Simsbury conservation agency approves McLean plan for 40 units with wetland crossing

The Simsbury Conservation Commission / Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency voted unanimously (5–0) on Feb. 3, 2026, to approve Application CC #25‑25 from McLean Affiliates to construct 40 new residential units at the McLean Retirement Community, 75 Great Pond Road, including a proposed wetland crossing.

The agency said intervenor claims of “unreasonable pollution, impairment, or destruction of the wetlands” were not proven in the record after review of testimony from the applicant’s engineering, wetlands, habitat and landscaping experts and an independent third‑party peer review prepared by Barton & Loguidice. The commission’s formal findings state no feasible and prudent alternatives were identified that would reduce wetland impacts and that the proposal avoids direct wetland soil impacts by using a bridge to span wetland soils.

Commissioners cited expert review and the town deputy engineer’s assessment that the proposed stormwater management plan meets DEEP guidelines for both quality and quantity. The approval statement further says there is no expert evidence in the record of an irreversible or irretrievable loss of wetland or watercourse resources and that short‑term construction impacts will be controlled through a phasing plan and erosion and sediment controls.

The motion to approve, made by Commissioner Michael Luzietti and seconded by Commissioner Charles Haldeman, included ten conditions. Key conditions require development substantially in conformance with the site plan titled “The Meadow Homes at McLean” prepared by SLR International (Oct. 7, 2025; revised Jan. 2 and select pages Jan. 16, 2026), a pre‑submission revision and review by the town wetlands agent to address two Barton & Loguidice comments (Jan. 20, 2026, comments 2A and 4), and adherence to the site’s turtle protection strategies as shown on the plan and associated notes by Dennis Quinn.

Before a building permit will be issued, the applicant must post an erosion and sediment control bond in the amount of $273,358 and submit erosion and sediment control inspection reports to the town on a bi‑weekly basis and after major rain events. The commission required that erosion and sediment controls be installed and maintained until soils are stabilized and that all measures follow the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (2024 CTDEP Bulletin 34). The Inland Wetlands Agent must be notified at least 48 hours prior to commencement of activities. The commission also ordered water‑quality monitoring of Hop Brook during construction and post‑construction with results submitted to the IWWA.

The commission noted it will forward conservation recommendations related to the project to the Zoning Commission as that body reviews any required site plan or zoning applications. The application’s public hearing record closed Jan. 20, 2026; the IWWA approval allows the project to proceed subject to compliance with the stated conditions and any subsequent Zoning Commission actions.

The motion carried unanimously (5–0).