After being rebuffed in a bid to build 52 more duplexes at its upscale independent living facility, McLean is asking the town to authorize a 40-unit expansion instead.
The new plan in Simsbury addresses the wetlands concerns that opponents raised to the first version, according to McLean. It also sharply reduces any potential impact on eastern box turtle habitat, McLean’s attorney wrote in its new application for a wetlands permit.
“The new plan represents a major reduction in and relocation of units, leaving a substantial area between the wetlands undisturbed,” Joseph Williams of the Hartford-based Shipman & Goodwin firm wrote. “The plans we have submitted reflect McLean’s dual goals of addressing your reasons for denying the prior application and avoiding harm to the turtles.”
The two-bedroom duplexes in the original plan were going to range from 1,400 square feet to 2,200 square feet and be built in the southern end of McLean’s 75 Great Pond Road campus.
The layout of McLean’s proposed expansion in Simsbury. (Courtesy of Town of Simsbury)
Most of the extensive documentation that McLean submitted this weeks consists of detailed hydrology and wetlands reports examining potential impacts from the project.
The company this week also issued a statement detailing its position on the plan.
“The project will create much-needed housing for older adults, while generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in new tax revenue each year and supporting local jobs,” said Lisa Clark, president of McLean Life Care Community and the McLean Game Refuge.
“In keeping with Senator McLean’s legacy, the Meadow Homes has been designed to reflect our deep commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation, while protecting wetlands, wildlife habitats, and preserving open space for future generations.”
The senior living complex and the game refuge are named after former governor and senator George P. McLean, who died in 1982.
McLean’s proposed expansion in Simsbury. (courtesy of Town of Simsbury)
In 2022 McLean built an expansion of 55 units in its Goodrich building. The four-story apartment building cost almost $70 million and added a performing arts theater, a gym, new dining areas and underground parking.
But McLean has said there continues to be public demand for more of its villas. The company said its new plan has a smaller footprint and targets construction for locations farther from wetlands. That will leave significant areas of open space undisturbed, it said.
Herpetologist Dennis Quinn took part in adjusting the layout based on new field research to protect eastern box turtle habitats, McLean said. It reduced the wetlands crossings from two to one, which is at a narrow point chosen to avoid direct disturbance to wetlands, the company said.
McLean is proposing new rain gardens, basins and low-impact development features to filter runoff as a way to keep groundwater replenished and wetlands unpolluted, the company said.
The plan is for a six-stage phased construction schedule, with each area stablized and restored before crews move on to the next one. The company’s application also details its plan for handling winter road salt, snow, and landscaping to prevent harmful runoff into nearby waterways. McLean proposes to remove invasive species from the landscape and replace them with native plants.
McLean offers continuing care for seniors, starting with independent living and progressing to assisted living, skilled nursing care and hospice services. The company also provides home care for seniors.
The wetlands commission will hear the new application later this fall. If McLean prevails, it will still need to get zoning permits.