First Selectman's Reports
July 14, 2025
Jul 14, 2025
A public record published by the Town of Simsbury (simsbury-ct.gov). mySimsbury indexes it and makes it readable; it is not the official copy. View the original file.
First Selectman’s Report July 14th, 2025 Performing Arts Center Concerts I want to acknowledge the fabulous July 4th Concert and Fireworks at the PAC. It's a highlight of the concert series, and I saw many friends there both at the tables and on the lawn. No matter how you attend, it’s a fun experience every year. Vietnam and Korean Veterans Event This event is planned for August 18th at 4:00PM at Henry James Memorial School Auditorium. Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch will be here to honor all those who served in these wars. Many towns have held these ceremonies, and the LG has asked us to host one, which we are happy to do. The Town has sent out letters inviting the veterans, and I have engaged the VFW, American Legion, and DAR to assist with the celebration and festivities. Please join us in honoring our local veterans. Everyone is welcome to attend. Meadowood Proposal tabled for future review In response to comments from the public, I followed up on what a resident shared with me regarding the referendum vote and clarity. Based on these findings, I have asked CRCOG to remove Meadowood from their first round of consideration for a funded feasibility study to explore options for a ‘cottage community’ of single small homes on the carve-out property. I shared these comments at the Open Space Workgroup meeting on July 2nd and that is available via SCM. I based this decision on information from the referendum. It appears some members of the public were aware of the 24-acre carve-out, while others may not have been. This issue needs further clarification and has now been postponed. We will take up other items from the SHPAC to review at a future Board of Selectmen meeting. 1. The referendum did not include information for voters about the 24-acre parcel in the explanation of the referendum item or in the map that accompanied the referendum item sent to voters (agenda dated April 2021 https://www.simsbury- ct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif9751/f/agendas/4-24-21_0.pdf) 2. All public meetings included the carve-out—multiple presentations and discussions with the mapping, along with a town notice in May 2021 stating it was for the town to decide the future and best use. https://www.simsbury-ct.gov/home/news/the-trust-for-public-land- town-of-simsbury-announce-protection-of-historic-meadowood 3. Some advocates still ask to relocate the 24 acres to a less agricultural site, if anything will happen here. This is TBD at this point, but we tagged along with the Conservation Commission’s visit (which was deterred by weather). Mabel Turns ONE Mabel celebrated her first birthday on July 5th! She started as a 14-pound, 14-week-old puppy and is now an almost 60-pound big girl. She remains a happy dog who loves going to her doggy daycare, chasing balls (and not returning them), digging up our yard, and chewing on anything left unattended. She just returned from her first vacation in Maine and visited her namesake in Kennebunkport. Hope you are enjoying the summer! Reach out anyfime! 860-543-3770 Wendy