Agenda

Economic Development Commission - Agenda - Aug 19, 2026

Aug 19, 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
August 19, 2026 - 5:30 P.M.
Main Meeting Room, Town Hall
933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut 06070
AGENDA
Call to Order
1) Pledge of Allegiance
2) "Lights, Camera, Connecticut” Exploring the Economic Impact of Film and TV Production in
North Central CT Presentation Overview by East Granby First Selectperson Jason Hayes
3) Membership Discussion
4) Liaison Updates & Reports
a. Chamber of Commerce
b. Board of Selectmen
c. Town Manager
d. Sustainability Committee
e. Library & Tourism
f. Zoning Commission
g. Planning Commission
h. Main Street Partnership
5) Approve the July 15, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
6) Chair Report
a. September Special Meeting
Adjourn
Municipal Participation Checklist
Is your municipality interested, or already participating, in the Switch
Together Program? Solar United Neighbors (SUN) and the Connecticut
Green Bank work together to make municipal participation as easy,
straightforward, and timely as possible. As we take the first steps towards
engaging your homeowners, your municipal team has a few responsibilities to ensure a successful
campaign:
Municipal Next Steps
1. Meet with Switch Together and Connecticut Green Bank
a. Discuss process and timeline for program
2. Provide Municipal Letter of Support by October 2026
a. Complete the commitment process for an email of support, letter of support, or agreement to
formalize the partnership (samples available upon request)
3. Provide Logo Approval by October 2026
a. Provide Switch Together and Connecticut Green Bank with limited municipal logo approval
b. Review partnership materials in preparation of program kickoff
4. Participate in Campaign Kickoff and Municipal Staff Preparation
a. Campaign kick-offs in February 2027
b. Coordinate with Switch Together and Connecticut Green Bank for staff trainings
c. Assist where possible with outreach throughout campaign through July 2027
Roles & Responsibilities
Solar United Neighbors & Connecticut Green Bank Local Municipal Partner
• Creates communication materials & plan
• Provides website for registration & offers
• Provides customer service
• Organizes auction for qualified installers
• Oversees quality management
• Reports program results to the partner
• Assumes all costs for marketing,
management, & customer care
• Coordinate with local organizations to
support outreach functions
• Conducts mail and online marketing campaigns
• Approves municipal logo use
• Actively promotes the program on town/city
communication channels
• Reviews and approves communication materials
and plan
• Preps staff on the upcoming program (permitting
office, etc.)
Contact Us Learn More
Solar United Neighbors: corey@solarunitedneighbors.org
Switch Together (iChoosr): scott.annis@ichoosr.com | fred.wu@ichoosr.com
Connecticut Green Bank: jayson.velazquez@ctgreenbank.com
solarunitedneighbors.org
switchtogether.com
ctgreenbank.com
Why is Connecticut Green Bank supporting Switch Together?
Since 2011, Connecticut Green Bank has helped make clean energy more accessible and affordable.
The Green Bank is partnering wwith Solar United Neighbors to continue this mission through Switch
Together, providing homeowners in participating communities, easier access to solar and storage. By
reducing barriers to affordability and making it easier to understand incentives and financing, more
homeowners can make the switch to solar and storage!
Bringing affordable solar and
storage to communities together.
Tailored to your community
Solar United Neighbors: info@solarunitedneighbors.org
Switch Together (iChoosr): scott.annis@ichoosr.com | fred.wu@ichoosr.com
Connecticut Green Bank: jayson.velazquez@ctgreenbank.com
We offer a free, trusted, turnkey solar and storage program for your
residents backed by national group-buying power and nonprofit support.
15-25% discounts with group-buying through a vetted installer selected via competitive reverse-auction
Educational webinars and branded outreach materials tailored to your community
Solar Help Desk program supports your customer service needs — free of charge.
Local partners amplify messaging and build community trust
Custom landing pages make registration easy for you and your community
Flexible, proven programming with shared support
Contact us
solarunitedneighbors.org
switchtogether.com
ctgreenbank.com
Learn more
Work with strong, national nonprofit partner and a
trusted, experienced local partner
Help reaching your climate, equity, and energy goals
Vendor-neutral, trustworthy guidance for residents
Why partner with us?
Full turnkey program - minimal
lift for you
Program promotion (direct mail
& digital)
Installer vetting, program
management
Educational content &.
Solar Help Desk
Switch Together
(SUN + iChoosr) provides:
Upfront and performance-based
incentives for battery
installations, providing passive
income for years to come
Reliable back-up power during
power outages and extreme
weather events
Energy Storage Solutions
program provides:
Consumer protection with vetted installers & pricing
Showcase measurable impact and resident savings
Access to flexible financing with the Smart-e Loan
Support for community promotion of program
Access to flexible financing
with the Smart-eLoan
Support for community
promotion of program
Green Bank provides:
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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
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2026
Page 3 of 4
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.
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
July 15, 2026
Page 4 of 4
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