First Selectman's Report - November 24, 2014

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

November 24, 2014

Simsbury Named First “Silver Bicycle Friendly Community” in Connecticut

I am pleased to report that Simsbury has been named the first Silver Bicycle Friendly community in the State of Connecticut!  This award recognizes our Town’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.  We scored high on our public education outreach, our featuring of Bike Month and Bike to Work events and, not surprisingly, on having a very active bicycle advocacy group.  This designation recognizes us for investing in a more sustainable future for the country and a healthier future for their residents.  Certainly a safer, more walkable and rideable Simsbury is good for residents, businesses and tourists.  Lots of people have worked very hard to help us achieve this designation, and I would like to thank Pattie Jacobus, Larry Linonis, Diana Moody and all of the people who have worked with them to obtain this remarkable distinction for the Town of Simsbury!

Town of Simsbury Closes on Acquisition of 1 Old Bridge Road

On Friday, November 22, 2014 the Town of Simsbury closed on the purchase of 1 Old Bridge Road, which is a property right next to the Flower Bridge and immediately adjacent to the Farmington River.  Our next step in this process is to put together a working group to work with Town staff on identifying which of the many potential uses of the property makes the most sense for the Town of Simsbury.  I would like to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, the Planning Commission and the many other Boards, Commissions, organizations and individuals for their support and guidance on this purchase.  I would particularly like to thank Betty Hudson and her family for her support for using the property to enhance the lives of Simsbury residents and tourists alike.  This is an exciting project and I look forward to reviewing options for the Town’s use of this incredibly scenic property located right in the heart of our downtown.

Simsbury Celebrates is this Saturday, November 29!

Simsbury Celebrates is this Saturday, November 29 with events starting as early as 4:00 pm.  Bring families, friends and neighbors to Hopmeadow Street for this festive holiday kick-off event.  There is a community Messiah sing, a Toymaker’s Workshop the Gingerbread exhibit and so much more to see this Saturday.  Highlights include the Firetruck Parade starting at 7:25pm and the Fireworks display starting around 8:15pm.  The Simsbury Celebrates planning committee has done a fantastic job and I want to thank them, Taryn Rae of our Culture Parks & Recreation staff, the Fire Department and the many, many others who make this wonderful event possible.  For more detailed information on the event, please visit www.simsburycelebrates.com.

Social Services Receives Housing Funds as Part from Powder Forest Homes /Carson Way

Some of you will recall that in 2012 the Board of Selectmen agreed to release an “affordable housing” restrictive covenant for six Powder Forest homes.  As part of the deal, Landworks Development agreed to pay $7,000 for each property released.  One property was released upon completion of the deal, and we just received a payment $28,000 to release four of the five remaining homes.  This payment will be deposited in the Town’s Social Services account in accordance with the Board’s action to be used for housing expenses.  I would like to thank Chris Nelson and Ron Janeczko for their part in finding a successful resolution for all parties involved and for helping us to assist residents with housing issues.