Referendum Is This Weekend To OK Added Cash For Simsbury Meadows Project

SIMSBURY, CT — Voters may have the day off from work on Saturday, Jan. 24, but it doesn't mean they don't have some work to do.

The town is hosting an unusual Saturday referendum to decide a special, $388,000 special appropriation to address cost overruns at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center addition.

The vote will take place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Simsbury Town Hall (933 Hopmeadow St.) regarding an additional appropriation for the previously approved improvements to the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center Bandshell Addition project.

When voters approved funding for the project the first time around — in May 2024 during the budget process — the work was estimated to cost a total of $2.78 million, with Simsbury's share about $500,000, with the rest coming from state grants and donations.

In recent months, however, costs to add to the venue have jumped to $3.17 million, requiring the special appropriation to do what was planned

The additions, called the "Next Act Expansion Project," are designed to add amenities and improve infrastructure.

Proponents hope the expansion will further make Simbury Meadows a cultural and economic player for the region.

Highlights of the project include: green rooms for visiting artists, multiple-purpose rooms, and office space for staff. Simsbury Meadows.

The venue draws more than 40,000 attendees annually and is one of the largest outdoorperforming arts venues in Connecticut.

Fueling the cost overruns are higher-than-expected costs to install fire sprinklers, soil conditions not being suitable for the project, and issues with utility installation, according to a presentation made to the town recently.

The supplemental cash will take care of the soil situation, relocate electrical and communications lines, install fire sprinklers, and add security cameras, among other items.

For more information on the project and Saturday's referendum, click on this link.

From Dec. 8, 2025: 'Cost Overruns Hit Simsbury Meadows Project, Hearing Dec. 10: UPDATE'