Simsbury PZC Approves Mixed-Use Building With Apartments

SIMSBURY, CT — Local zoning officials said 'yes' at their last meeting to a new, mixed-use building in the town's prominent business district.

The Simsbury Zoning Commission unanimously approved a proposal Feb. 18 for a mixed-use building with commercial space and two apartments at 568 Hopmeadow St.

The commission voted 6-0 to approve the site plan application from Chen & Gao Realty, LLC, with Ed Lally and Associates Inc. as the applicant.

The project calls for a building with ground-floor commercial space and two residential units on the second floor in the town’s B-1 zone.

Simsbury Planning Director George McGregor provided an overview of the proposal before the vote.

Ed Lally, principal engineer and land surveyor with Ed Lally & Associates, and Craig Chasse, architect with Architectural Studio 3C, presented details of the project and answered questions from commissioners.

The approval requires the development to follow the site plan titled “Phase 2 Combined Site Plan Prepared for Chen & Gao Realty, LLC,” prepared by Ed Lally and Associates Inc., dated Sept. 28, 2025, and revised Jan. 6, 2026.

Commissioners also required that cross-access easements between 568 and 570 Hopmeadow St., filed on town land records in 2015, remain in place.

In addition, the project must follow architectural drawings titled “Schematic Exterior Elevations,” prepared by Architectural Studio 3C, dated Dec. 20, 2024, along with comments issued by the Design Review Board at its Feb. 18 meeting.

Commissioner Doug McKown made the motion to approve the application, and Commissioner Kate Beal seconded it.

The commission found the application substantially met the requirements of Section 11 of the town’s zoning regulations.

The vote was unanimous.

For the minutes of the Feb. 19 Simsbury Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.