Hearing On Simsbury Retirement Community's Expansion Continued To Next Month

SIMSBURY, CT — A lengthy wetlands board hearing regarding controversial plans to expand a senior/assisted living community in town was continued to next month.

The Simsbury Conservation Commission/Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency opened a public hearing last week, Dec. 16, on revised expansion plans by McLean Affiliates Inc.

McLean is a nonprofit operator of the McLean assisted living/senior living community on Great Pond Road.

A total of 12 residents spoke on the expansion that night, along with two residents who were declared legal "intervenors," meaning they have access to all conversations between the applicant and town, acting as a third party.

After testimony, the agency unanimously extended the hearing to Jan. 20, 2026, at the Simsbury Public Library on Hopmeadow Street, where the issue will be revisited.

McLean is looking to add an expansion to its facility that would increase its offerings by 40 units.

Last May, the wetlands board voted 5-0 to deny a wetlands permit allowing for a larger expansion of the McLean facility there.

Conservation commission members shot down the project after several public hearings and resident opposition.

At the time, McLean was looking to add 52 new residential units — called "The Meadow Homes at McLean" — at the 75 Great Pond Road site.

Because of the expansion plan's proximity to wetlands, a wetlands permit is required before McLean can apply to the town's zoning board for a permit to build.

The wetlands board initially took up the matter in February when it opened the initial public hearing.

During deliberations regarding the first application, commission members and town officials had questions about the project, with some residents nearby expressing concern about the impacts of such a development.

Those concerns were reiterated by some last week, but some speakers also supported McLean and praised the nonprofit for what it does for residents.

McLean resident Ruth Kahn praised the organization for what it has done for her life.

"That is something that is very near and dear to my heart because my husband passed away a year ago," Kahn said.

She said her late husband's health issues required them to move to McLean, and it was beneficial for them during her husband's last three years.

Simsbury wetlands board chairperson Margery Winters explained her board is not charged with supporting or shooting down the project, but is obligated to ascertain its impact on wetlands only.

While appreciative of Kahn's comments, Winters said the conservation commission is not there to decide on McLean, but rather the wetlands impacts.

Winters said concerns about the project itself must be directed to the town's zoning commission.

"Keep in mind that we are the conservation and inland wetland commission. Things that are related to other land-use boards, such as zoning, should be taken up with those committees," Winters said. "We are trying to follow the laws that are stated by the state for the protection of wetlands."

Earlier this year, much of the discussion by board members was technical in nature and not, really, whether they supported the project or not.

Ultimately, the board ruled, the applicants simply didn't meet the necessary standards to get a wetlands permit.

McLean officials are hoping this smaller, scaled-back proposal (40 units instead of 52) meets those standards.

For the minutes of the Dec. 16 Simsbury Conservation Commission/Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency meeting, click on this link.

From Dec. 15: 'Plans For Major Simsbury Senior Living Expansion Back On'