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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-09 Economic Development Committee Minutes'Economic Development Committee (EDC) November 9, 2011 MINUTES Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Ben Yoder (Vice- Chair), Meghan Young - Tafoya, George Rio, Karl Weld, and Maria Higgins met in the Berger Room, Town Hall. Members Absent: Michelle Ferullo, Jack Russell and Michele Williams. Others Present: Jean Delios (Town Planner) and Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner) Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Other Business • Town Meeting Warrant — Article 21, Signs. Ms. Clark and Ms. Delios discussed the changes to the Sign By -Law to be presented at Town Meeting as Article 21. Article 21 will add new language for temporary construction signage. It was verified by the Committee that they will state their support for the Article at Town Meeting. • CDPC Update. Ms. Delios summarized the items that were on the CDPC agenda for the meeting on November 7, 2011. Items she summarized are the following: o The Public Hearing for Johnson Woods Phase II was opened and continued to November 28, 2011. The applicant was requested to provide additional information. 0 39 Walkers Brook Drive. The applicant provided a traffic study as required by the Site Plan Approval. The study concluded that no additional traffic improvements are warranted. o 10 Pierce Street. The applicant is seeking a minor modification. The design of the structure has been changed but the overall footprint of the site improvements are remaining the same. o Town Meeting. Ms. Delios explained to the Committee Article 22 that will be presented at Town Meeting to discuss the changes to the Aquifer Protection District. She summarized the proposed changes, stating that the changes are consistent with DEP requires. She also indicated that Article 21 was discussed at the CPDC meeting, which the Committee is in support of. • Town Planner Updates. Ms. Delios provided and update on Oaktree and the progress regarding the construction and delivery of the "pods ". eCars is working on receiving their occupancy permit and the DIRT next will discuss the MF Charles building project. She also mentioned that the Ballet Studio proposed at the Church facility will undergo full site plan review under the Dover Amendment. • Peer to Peer Grant. Ms. Clark and Ms. Delios discussed the progress of the Peer to Peer grant. Jean is working with Teresa to put together the contract. • DRT MF Charles. Ms. Clark explained that she is unable to attend. Mr. Yoder and Ms. Higgins indicated that they may be able to attend. • Oaktree Development. Ms. Clark expressed concern regarding the delivery of the "pods" and construction of the Oaktree Tree property. She indicated that the business had several concerns which she has been working with the Town Manger to address. Ms. Delios provided an update on the most recent discussions with Oaktree with regard to their construction and delivery timelines. It has been verified that the "pods" will come down High Street and enter Haven Street from that direction as opposed to from Main Street. Additionally, Oaktree has indicated that the "pods" for the rear can be hoisted into place first, and then the remaining "pods" to be hoisted from Haven Street will be placed after Christmas. Mr. Weld expressed concern that Oaktree's construction timeline is slipping and could be pushed back even further. • Creative Arts. Mr. Weld explained that Creative Arts has been in contact with that building owner and expressed interest in leasing the former RMV space adjacent to Creative Arts. According to the landlord, there is not sufficient parking and denied Creative Arts the opportunity to least the space. Ms. Young - Tafoya indicated that she will get in touch with the realtor to determine what the situation is on leasing from the landlord. • Buy Local Campaign. Ms. Clark asked the Committee if they would support the development of a brochure. The Committee discussed the options for the brochure. The Committee stated support for the taskforce Ms. Clark will initiate that process. • Budget, 2012. Ms. Clark explained to the Committee that they must identify the EDC budget for FY 2012. It was decided to put the budget on the agenda for December 7, 2011. • On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Mr., Rio, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from October 19, 2011 as written by a vote of 40-0. On a motion by Ms. Young- Tafoya, seconded by Mr., Yoder, the EDC voted to approve the Subcommittee minutes from October 17, 2011 as written by a vote of 40-0. Work Plan Highlights Mr. Yoder provided the Committee with photograph identifying the location and placement for Wayfinding Sign at the traffic island at the corner of West Street and Woburn Street. The Committee also discussed other potential location for signage. Ms. Clark provided and update on the Fagade Improvement Program and indicated that Michael Lafontant, the Intern, has completed a rendering of upgrades. Ms. Clark mentioned that the improvements shown in the rendering can all be done on little money. Mr. Rio is going to request the final financial information for the Fall Street Faire. On a motion by Ms. Clark, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to adjourn at 8:50 PM by a vote of 40-0. Respectfully submitted, Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner