Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approves replacement of Simsbury fire training building

The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission on July 7 approved Application CC #26-09, allowing the Simsbury Fire District to demolish its existing fire training building and construct a new 70-foot by 20-foot structure at 251 Hopmeadow Street.

Commissioners voted unanimously (6-0-0) after Assistant Town Planner Brittany MacGilpin and applicant Matthew Pearce presented the proposal and the commission asked follow-up questions. Secretary Joseph Campolieta moved the approval; Vice Chair Jason Levy seconded the motion.

The commission found the project “will not have a significant impact to the wetland soils or watercourse” and required soil and erosion control measures during construction. The approval lists five conditions: the project must be developed substantially in conformance with the application materials dated May 29, 2026; erosion and sediment controls shown in the application or otherwise required must be installed and maintained until soils are stabilized; all measures must comply with the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (CTDEP Bulletin 34, 2002); controls shall be removed upon direction of the commission’s agent after stabilization; and the Inland Wetlands Agent must be notified at least 48 hours before activities commence.

MacGilpin presented the site plans and described the proposed improvements to the existing paved area; Pearce represented the Simsbury Fire District as the applicant. The commission’s conditions emphasize minimizing runoff and sedimentation risk to adjacent wetland areas.

The vote concluded the item at the July 7 meeting; the commission recorded the action as unanimous. The commission will monitor compliance with the stated erosion-control conditions through its agent.