Simsbury zoning panel approves 15-acre rezoning near Hopmeadow Street for commercial development

The Simsbury Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve ZC24-27, a request from Adam Westaver d/b/a Buck LLC to rezone a roughly 15-acre portion of a 54.86-acre parcel at 1503 Hopmeadow Street from I-1 (industrial) to B-2 (general business).

The commission’s chairman, Bruce Elliott, opened the public hearing and read the application request into the record before staff and the applicant presented details about the parcel and surrounding land uses. The motion approving the rezoning was made by Commissioner Diane (last name not specified) and seconded by Commissioner Tony (last name not specified); the motion carried unanimously with one commissioner absent.

George (town planning staff) told the commission the rezoning request applies to approximately 15 acres of a larger 54.86-acre parcel identified on the assessor map as I04 Block 403 Lot 015. He said the Planning Commission reviewed the application on Jan. 14 and recommended approval 6–0, finding the proposed B‑2 designation consistent with the town’s newly adopted Plan of Conservation and Development.

Adam Westaver, identified as the applicant and owner of the ice skating business on the site, and Philip Doyle, the land planner on the application, described the proposal as an effort to transition a portion of the larger parcel from light industrial uses toward mixed commercial uses. Doyle said the B‑2 zone already exists immediately south across Hopmeadow Street and in adjacent parcels and that the applicant envisions creating a more walkable, village‑style area that would complement the International Skating Center and nearby Dorset Crossing development. “We’re trying to create, like, an Olympic village type feel,” Philip Doyle said, describing walkable paths, parking and future road connections to Dorset Crossing.

Several nearby residents offered support at the public hearing. Rosa Chen, a resident of Cambridge Crossing, said the proposal could preserve a buffer of trees while improving the appearance of the parcel behind the residential area. Terry Connors and Wendy Maxudis also told the commission they supported the application, citing positive changes already made at the skating center and the potential tax and amenity benefits for the north end of town.

In the motion approving the rezoning, the commission based its decision on the boundary survey dated 01/15/25 prepared by FA Hesketh and Associates and on a finding that the zone change is consistent with the economic development policies and future land use map in the Plan of Conservation and Development. The motion set an effective date of 01/22/25, subject to the statutory appeals process.

The applicant and members of the commission said future steps will include subdivision, site plan reviews and traffic review as specific uses and designs are proposed; those processes will trigger separate public notices and reviews. The commission closed the hearing and carried the approval forward with standard conditions and administrative follow‑up.

Votes at a glance: ZC24-27 (Adam Westaver d/b/a Buck LLC) — Approve zone change from I‑1 to B‑2 on 15 acres of a 54.86‑acre parcel at 1503 Hopmeadow Street; motion by Commissioner Diane (last name not specified), second Tony (last name not specified); outcome: approved (unanimous); effective date listed in motion: 2025-01-22 pending statutory appeals.