Simsbury Board of Selectmen Meeting October 12, 2022

Board of Selectmen Meeting October 12, 2022

On June 20, 2022 the Zoning Commission discussed a “Referral from Planning Director – Request to Amend Condition #13 of ZC #17-10 200 Hopmeadow Street (The Ridge at Talcott Mountain) Approval – to allow residential occupancy permits to be issued for more than 90% of the total units BEFORE the two commercial shell buildings are complete and have been completed.

The minutes of the Zoning Commission state, “Referral from Planning Director – Request to Amend Condition #13 of ZC #17-10 200 Hopmeadow Street (The Ridge at Talcott Mountain) Approval – to allow residential occupancy permits to be issued for more than 90% of the total units BEFORE the two commercial shell buildings are complete and have been completed

Mr. McGregor informed the Board that the applicant will voluntarily submit a bond, and that the town attorney said that the condition is appropriate.

The applicant, a representative for the Silverman Group, reiterated that they would willingly post a bond, and that the effect of this would be to preserve the concept of multiple uses of the site, specifically the two commercial uses at the end of Talcott Ridge, and enhance the aesthetics of the site.

Chairman Ryan explained that they have eight apartments that they have tenants ready for, and there are twelve more they would like to complete.

The applicant commented that they have families that want to move in the apartments are CO ready, the Board cannot move forward until the Zoning Commission moves forward.

The applicant stated that the construction of the building will be done in December 2022.”

It appears that this amendment is inconsistent with past practice and would allow all applicants to file a site plan, make significant changes, post a bond and then receive approval from the Town.

The Site Improvement Bond was issued by the Capital Indemnity Corporation for $611,000.

It is interesting to note that John L, Sennott, Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Capital Indemnity Corporation and a Democrat political operative who lives in Simsbury.

Was this a sweetheart deal?

This bond can be recalled at any time, leaving the Town with little recourse to recoup the loss. Is this a paper tiger?

Why would Town Attorney Bob DeCrescenzo approve this application stating the “conditions are appropriate?”

Lamp Posts were erected that were an inferior quality and did not meet the specifications of the site plan. They were removed and replaced. There were issues with poor heat distribution with pipes that were replaced.

It is alleged that residences of this development have continual issues with the management of the development.

People coming to Simsbury to reside in a development should be assured that the developer follows the approved plans.

Town Farm Gifts of Love has taken over the property that was set aside through the Eno Trust in violation of the Trust.

The Eno Trust Deed states, “On November 25, 1882 Amos R. Eno conveyed 140 acres of land to the Town of Simsbury “to be used for the occupation, maintenance and support of the Town poor of said Town and for no other purposes whatsoever…. as the town shall care for and support its poor on the said farm without contracting them out to any person or persons for their maintenance.”

“THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO FARM LEASE (this "Lease") is made and entered

as of January 04, 2020 between the TOWN OF SIMSBURY, a municipal corporation having its principal address at 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut 06070 (the "Lessor"), and GIFTS OF LOVE, INC. as successor to COMMUNITY FARM OF SIMSBURY, INC., a Connecticut nonstock corporation with an address at 34 East Main Street, Avon, Connecticut 06001. “

The lease with Gifts of Love was signed by Town Manager Maria Capriola although it is in violation with the Eno Trust with the approval of the Board of Selectmen.

The Eno Trust clearly states, “without contracting them out to any person or persons for their maintenance.”

Gifts of Love address is Avon, Ct.

Not only is Gifts of Love and the Community Farm in violation of the Eno Trust, they have not maintained the Farm with overgrowth and weeds throughout the property.

The Board of Selectmen should terminate the contract with Gifts of Love immediately.

The Eno Farms Affordable Housing is also in violation of the Eno Trust, “for the poor of Simsbury” with rents for low and very low-income residents., as described in a 1989 letter to the Town.

Town Attorney Bob DeCrescenzo is presently reviewing the documents for compliance with the Eno Trust.

The Eno Trust Farm property should be repurposed with Social Services and Health Care Offices for the Eno Trust community with over hundreds of families.