Residents raise parking and accessibility concerns at Eno Memorial; another speaker criticizes timing and notice for special meeting

Two public commenters addressed separate concerns during the Board of Selectmen—s public audience.

Ellen Gilbert, identifying herself as a Simsbury resident, said the Eno Memorial parking lot lacks sufficient spaces and has only four handicapped spaces, which she said is insufficient for a popular noon luncheon. She asked the town to add more handicapped parking and to provide a ramped sidewalk on the north side of the Eno parking lot to improve access for residents who use walkers or have mobility difficulty. "We really need a ramped area on both sides of the building in the back," Gilbert said.

Gilbert also asked whether a portion of a 22-acre property associated with the town—s holdings could be designated as open space, noting some of the land is not buildable.

Separately, a speaker identified as Laurie criticized the scheduling and notice for the special meeting — a Friday at 10 a.m. — arguing it reduced public access and was poorly timed relative to recent elections. Laurie said it was "incredibly convenient that voting to take more taxpayer dollars out of reserves...is taking place 3 days after the election," and criticized late public notice and remote-only meeting format.

Town staff responses: Town Manager Mark explained he requested the special meeting to be present for the year-end numbers but said an earlier distribution of the meeting notice was intended and a miscommunication occurred. Staff acknowledged the public—s concerns and said specific agenda items (like the Eno parking and capital requests) would be considered on their merits by departments and boards.

Sources: Public audience remarks by Ellen Gilbert and Laurie, Board of Selectmen Nov. 7, 2025 meeting.