One project enhances the site of one of Simsbury's most iconic features, the other expands hiking/biking offerings in town.
SIMSBURY, CT — The town's zoning board last week said "yes" to two Town of Simsbury proposals that will enhance both historical aesthetics and recreational offerings in town.
Both Simsbury Zoning Commission votes on June 16 were unanimous, with members easily approving both applications.
Pinchot Sycamore Tree Park
In the first vote, the zoning board approved a special exception permit allowing the town to build a new, two-sided information kiosk at one of Simsbury's most iconic locations in town.
Pinchot Sycamore Tree Park on Hartford Road is home to one of Connecticut's oldest, if not the oldest, trees.
The tree is well-known in town and is used in varoius logos, seals and symbols that have anything to do with Simsbury.
This project would replace an aging sign at the site and include historical informatoin about the Pinchot Sycamore.
A special exception permit was necessary because the work would be in a floodplain, requiring this layer of municipal approval.
Tom Tyburski, Simsbury's director of cultures, parks, and recreation, met with the PZC to discuss the application last week.
"It's closer to the tree," he said of the new planned kiosk. "It's a more visible location. It's more informational. The front panel will talk more about the river and conservation. On the back side will be the history of the tree.
"We know we get a lot of visitors there, not only the residents, but tourists come to town as well," Tyburski said.
Work is expected to be done this summer, officials said.
New trail
Meanwhile, the zoning commission voted unanimously to approve a special exception permit to allow the Town of Simsbury to add a new, 3,000-foot hiking trail to its passive recreation offerings.
Specifically, the new trail would be a connecting trail off Hopmeadow Street to the Town of Simsbury's Curtiss Park, 61 Tariffville Road, Simsbury.
The project would allow visitors to Curtiss Park easy access to a wider hiking/biking trail network in the area, namely the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail nearby.
"This segment is the segment from Hopmeadow Street to Curtiss Park. That's the length of this segment," Simsbury Planning Director George McGregor said.
Daniel Gannon, the project engineer from the town's engineering office, said the project involves collaboration with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the state Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Gannon said there will be a crosswalk at Curtiss Park for safety reasons and it will feature a flashing light component to warn motorists of trail users.
He said it will be similar to what is in front of Simsbury Town Hall.
"You push the button and it flashes. It's not a traffic signal, but it warns people that pedestrians are there," Gannon said.
Both items quietly navigated public hearings on the applications, with no one in opposition, and commission members easily approved both.