Minutes

Economic Development Commission - Minutes - Jul 15, 2026

Jul 15, 2026

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.

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Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
July 15th, 2026 - 5:30 P.M.
Main Meeting Room, Simsbury Town Hall
933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut 06070
MINUTES
Members Present: Charmaine Seavy, Chair; Matt Arthur, Vice-Chair (Virtual); Michael Scursso
(Virtual); Gary Schless; Leland Holcomb (Virtual)
Others in Attendance: Marc Nelson, Town Manager (Ex-Officio); Mike Paine, Board of Selectmen
Liaison; Ray Lagan, Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce Executive Director/Chamber of
Commerce Liaison; Dagny Griswold, Zoning Commission Liaison; Cyn Thomas, Business
Development Coordinator/Tourism & Library Liaison; Erin Leavitt-Smith, Planning Commission
Chair & Liaison
Chair Seavy called the meeting to order at 5:31 P.M. and the Commission said the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Approve the February 25th, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes, March 18th, 2026 Minutes, and
May 20th, 2026 Minutes
Commissioner Schless moved to approve the minutes as presented. Commissioner Holcomb
seconded. The motions passed unanimously.
Liaison Updates & Reports
Town Manager –Manager Nelson announced the appointment of Cyn Thomas as the Town's new
Part-Time Business Development Coordinator, effective date TBD. Her key responsibilities will
include: Staff support for the Economic Development Commission (EDC); Reinvigorating tourism
initiatives; Updating the Town's Economic Development website; Community outreach and
stakeholder engagement; Strengthening collaboration among the EDC, Chamber of Commerce,
Main Street Partnership, and other community organizations.
The Town Manager also emphasized the need for a dedicated annual Economic Development
budget, the importance of continued Board of Selectmen support, reviving previous economic
development initiatives that had stalled.
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2026
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Coordinator Thomas introduced herself and outlined her background in library science, graphic
design, marketing, business development, and public engagement. Her priorities include listening
to community stakeholders, improving coordination between organizations, reducing duplication
of effort, and taking a proactive approach to economic development projects.
Chamber of Commerce - Director Lagan provided the Chamber update with upcoming events of
Moe's Chicken & Waffle Grand Opening with an Open House scheduled for the July 16th from
5:00–7:00 p.m. Event includes free samples, music, and community networking. October’s
Spooktacular, scheduled for October 24th. Ticket prices reduced from $15 to $10 through Town
grant funding. Event will feature live music, food trucks, children's activities, and community
entertainment.
Chamber updates included a new Chamber member: Senior Helpers, providing in-home senior
care services. Chamber leadership reported improved collaboration among local organizations and
positive momentum heading into the new year.
Board of Selectmen - Selectman Paine reported that the Board has begun developing its annual
goals and welcomed EDC input. He committed to improving communication between the BOS
and EDC. Appointments to fill two vacant Democratic seats remain under consideration and are
expected to move forward. Discussion included clarification regarding the EDC appointment
ordinance - existing ordinance language allows qualified applicants even if they do not possess
every preferred qualification.
Sustainability Committee – Manager Nelson provided the report on the progress of solar
installations at Latimer Lane School and the High School, the continued planning for public EV
charging stations, and the significant growth in the Sustainability Committee newsletter
distribution. There is increased collaboration between the Sustainability Committee and the Town
Manager's Office. Members discussed opportunities for future collaboration between
Sustainability and the EDC, particularly regarding business outreach and energy efficiency
incentives.
Library & Tourism - Coordinator Thomas shared the progress of the ongoing redesign of the
Library’s website, which is expected to launch in September and the continued "Meet the
Merchant" promotion highlighting local businesses: June featured The Green Teahouse and July
features sponsors of the Summer Reading Program. For Tourism, initial discussions are underway
regarding revitalizing the Town's tourism efforts. A long-term tourism strategy and funding
proposal will be developed before launching new initiatives.
Zoning Commission - Liaison Griswold shared several development projects, including:
Proposed redevelopment opportunities at the former movie theater property; Dorset Crossing
commercial development; Proposed car wash project (currently under Planning review); Hartford
South development status; McLean housing project approval.; New medical office/yoga facility at
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Regular Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2026
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507 Hopmeadow Street; Completion of the Cambridge Crossing workforce housing project under
new ownership; New Chase Bank planned for the former fire-damaged property.
General discussion focused on balancing economic development, housing, infrastructure, and
environmental considerations.
Planning Commission – Liaison Leavitt-Smith provided an update on the former movie theater
property that remains vacant. A previously discussed proposal to convert the property to residential
use has not advanced. At Dorset Crossing, plans for a proposed car wash recently came before the
Planning Commission. The application resulted in a 2-2 vote and will proceed to the Zoning
Commission. Discussion focused primarily on water usage, water recycling, and traffic impacts.
The status of the Hartford South development was discussed, noting that wetlands permitting
issues continue and that discussions regarding a smaller development proposal remain ongoing.
The Cambridge Crossing workforce housing project is moving forward under new ownership. The
project will include affordable homeownership units.
Main Street Partnership (MSP) – Commissioner Schless reported on the Office Vacancy
Committee. Current initiatives include: Identifying underutilized office buildings suitable for
redevelopment; Evaluating housing conversion opportunities; Considering tax abatements and
development incentives; Developing marketing materials highlighting available infrastructure
such as sewer, gas, and fiber connectivity; Touring several vacant commercial properties to assess
redevelopment potential.
MSP Executive Director Nielsen submitted her report electronically:
SMSP helped new owner of 507 Hopmeadow get a text amendment to open CT Aerial Yoga.
Thanks to Town Planner for assisting us with this as well. Ribbon cutting will be August 24th at
5pm; SMSP worked with First Selectman and Town Manager to move The Children's Museum to
Simsbury; SMSP was on planning committee for 250th Celebration Parade this past Saturday with
John Fox and Kevin Kowalski; Office Space Vacancy Committee has toured several of the chosen
sites and is working on identifying funding, abatements, infrastructure and marketing for chosen
sites. Impending revaluation within next 2 years and the deeply discounted price of office buildings
makes this a high importance project; The 16th Annual A Taste in Simsbury Presented by Liberty
Bank will be held on Thursday, August 27th at The Riverview.
Chair Report
Chair Seavy shared plans to improve outreach to local businesses and reviewed the Town's Plan
of Conservation and Development (POCD) and identifying projects where the EDC can assist.
Upcoming Commission vacancies, including the Chair position, with terms expiring in October
should be considered as soon as possible. Ongoing improvements to the Economic Development
Commission section of the Town website, with additional updates planned under the new Business
Development Coordinator.
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Regular Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2026
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New Website “Businesses” Button Discussion
Discussion centered on improving the Town's Business and Economic Development
Commissions’ web presence. Suggestions included: more modern design and photography, clear
business resource information, step-by-step development guides, improved navigation for
prospective businesses and developers. Manager Nelson indicated these improvements will
become a priority as the new coordinator transitions into the role.
Municipal Economic Development Comparative Analysis: Town of Branford
The Commission finalized their review of the Town of Branford’s EDC website and discussed
potential action items and economic development/business resources.
Farmington Valley Health District Business Resources
The Commission discussed the Farmington Valley Health District's business resource materials.
Members noted the value of incorporating or linking to these resources as part of the Town's
online business information to better assist prospective and existing businesses. Liaison Lagan
reported that he had recently met with Farmington Valley Health District staff regarding final
inspections for the new Chipotle restaurant. He noted that final approvals were expected soon,
with the restaurant anticipated to open in the near future.
Adjourn
Chair Seavy adjourned the meeting without objection at 6:43 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cyn Thomas
Business Development Coordinator