (ecologically, economically, and socially), where it will be clearly defined as to what it means for Simsbury.
• Mr. Chalder stated that a reestablishment of the PA 490 plan was necessary and that it would be helpful to create a map and document of the properties in town that meet the criteria.
• It was agreed that the use of the word “character” needs to be reduced throughout the document and be distinctly defined.
• It was favorable that an economic community impact analysis continues to happen for major projects in town.
• Secretary Rice stated that affordable housing topics should refer to the Affordable Housing Plan of 2021.
• Mr. Chalder proposed creating a Planning Implementation Committee with stakeholders from various commissions and boards and establish prioritization.
VII. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
No general commission business.
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. McGregor stated that an Assistant Town Planner has been hired and will begin on May 1st.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Leavitt-Smith adjourned the meeting with no objection at 8:17 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amanda Blaze
Commission Clerk