HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-10-01 Economic Development Committee Minutes"+ Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
0WN CLERK
DING. MASS.
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Economic Development Committee 1014 NOV
Date: 2014 -10 -01 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
Karl Weld
Maria Higgins
Jack Russell
Meghan Young
Sheila Clarke (remote participation)
Members - Not Present:
George Rio
Sandra Popaja
Others Present:
Jessie Wilson, Community Development Administrator
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson
Topics of Discussion:
Call to Order:
There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.
Approval Of EDC Minutes 9/3/2014
The EDC reviewed minutes of September 3, 2014 prepared by Ms. Young - Tafoya,
Ms. Higgins made a motion to approve the minutes from 9/3/2014. Ms. Young -
Tafoya seconded and the motion carried 3 -0 -0.
Update on Comprehensive update to Zoning Bylaw
Ms. Wilson provided an update on the update of the Zoning Bylaw that will be presented to
Town Meeting in November. Ms. Young - Tafoya reported that the presentation at September
Town Meeting was not very clear as to what had changed. As for the Purpose Section, she
felt there were some key changes that were not addressed. Mr. Russell agreed, stating that
It felt that the Purpose of the Bylaw Section had changed drastically towards prow
development and pushing of the State programs. Ms. Young - Tafoya . felt that the
presentation should be more detailed. She said that she will be providing feedback to the
CPDC during the public hearing process, especially on the sign section of the bylaw.
Mr. Weld asked when the changes to the bylaw would be effective. Ms. Wilson replied by
April.
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ral District Plan
Ms. Wilson provided an update stating that the next meeting of the Working Group is
October 21". Mr. Russell said that he would like to see more performances and activity on
the common. That may be the key to get people to come downtown. Ms. Clarke suggested
better coordination with other groups and felt that a Master Calendar would be a very useful
tool.
It was agreed that the State Designation of a Cultural District would be nice, but that it is
more important to find ways to create a more desirable downtown in ways that work for
Reading.
Update on the Economic Development Plan
Ms. Wilson provided an update including going through the Presentation prepared by the
Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). She said that MAPC will be basing this work off
of the Priority Mapping Project and will begin work on the market analysis through the
winter. Ms. Young - Tafoya added that MAPC made some really good points about Downtown
Businesses. Mr. Weld expressed concern over the Idea of multi - family development along
South Main Street. He felt that the schools cannot absorb any additional students and would
like to see that area left to commercial development. Ms. Wilson stated that there were only
5 students that had entered Reading Schools in total for both of the bigger multi- family
developments in Reading.
The EDC had a brief discussion about the Downtown Smart Growth District. They pointed
out that the District was originally proposed to encompass more of the Downtown Area. Mr.
Russell said he would like to see some of the automotive uses move out of Downtown for
more compatible uses.
Ms. Wilson said there will be Conference Call check -ins over the winter and then a few
public meetings. She will be sure to send the Information to the EDC to participate
throughout the process.
WorK Plan UDeaces
Ms. Young - Tafoya asked if the Town Manager has responded to the letter regarding the
alleyway. Ms. Wilson said that he is aware of the letter, but has been tied up with Town
Meeting so he will get to it shortly. She said that there needs to be a maintenance plan to
address the additional activity In the downtown area.
Ms. Young - Tafoya also reported that she spoke with the butcher shop and she is hopeful he
will be submitting under the Building Fagade program soon. It was noted that they are still
awaiting finalization of the signage for the Flower Shoppe of Eric's and Pure Fit.
Social Media - Ms. Clarke said that she has not done much with the Facebook Page as she
finds It not to be user - friendly. Mr. Weld agreed to take over the administrative duties for
the page. Ms. Wilson reminded the EDC that there were guidelines approved by the Town
Manager on how to operate the page so they want to ensure they follow those guidelines.
Passport - The EDC discussed the update to the Passport. Ms. Young- Tafoya asked if Mr.
Weld could assist with the graphics to tie into the other branding that was done for the
Retail Visioning and Building Fagade Program. Mr. Weld agreed to assist with the graphics
and pointed out the EDC's webpage needs to be more prevalent on the Town's Website.
Adjournment
Ms. Young - Tafoya moved the EDC to adjourn at 9:0013M. Ms. Higgins seconded and
the motion carried 3 -0 -0 (Ms. Clarke had ended her remote participation early).
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