SIMSBURY, CT — A proposal to allow a car wash at Dorset Crossing is headed to the Simsbury Conservation Commission for review after drawing significant opposition during a July 20 Simsbury Zoning Commission public hearing.
The zoning commission voted unanimously to refer the application for the proposed car wash at 10 Dorset Crossing to the Simsbury Conservation Commission.
Zoning commissioners also voted to continue consideration of the application until their Sept. 9 meeting.
Dorset Crossing LLC is seeking a zone change and an amendment to the property's master development plan to allow the car wash in the planned area development zone.
Simsbury Planning Director George McGregor told commissioners that the Simsbury Planning Commission had issued a negative referral following a split vote based on environmental impacts.
Simsbury Assistant Town Planner Brittany MacGilpin discussed a positive referral and recommendation from the Simsbury Design Review Board.
Attorney Dwight Merriam, representing the applicant, appeared with civil engineer Brandon Handfield of Yantic River Consultants, architect Rocco Petitto of QA+M Architecture and landscape architect Biff Schechinger.
The project team presented revisions made in response to recommendations from the zoning commission and comments received during previous meetings.
Commissioners followed with additional questions.
Meanwhile, the proposal drew opposition from most residents who spoke during the hearing.
Thomas Surman, Jamie Skiba, Ashley Byros, Rebecca Bellon, John Torres, Fred Medacordia, Paul Chelsey, Robert Demeski, Victoria North, Lori Boyko, Richard Bidwell and Julian Weaver, all of Simsbury, spoke against the application.
Simsbury Planning Commissioner Nick Criscitelli also opposed the proposal, as did Michelle Ciccaglione, owner of Simsbury Therapeutic Massage and Wellness.
Tariffville residents Susan Vankleef and Sharon Byron also spoke in opposition.
Two residents — William Otis and Dr. Max Grezen — spoke in support.
Following public comment, Commissioner Tucker Salls moved to close the public hearing, with Commissioner Jackie Battos seconding the motion. It passed 6-0.
Simsbury Zoning Commission Chairman Tony Braz then recommended sending the proposal to the conservation commission, which the commission approved 6-0.
The zoning commission did not approve or reject the car wash proposal, allowing the conservation commission to review the project before the Zoning Commission takes further action.
For the minutes of the July 20 Simsbury Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.
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