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.