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Selectmen begin review of SHAPAC recommendations; abatement policy revisions flagged for staff drafting
Summary
The board discussed Housing Advisory Committee (SHAPAC) recommendations on fee waivers and tax abatement guidelines, agreed staff will draft a consolidated update to abatement policy for review, and asked for broader stakeholder input before any ordinance change.
Board members on Jan. 12 reviewed recommendations from the town’s Housing Advisory Committee (SHAPAC) regarding fee waivers and tax abatements and debated how to incorporate those proposals into existing policy.
Town Manager Mark Nelson said the paper before the board is a SHAPAC recommendation and not a sale or development of any particular town property. Selectmen discussed whether revisions should be considered piecemeal or merged into a single, updated abatement and fee‑waiver policy for townwide application.
Why it matters: The abatement and fee‑waiver rules are economic tools that can influence whether developers and property owners invest in projects that add housing or commercial space. Some members urged caution and comprehensive review; others said the town needs flexible tools to compete for projects given Simsbury’s comparatively high mill rate.
Board direction: Members accepted staff’s proposal that the town manager prepare a draft revision for circulation to key stakeholders (board of finance, EDC, planning) for written comment prior to public hearings. The board emphasized that proposed policy changes should align with broader town zoning and planning goals and requested a near‑final draft before broad outreach.
Attribution: Town Manager Mark Nelson and selectmen including members who referenced the 2021 fee‑waiver guidelines led the discussion.
