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Simsbury trustees press parking concerns as town pursues Eversource EV charger grant
Summary
Trustees debated an Eversource grant that could place Level 2 EV chargers at town hall and the library, raised concerns about losing parking spaces and patron access, and passed a motion requesting that the town preserve existing parking; the motion passed 7–0 with two abstentions on the parking-preservation request.
Trustee Mary moved and Trustee Lori seconded a motion asking that, if the town pursues an Eversource grant to install Level 2 electric-vehicle chargers, the library be considered so that existing parking spaces are not lost. After extended discussion about parking, charger speed and equity, the board recorded the motion as passing with seven in favor and two abstentions.
Why it matters: The Eversource grant under discussion would fund up to three Level 2 chargers on municipal property but—per town staff—was limited in footprint to town hall and the library for this application. Trustees said the library’s limited parking, frequent program use, and accessibility needs make any loss of spaces a direct impact on patrons and programming. Several trustees urged that the town retain the current number of parking spaces available to patrons if chargers are sited adjacent to the building.
What trustees discussed: Town staff (Diana) clarified that the grant’s scope constrained which municipal parcels could be considered; she explained that the town would manage siting and contract terms if the grant were pursued. Trustees questioned whether the library would be expected to contribute funds (the library is no longer being asked to under this proposal) and whether chargers would be pay-to-use. Board members noted Level 2 charging will be slower than DC fast chargers—approximately 30 miles of range added per hour under typical conditions—and that time limits, idle fees, or other management tools are commonly used to discourage long-term occupation of a charger bay. Concerns also included visual/design impacts, maintenance obligations, and whether chargers would mainly benefit nonresident visitors rather than library patrons.
Action and next steps: The board asked the chair to send a formal communication to the Board of Selectmen recording the trustees’ preference that parking spaces not be removed and registering the board’s concerns about siting chargers in the library lot. Town staff indicated more details would follow if the town applies for the Eversource grant and accepts the award; no permanent installation or contract was finalized at the meeting.
Context: Trustees contrasted potential economic-development benefits—bringing visitors to a visible library location—with the immediate operational downside of fewer or tighter parking spaces for patrons and program participants. The board also noted prior temporary charger installations at town hall that were removed when a grant ended; the current proposal would be pay-to-use and managed under town terms.
Ending: The board recorded its parking-priority position and requested the town record that position; trustees asked the Board of Selectmen to provide detailed plans and terms before any installation affecting library parking proceeded.
