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Tempers flare at final hearing for affordable housing plan in Simsbury

By Paul Palmer

Staff Writer

A rendering of the proposed 60-unit apartment building.

SIMSBURY – The final public hearing concerning a proposed affordable housing project in Simsbury turned into a public spectacle the evening of Monday, May 1. Some opponents of the proposed 60-unit apartment building that would be built along Hopmeadow Street frequently interrupted members of the Zoning Commission as well as representatives of the developer, Vessel Technologies.

Neighbors living near the site along the east side of Hopmeadow Street have been attending every meeting of every committee and commission that has been involved with deciding if the project should be approved. The week prior to the meeting, the Conservation Commission/ Inland, Wetlands Agency granted a critical approval to the plan, leaving the Zoning Commission as the final authority in Simsbury to decide if the plans would come to fruition.

In its fourth night of a public hearing that has stretched on for months, Zoning Commission reminded public speakers that the pervue of the commission was limited on this proposal. In order to say no to the application, it needed to be shown that there was a public safety or public health danger that could not be corrected by the developer. The parameters are set by the state’s 8-30g statue on affordable housing which severely limits the objections that can be used to deny applications in municipalities that do not have at least 10% of housing that Connecticut defines as affordable.

Vessel’s proposal would included 60 units, with the required 20% based on median income levels as defined by the state statute. Simsbury’s affordable housing rate was last assessed at 5.9%. Zoning Commission member and state Rep. Melissa Osborne opened the meeting by saying she felt the numbers were being misused. “I take issue with his (Vessel’s lawyer) interpretation that we are required to have 10% affordable housing.” She added that Simsbury is addressing the issue and has made progress on housing cost barriers. “We need to weigh this application against Simsbury’s reduction in housing cost barrier. 10% was never supposed to be a required level,” Osborne added.

Residents packed the meeting room at the Simsbury Public Library and were prepared to argue their concerns before the Commission. Many took to the podium to continue to express concerns about the site of the project, the size of the parcel it would be constructed on, its impact on the nearby wetlands and Second Brook, possible flooding and traffic issue that may occur, as well as other issues.

“This could have been designed for less than 60 units,” said Sharon Thomas, who added that hers was not an argument against providing affordable housing.

Ann McDonald, whose Hazel Meadow home sits directly on the site line of the proposed building echoed those sentiments. “I’m not opposed to development, but I feel this needs to be scaled down more,” she said.

Several speakers were reminded by Zoning Chair Dave Rodgers Ryan that their comments needed to be in line with actions that fell under the authority of the Zoning Commission and in particular of what its role is in the Vessel project. He was often met with jeers from people gathered who yelled to “let them talk,” and “you work for us,” when he asked speakers to stay on topic.

At one point, a speaker, Awieda Parsons of Crestwood Road, told the Commission members that if they approved the project, “you guys will not get voted back in.” She added that Simsbury should look to rehabilitate dead spaces in town and said any approval for the Vessel plan would be shameful. Many of the objections raised Monday had to do with issues that the Inlands-Wetlands Agency had dealt with in their hearings and in their final approval.

Others expressed their belief that the expert testimony given by engineers hired by Vessel should not be the only ones considered.

“All the experts were paid for by them (Vessel),” said Kelly Rothfuss. “We’ve asked for independent studies and that has never been addressed.” Rothfuss’ home sits below Vessel’s proposed site and she has told the Commission that she already experiences flooding problems and fears that the new development will only make things worse.

Vessel’s attorney Peter Alter opened the comments at the public hearing by reminding the commission that every other town agency that needed to have already signed off on the plans. Alter added that courts have ruled in the past that expert testimony outweighs non-expert opinions when it comes to matters in these decisions.

“Nowhere in the record is there evidence of specific harm or safety issue shown on this 8-30g application,” he said. “General concerns do not serve as expert testimony.”

When Alter returned to speak near the end of the meeting someone in the audience yelled “ nice suit” and then a group of residents walked out of the meeting before he spoke. Vessel’s executive VP Josh Levy also had to deal with numerous shouted interruptions from those gathered. “ A lot of discussion about existing flooding and traffic at this site is based on the presumption that this can be attributed to a development that doesn’t exist,” Levy said. “In all these discussions, at no point has anyone come up with plans to address affordable housing.” His comments were interrupted by shouts from those gathered that he “had to stick to the rules,” and admonished the Chairman to “ make him address the topic.”

At the end of the raucous meeting, the Zoning Commission voted to close the public hearing- meaning it cannot accept any more testimony from either side. It declined to begin discussion or take a vote on the application, instead deciding to move that to its next scheduled meeting on May 15. The Zoning Commission must issue its decision within 35 of receiving the report from the Conservation Commission/Inland Wetlands Agency, which issued its affirmative finding on April 25.

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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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