Simsbury Retirement Community's Controversial Expansion OK'd By Zoning Board

SIMSBURY, CT — The Simsbury Zoning Commission unanimously approved zoning amendments and a special permit allowing McLean Affiliates to expand its healthcare campus with 40 new independent living units despite opposition from several residents during a July 6 public hearing.

The commission voted 6-0 earlier this month to approve both a text amendment to the town's zoning regulations and McLean's site plan and special exception application for the project at 75 Great Pond Road.

Simsbury Zoning Commission Chairman Tony Braz presided over the meeting. Vice Chair Shannon Leary and commissioners Kate Beal, Dagny Griswold and Tucker Salls were present, along with alternate Doug McKown, who was seated in place of absent Commissioner Jackie Battos. Simsbury Planning Director George McGregor and Simsbury Assistant Town Planner Brittany MacGilpin also attended.

Residents Raise Concerns

Nine speakers opposed the applications during the public hearing prior to the vote:

• Alex Rose of West Simsbury
• Steven Trinkaus of Southbury
• Greg Whitehouse of Simsbury
• James Martocchio of West Simsbury
• Rebecca Picoult of Simsbury
• Bill Franks of West Simsbury
• Siobhan Graham of West Simsbury
• Bethany Phillips of West Simsbury
• Alyssa Peterson of Hartford

One resident, Dr. Stewart Blomquist of Simsbury, spoke in support of the proposal.

Following public comment, lead civil engineer Tom Daly of SLR and attorney Joseph Williams of Shipman & Goodwin, representing McLean Affiliates, responded to questions and concerns raised during the hearing.

The commission then unanimously voted to close the public hearing.

Commission Approves Zoning Changes

Commissioners first approved a series of amendments to the Simsbury Zoning Regulations requested by McLean Affiliates.

The changes:

• Remove the requirement that healthcare facilities be located within 300 feet of an arterial road.
• Clarify that certain non-residential uses, including healthcare facilities and continuing care retirement communities, are exempt from the town's inclusionary housing regulations.
• Eliminate required separation between golf course fairways and adjoining property lines when both properties share common or affiliated ownership, provided at least 50 feet separates fairways from nearby dwellings.

The commission found the amendments were consistent with Simsbury's Plan of Conservation and Development before approving them unanimously.

40 Independent Living Units Approved

The commission also unanimously approved McLean's application to construct 40 independent living units on its campus at 75 Great Pond Road.

The approval includes several conditions, including:

• Development in substantial conformance with the approved site plans and architectural plans.
• Submission of a $273,358 erosion and sediment control bond before a building permit is issued.
• Compliance with all conditions previously adopted by the Simsbury Conservation Commission/Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency.
• Incorporation of tree protection and invasive species management specifications into the project's construction documents before building permits are issued.

Commissioners concluded the application substantially met the site's plan requirements and special exception criteria contained in the town's zoning regulations.

The approvals allow McLean to move forward with plans to expand its continuing care retirement community through the addition of 40 independent living residences on the Great Pond Road campus.

For the minutes of the July 6 Simsbury Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

From Jan. 14: 'Controversial Senior Housing Expansion Back Before Simsbury Officials Next Week'