June 16, 2025
Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa, Kelly Rome. Also present: Town Manager Michael Walsh, Director of Finance Kimi Cheng, Town Clerk Jen Espinal, Director of Finance Kimi Cheng.
Kearns Senior Housing Development Direction
The board welcomed Granby Commission on Aging Chair Jean Donihee-Perron who reported that the commission unanimously selected option 3 — 80 Units Senior Housing and 40 Units Workforce Housing —for the Kearns School redevelopment. Donihee-Perron emphasized that option 3 aligns with the AARP livability index and supports access to key services and community engagement.
Public Comment
Virginia Wood, 130 Lost Acres Road, voiced concerns about the proposed rent levels in the Kearns School redevelopment plan. Wood encouraged the board to consider adjusting the rent upward based on the community’s needs and market conditions.
Commission on Aging member Ellen Thomson emphasized the urgent need for senior housing in Granby, noting a long waiting list at Stony Hill Village and the broader national housing crisis.
Peggy Lareau, Reed Hill Road, expressed support for the senior housing component in the redevelopment plan and urged a review of income level proportions. Suggested leasing the property rather than selling it, to retain long-term control and financial benefit from the site.
Kim Becker, 149 Loomis Street, a member of both the commission on aging and the Stony Hill Village board, voiced support for the proposal and emphasized the urgent need for affordable senior housing in Granby. Also highlighted the importance of including workforce housing. Becker encouraged the board to support the Commission on Aging’s recommendation.
Jim Warnke, 11 Elizabeth Street, a longtime Granby resident and senior citizen, expressed support for expanding senior housing in town. He noted the long waitlist at Stony Hill and emphasized that many seniors, like himself, want to remain in Granby, and the town should prioritize housing for seniors.
Lynette Simpson, Reed Hill Road, emphasizing that the commission on aging has spent years working toward a viable affordable housing solution, encouraged support for the recommendation.
10-Year Capital Plan
The board reviewed each page of the 10-Year Town of Granby Capital Plan. Please see full board minutes for details, at granby-ct.gov
Public comment
Peggy Lareau expressed relief and appreciation that the bathroom facilities at Salmon Brook Park are a topic of discussion and emphasized the importance of having winter-friendly bathroom facilities that remain accessible year-round.
Director of Library Services Amber Wyzik anticipates that the current staff will be sufficient post-expansion, and shared the difficulties faced when coming up with a budget, yet there was strong community support for the library. Her hope was that the funding would allow the library to continue offering the desired services.
Judy Guarco, 80 Harmony Hill Road, emphasized that while she respects differing opinions, the budget is insufficient for the library’s needs. Guarco stressed that the library serves people of all ages, from infants to seniors, and the current facility is no longer adequate. Usage of the library is extremely high, including services for the homebound.
Kim Becker, 149 Loomis Street, expressed support for the library project and noted that the Granby Education Foundation board was in favor. She commended the library staff for their excellent work and highlighted the community’s strong value for education. She concluded with hope that the library project can move forward successfully.
August 4, 2025
Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Frederick Moffa, Mark Neumann, Margaret Chapple, Kelly Rome. Also present: Town Manager Michael Walsh, Director of Finance Kimi Cheng, Town Clerk Jen Espinal.
Appointments
Martha Anne LaCrosse was appointed to the Granby Agricultural Commission, for the remainder of the unexpired term left by the resignation of Heather Lombardo.
Ann T. Woods was appointed to the Granby Board of Education, for the remainder of the unexpired term left by the resignation of Karen Richmond-Godard.
McLean Presentation
Lisa Clark and Carlene Rhea provided an overview of McLean Retirement Community in Simsbury, highlighting key benefits offered in their facility, and what is coming in 2028.
Founded through the vision of Senator George McLean, who passed away in 1932, the McLean organization began with a land donation of more than 2,000 acres to create the McLean Game Refuge, now expanded to 4,400 acres (primarily in Granby, Simsbury and Canton).
McLean operates as a nonprofit life plan community offering a continuum of senior care services, including independent living (apartments, cottages, villas, and duplexes), assisted living, memory care, short-term rehab, home care and hospice, adult day services, outpatient therapy, meals on wheels, and caregiver support and community education. Outreach includes senior center meal delivery, education series and free community events.
Plans are underway to build 50 new duplex homes in the Meadows area by 2028 (160 people are already on the waitlist).
Looking for additional information? You can access the complete minutes from any town meeting by visiting granby-ct.gov/AgendaCenter