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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-23 Board of Selectmen Executive Session Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting Executive Session April 23, 2002 The Executive Session convened at 7:35 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Matthew Cummings, Selectmen Richard Schubert and Gail Wood, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Mark Dickinson, Garr Morse, Ed Shaw, Bill O'Brien, Attorney John Lamond, Paula Schena. Sale of Real Estate Mark Dickinson noted that the hotel and office are no longer in play, and he is asking the Selectmen what they want him to do. He also noted that he has spent over $200,000 planning and designing the hotel and office and it could be 5-10 years before the market comes back. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the hotel was the key piece of the project. Mark Dickinson indicated that Extended Stay America went away after September 1 lth and he's been unable to interest anyone else. He also noted that the Marriott is in Woburn and it is tough to compete against them. He noted that the landfill is a good location but not for a hotel. He is seeking approval to market as retail. Garr Morse noted that one quarter billion in sales is projected from Home Depot and Jordan's Furniture. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the proposed upgrade of the I-93 Interchange could create an opportunity for a hotel. Mark Dickinson noted that he has retailers who will come to the site. He also noted that there wouldn't be a great difference in money if the Town has to wait 10 years for an office and hotel. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the last time they talked, they were going to come back with ideas. Mark Dickinson noted that Bread & Circus turned him down and Trader Joe's is too small. Chairman George Hines noted that we are trying to be protective of our Downtown. He also noted that Arnold Rubin, owner of Atlantic Market, gives back a lot to the Town -- he donated $5,000 to the RMHS Technology Fund the other day. The Town Manager asked if we do go retail, if it could be a high density retail such as Border's Bookstore. Mark Dickinson noted that parking is limited but he would commit to a creative design. Bill O'Brien noted that if the Selectmen give the okay to do retail, they will explore everything and could possibly do a village design. Board of Selectmen Meeting—Executive Session—April 23, 2002—Pam Mark Dickinson requested that the contract be amended to allow retail. Ed Shaw updated the Board of the schedule. He noted that the plans will be complete on August 15th, they will then apply for permits, and they are looking at a closing date of October 1511' A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to adjourn the Executive Session at 8:25 p.m. was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in.the affirmative. Respectfully submitted, AaaA.,) Secretary