Draft Charrette Report

A draft of the charrette report is ready for public review and comment. Follow the link the below to view a PDF copy (10.5 MB).

Download the draft Charrette Report

Charrette Closing Presentation

On Wednesday evening more than 150 people gathered in the program room of the Simsbury Public Library to watch the closing presentation of the charrette to see how the team fused the ideas presented at the hands-on session into an illustrative plan for the town center. Lee Einsweiler presented a summary of the weeks events, which included an economic overview, transportation recommendations, illustrative drawings and “before” and “after” computer visualizations. After the presentation, participants were encouraged to review and offer further suggestions or input on the draft concepts, which were displayed throughout the room.For a copy of the presentation click here.

Hands-on Design Session

On Saturday morning, approximately 160 people gathered at the Simsbury Public Library to roll up their sleeves and play planners for the day. Following a brief introductory presentation and "food for thought," participants gathered around tables, divided into 16 groups each with a facilitator, to discuss what they would like to see happen to the Town Center in the future. The groups worked on large maps and drew diagrams and sketches to convey the character of the area today as well as describe what they would like to see in the future. For a copy of the opening presentation click here

Simsbury Center Charrette: Come Participate

Starting Friday, September 11 and ending Wednesday, September 16, professionals from across the country will be in Simsbury to help a codify a vision for the Town Center. This is your chance to get involved and have your voice heard. Events are scheduled throughout the week and are open to the general public

• Saturday Sept 12, Hands-on Design Session, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm*
• Sunday Sept 13 thru Wednesday Sept 16, Open Design Studio, 8:00 am - 9:00 pm, daily*
• Monday Sept 14, Drop-in Open House, 6:00 - 8:00 pm*
• Wednesday Sept 16, Closing Presentation, 6:00 - 8:00 pm*

* All events will be held at the Simsbury Public Library @ 725 Hopmeadow Street.

To download a schedule of the weeks events click here.

Aug 10th Open House

The first public open house was a huge success. At least 85 people attended the presentation given by Lee Einsweiler. The presentation introduced members of the general public to the project, explained the charrette process, and included some “food for thought” on best practices in downtown planning and coding. Following the presentation, there was a Q&A session where members of the general public asked specific questions about the project ahead. While in Simsbury, members of the consultant team met with a variety of focus groups representing property owners, business owners, developers and community groups. The consultants also participated in a walking tour of downtown.

Simsbury Center Planning Process

Simsbury’s Planning and Land Use Department is poised for a significant planning process for the Town Center and the general public is invited to participate. The ultimate goal will be to create a shared vision for the Town Center and to translate the vision into new zoning regulations.

Public participation will center around a week-long workshop in September called a charrette, which will be led by planning consultants Code Studio. During a charrette, members of the public come together with planners, urban designers and other technical professionals who can turn the public’s ideas into tangible products such as drawings and computer renderings. As products are created, the public has a chance to react and give input, leading to more refined versions. Charrettes are inclusive by nature and are designed to build consensus from the outset, providing a collaborative forum to bring all parties together and focus on a common goal. The hands-on nature of the charrette, the opportunity to interact with differing perspectives, and the short feedback loops allow issues to be identified and resolved swiftly in the process. Charrettes focus community input over a short period of time, through the hands-on effort of individuals representing a spectrum of interests. Community members with varied interests work side-by-side to formulate plan goals. The workshop setting provides community members with an opportunity to share their own concerns and increase their understanding of other perspectives.