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Deadline approaching for decision on proposed affordable housing project

By Paul Palmer

Staff Writer

One of the latest renderings of proposed Vessel Technologies apartment in Simsbury (Courtesy Vessel Technologies)

SIMSBURY – The deadline is closing in on the Zoning Commission and The Conservation Commission / Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency to issue rulings on an affordable housing plan being proposed for Hopmeadow Street. Vessel Technologies of New York City wants to build an 80-unit apartment building on a lot that sits between Hopmeadow Street and the bike trail. Each group has held several public hearings on the plan and final decisions must be made by April 7, according to attorney Peter Alter who represents Vessel.

The proposal calls for 30% of the units being leased as affordable housing for the next 40 years. The 24 units would be reserved for people making 80% and 60% of the adjustable gross income in Simsbury. That translates into rents of $1,265 and $1,054 a month for a one-bedroom unit while two-bedroom units would go for $1,563 for those qualifying at 80% of the adjustable gross income and $1,302 for those at 60%.“ Typical 1 bedroom rents right now in this area are $1,800 to $2,000 a month.

“This represents a substantial opportunity for people who might be shut out of housing in Simsbury,” Alter said.

Simsbury’s Design Review Board was the latest to review and report on the plan. By a 3-2 vote, the Board gave the proposal a neutral/positive decision at its March 20 meeting. Vessel had presented multiple changes to its original plan based on conversations with the Board. The building will sit on 1.97 acres along the east side of Hopmeadow. It will be 300 feet in from the street in the southeast corner of the property located at 447 Hopmeadow.

“We’re thrilled to clear another hurdle and we appreciate the positive feedback from the Board. What’s important for the Board to consider is often they view change as a look, but they have to take into account the need for it in the community. You have to embrace something new to achieve a goal,” said Vessel Vice President Josh Levy after the vote.

Several new renderings of the proposed building were given to the Design Review Board, including a look at where the HVAC units would be located, a view of the north side of the building (rear portion). They were also presented with a rendering of the materials that were being used, especially in the entryway that had been the topic of conversation at previous Design Review Board meetings. Also shared was a photo of the only existing Vessel concept building in operation (in New Jersey).

“We’ve made all the accommodations we can. The form of the building follows the function of it being a Net Zero building,” said Alter “We’ve made all the accommodations we can. The form of the building follows the function of it being a Net Zero building.”

Board member Kate Beal – who was one of the no votes – was not pleased with what was presented. “We asked that you make the building more attractive with colors and I am not seeing it here,” Beal said.

Levy replied, “We can’t start introducing multiple colors as the building is a product not customed designed each time.

Board Member Anca Dragulski . the other no vote, added, “It seems it is cast in stone and honestly looking at the room layout it is so small.”

“When you start customizing buildings rents go up and you keep people from living in healthy, sustainable units,” Levy replied.

The Zoning Commission must wait for the Conservation, Inlands/Wetlands group to issue its ruling before it can decide. The two groups scheduled public hearings on back-to-back nights the first week of April. Each has held previous public hearings and meetings regarding the proposed project. The Vessel project was submitted under what is called 8-30g. That is a state statute that is designed to bring more affordable housing options into communities that have less than 10% affordable housing. It also places very strict limits on what a municipality can do to reject the proposal. At a March Zoning Public Hearing, Chairman Dave Rogers-Ryan reminded those gathered that the Vessel proposal is not required to comply with local Zoning or Subdivision Regulations. The standard of review is state mandated and projects can only be halted when the decision is supported by sufficient evidence on the record. Any decision denying an 8-30g must show that the public interest clearly outweighs the need for affordable housing and there are no modifications that can reasonably be made to the application.

. Streetview rendering of proposed apartment building on Hopmeadow Street (Courtesy Vessel Technologies)

Of the 100 or more residents who attended the meeting, about 15 chose to speak and the majority were against approval. The biggest concerns expressed concerned traffic, storm water runoff, parking on the property and potential damage to nearby wetlands and waterways.

Zoning Commission member Melissa Osborne raised concerns about the standards that were used in the traffic and parking reports.

“Our transportation options are unique in Simsbury,” she said.

The traffic engineer for Vessel responded that the standards used are the industry standard that everyone uses. There will be 95 parking spots for the 80 units, which Vessel says meets all requirements.

“Has a demographic profile of the people that live in affordable housing been done?” asked resident Toby Winters. “I’d like to know what they think they will be. The issue is that traffic generation is a function of demographics of the units.”

Kelly Rothfuss lives on Nutmeg Court, which sits directly behind the proposed building. She spoke about issues with flooding from the nearby Second Brook and concerns about how Vessel plans to deal with snow removal. “I’m a product of affordable housing and would not be able to live in this town without a properly done community. They will be creating a huge mountain of snow on a curve on Hopmeadow Street and there will be lots of accidents.”

Her neighbor, Kathryn Godiksen, said “There is a concern by us (Nutmeg Court residents) that the storm basin won’t handle this capacity, leading to flooding in Second Brook.”

Questions were also raised about the need for affordable housing in Simsbury. Some mistakenly labeled the Vessel proposal as “Section 8” housing” which refers to a separate government program that pays rents for those that cannot afford it. Vessel’s apartments are not Section 8 housing.

“If this was not affordable housing, would the Zoning Commission approve it?” Asked resident Diane Nash. “I suggest the answer is no. We have 30% open space in Simsbury so everyone can come use it and not live here.”

“This is really, really sad that it has come to this because we didn’t have enough affordable housing,” added Susan Cleeve of Mallard Circle.

The Conservation Commission/ Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Agency has been focusing in on the issue of noise and light pollution as well as storm water and melting snow runoff and the impact all of those might have on adjoining wetlands and wildlife in those areas. Vessel’s attorney Alter told the Commission that there will be no work on the wetlands, that concerns over light from the building and the parking lot spreading into the wetlands area have been addressed.

Alter and project engineer Shamus Moran also addressed continuing concerns about how the owners will deal with storm water runoff, melting snow and materials used for de-icing the parking lot. Alter referenced a study from the University of New Hampshire that said the approaches being taken by Vessel are the most recommended ways to deal with storm and water runoff. Moran said that the collection and underground treatment system being employed to gather and discharge the water will get rid of 95% of any petroleum hydrocarbons in the water. When it comes to how snow clearing will be done, they said that they would pretreat the parking lot with a brine solution – as the state does on its roads – and that combined with plowing should cut down on the need for extra calcium chloride. The snow itself would be piled in 3 spots in the parking lot with the melting water being treated by the underground system before it is released back into the spoil or discharged through piping. There are plans, according to Moran, to have any excessive snow piles trucked out of the parking lot if needed.











































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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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