Vote Delayed On Controversial Simsbury Car Wash Project

SIMSBURY, CT — A project that once was slated to be an office/commercial building may become a car wash.

But that decision is, ultimately, up to the town's zoning board.

The Simsbury Zoning Commission last week closed the public hearing on July 20 on a proposal to allow a car wash at Dorset Crossing.

Still, it postponed a decision until September after referring the application to the Simsbury Conservation Commission for review.

The application, submitted by Dorset Crossing LLC with attorney Dwight Merriam as agent, seeks a zone change and amendment to the Planned Area Development (PAD) master development plan to permit a car wash at 10 Dorset Crossing.

According to the applicant's project narrative, the proposal would replace a previously approved but unbuilt 12,000-square-foot retail and office development with a 7,275-square-foot car wash.

The applicant contends the revised plan would reduce impervious surface, building size and parking while increasing setbacks, eliminating one driveway access point and using native landscaping throughout the site.

Simsbury Planning Director George McGregor presented the proposal, noting that the Simsbury Planning Commission had issued a split vote on a negative referral due to environmental concerns, while the Simsbury Design Review Board issued a positive recommendation. Simsbury Assistant Town Planner Brittany MacGilpin also reviewed the Design Review Board's recommendation.

The applicant's team, including Merriam, civil engineer Brandon Handfield of Yantic River Consultants, architect Rocco Petitto of QA+M Architecture and landscape architect Biff Schechinger, presented revisions made in response to comments from the commission and the public at earlier meetings.

Commissioners asked follow-up questions before opening the floor to public comment.

The commission heard from 18 speakers during the public hearing, 16 speakers opposing the car wash with only two in support.

Commissioners then voted unanimously, 6-0, to close the public hearing.

Following the close of the hearing, Braz recommended referring the application to the conservation commission regarding potential wetlands impacts. The zoning board unanimously approved that referral.

The commission also voted unanimously to continue consideration of the Dorset Crossing application, along with Application ZC #26-9, to its Sept. 9 meeting.

For the minutes of the July 20 Simsbury Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

For the project narrative, click on this link.