Solar Panels at the Skate Center, New Turn in Dorset Crossing Land Swap, and Public Hearing Scheduled

The Simsbury Board of Selectmen agreed to consent to changes that would allow the International Skate Center of Connecticut during a meeting Monday night.

The board agreed to consent to changes in an agreement between the ISCC and the Connecticut Environmental Council, facilitated by town counsel Robert DeCrescenzo, that will allow the facility to install solar panels on the roof of the building to help reduce energy costs.

Watch the April 22 Board of Selectmen meeting on SCTV

"We want to encourage all of our businesses to pursue solar panels, reduce their costs, and be energy efficient," First Selectman Mary Glassman said. "Hopefully other businesses will follow suit."

The board also approved new changes to the Dorset Crossing land swap deal between the developer, Connecticut Light and Power and the state Department of Transportation. In order for CL&P to have access to land it needs for the construction of a new north Simsbury substation, the three parties have arrived at three different solutions since last year.

Read about the Dorset Crossing Land Swap here.

Attorney Robert Decrescenzo explained the latest scenario Monday night:

"CL&P will fund the release of the reverter for $160,000. Dorset Crossing will convey to CL&P area 3. The town will convey to CL&P area 1—so instead of an easement, they will own it outright. The town will give Dorset Crossing a temporary access easement over 2A to build the road—no need to convey it because it will be a town-owned road and the town will convey to Dorset Crossing area 2b for its development."

DeCrescenzo said the process will take a while but CL&P will be able to move forward with the new substation.

The following actions were also taken Monday night:

• Board forwarded the Capital Projects plan to the Planning Commission
• Approved the 2013 Jim Calhoun
• Set public hearing for the ABC house for May 13 at 7 p.m.
• Approved use of Eno Memorial Hall for 2013 Performing Arts Center events
• Approved tax refund of $312.57