HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-14 Economic Development Committee MinutesBoard of Selectmen Meeting —June 14. 2011 — page 1
RECEIVED'
TOWN CLERK
Economic Development Summit READING. MASS.
June 14,2011
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The meeting convened at 7:00 PM in the Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street, ea mg,
Selectmen Members Present: Chairman James Bonazoli, Camille Anthony, Ben Tafoya,
Stephen Goldy, Richard Schubert.
Historical Commission Members Present: Members Mark Cardono, Virginia Adams, Roberta
Sullivan and Sharlene Reynolds Santo
Economic Development Committee Members Present: Chair Meghan Young Tafoya, Shelia
Clarke, Russell Graham, Jack Russell, Michele Williams and Maria Higgins.
Also present: Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Community Services Director/Town
Planner Jean Delios, Conservation Administrator Fran Fink, Conservation Commission Chair
Bill Hecht, Staff Planner Abby McCabe, Kathi Spurr, Jacqui Carson, Tina Brzenski, Town
Meeting members Karl Weld, John Arena, and Dave Mancuso, CPDC member Charlie Adams,
Irene Collins, Erin Calvo - Bacci, Board of Health member Barbara Meade, Bill Crowley Matt
Casey .
There being a quorum the Chair of the Board of Selectmen, Economic Development Committee
and Historic Commission called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.
Review of November Economic Development Summit Meeting
Summary of some of Reading's strengths, weaknesses and opportunities discussed at the last
financial forum.
Review of Development Projects
Ms. Delios gave an update on current projects in Town and changes that have happened since the
last meeting in November. Construction for Calareso's and eCars at 281 Main Street is
underway. Demolition is expected to begin within the next few weeks in both the smart growth
districts at the former Addison Wesley site and at 30 Haven Street. Ms. Delios noted that some
of Reading's business are starting in small locations and then expanding such as Embellish Hair
Salon which opened a year ago on Haven Street and have recently moved across the street to 580
Main Street as well as Aine's Boutique which has moved into the former Be Gifted location.
Karl Weld asked what the Town's goals were with respect to the amount of new commercial
development it wanted to see in Reading. John Arena asked whether Reading had a marketing
plan. Selectman Ben Tafoya indicated that the Town's economic development goals are well
stated in the Master Plan and include: Expand jobs and income; enhance tax base; lower vacancy
rates; increase retail choices to residents; maintain a focus on downtown vibrancy.
Ms. Brzezenski, a downtown property owner, discussed her experiences since she purchased the
multi - tenant building at 580 Main Street a few years ago. She commended Town staff for their
commitment and assistance. She also described her experience working in other communities
Board of Selectmen Meeting- June 14, 2011 - page 2
commitment and assistance. She also described her experience working in other communities
and has found that other communities have shifted responsibilities to staff to limit the time
applicants spend at evening meetings. It was suggested that Reading may be able have joint
public hearings in certain instances particularly with the Community Planning & Development
Commission and Conservation Commission to help streamline the permitting process.
Next Steps
Chairmen Bonazoli explained that there will be a follow up meeting in the fall - in September or
October.
The next summit should focus on the community's goals and objectives and each participant should
submit at least one idea in advance so that.they can be listed on the agenda of the meeting.
It was suggested that the Summit agenda and material be distributed in advance of the meeting. .
The Town Manager noted that there was a new Cultural District program with the state that should
also be discussed at the next meeting.
Attendees requested an update at that time on how the FY 2012 changes in the Community Services
Department are working out.
On motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert, the Board of Selectmen attendance at the
Economic Summit was adjourned at 9:20 PM on a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Virginia Adams Seconded by Roberta Sullivan , the Historical Commission's
attendance at the Economic Summit was adjourned at 9:20 PM on a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Sheila Clarke seconded by Russ Graham , the Economic Development
Committee's attendance at the Economic Summit was adjourned at 9:20 PM on a vote of 3-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted
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