Simsbury planning staff at the Jan. 6 Zoning Commission meeting alerted commissioners to several upcoming land-use matters: a pending rezoning application for roughly 56 acres south of Dorset Crossing, a pending state 8-30g certificate of affordable housing with a decision expected by March 27, 2025, and a proposal to seek additional town funding to complete a full zoning regulation rewrite.

Staff described the zone-change request as affecting the northern portion of a 56-acre vacant parcel currently zoned I-1 (industrial) and proposed to be rezoned to B-2 (business). The applicant is identified in the record as a contract holder on the property; staff noted the ownership/contracting group may be affiliated with the local skating facility (ISCC) but said no specific development plan had been submitted at this time. The commission was told the rezoning proposal will be the subject of a public hearing on Feb. 12, 2025, and that staff will provide a detailed report in advance.

On housing, staff said the town submitted an 8-30g application (certificate of affordable housing) to the state housing commissioner at the end of December. Staff reported the application required one additional document, which was supplied, and that the state has a 90-day decision period that includes a 30-day public comment window; staff said the deadline for the commission to expect a decision is March 27, 2025.

In budgetary matters, staff said the Board of Selectmen previously provided $75,000 toward a zoning regulation rewrite; the administration plans to request an additional $50,000 this budget cycle to bring the town’s consultant-funded rewrite budget to $125,000. Staff said the town will prepare an RFP for a consultant if the funding is approved, and anticipated consultant selection and proposal work in summer 2025, with actual contract work proceeding in fiscal year 2026.

Staff also provided status updates on several local properties: building plans for the former Wagner Ford site have been submitted and are under review and a boundary adjustment plat was filed to consolidate multiple parcels into one; the fire-damaged building in town cannot be demolished while the fire marshal’s investigation remains open, though the property owner intends demolition once the investigation and any insurance processes conclude; the old Cain’s building has generated interest but remains preexisting nonconforming with parking and setback complexities; and the 200 Hot Meadow development appears enclosed though many openings remain covered with plywood.

The commission was also told a new land use specialist, Ryan (last name not provided), has been hired to staff the front counter and building/land-use intake; staff said Ryan is completing a master’s degree in public administration at Yukon (as stated in the meeting).

During the meeting staff emphasized the need for a consultant to produce a consolidated, town-wide zoning regulation document and discussed project management options, including use of an ad hoc committee or direct commission oversight. Staff reiterated that any consultant procurement would follow the referendum and budget approval process and that funds requested in this budget cycle would be available in FY26 if approved.

Separately, the commission approved its minutes from the Dec. 16, 2024 meeting with one correction; that motion carried 6 to 0.

Commissioners were given a heads-up to expect a busy February meeting with the zone-change public hearing and continuation of a housing strategies public hearing. Staff said the commission may consider hearing the rezoning item first on Feb. 12 so attendees do not have to remain for an extended continuation.