HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-17 Economic Development Committee Minutes'RECEIVED
'A~ k;! CLERK
Economic Development Commit
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March 17, 2010 MINUTES
2o1g HM 18 A : 20
Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman), Russ Graham and
Jack Russell and Michele Williams met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:00 P.M.
Members Absent: Michelle Ferullo, George Rio and Kara Fratto.
Others Present: Staff Planner Abby McCabe and Guests Anthony & Carmen Carvallo and their Attorney Josh
Latham, and Maria Higgins.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Public Comment:
The owners of Venetian Moon attended the meeting with their Attorney to discuss their plans to add a roof deck
to accommodate outdoor dining. Venetian Moon has been at 680 Main Street since 2001 and has done very
well and has already expanded on two other occasions. They are preparing applications to create outdoor dining
on the roof and considering adding tables on the sidewalk on Main Street. The seating would be seasonal and
would not increase the total seating capacity currently allowed. The EDC was supportive of the proposal and will
be involved in the public hearing processes with the ZBA and CPDC. Mr. Graham will prepare a letter of support
on behalf of the EDC.
On a motion made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Graham, the EDC voted to support the proposal
from Venetian Moon for outdoor dining on the roof of the existing restaurant as it will create a more
active downtown by a vote of 4-0-0.
Other Business:
Ms. Higgins introduced herself to the Committee and her interest in becoming an Associate EDC member. She
is commercial real estate attorney and would like to be more actively involved in the town. She attended this
meeting to meet the other Committee members before officially joining.
On a motion made by Mr. Graham, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC moved to approve the minutes
from March 3, 2010 as amended, by a vote of 4-0-0.
Customer Services Update:
Ms. McCabe distributed and reviewed with the EDC the customer service action plan noting that several items
have already been completed. Members of the EDC made several additional suggestions of how staff can
improve customer service at Town Hall. A public workshop to meet with businesses owners to discuss sign
options for businesses that have to be brought into conformance by July 1s` has not been scheduled.
Work Plan Update (See the work plan for complete updates):
The draft of the passport book is still in progress and expected to be sent to the printers in April. The Chamber
of Commerce has agreed to sponsor some of the printing cost in exchange for an advertisement in the passport
guide book. After Town Meeting the EDC will work on prioritizing tasks for 2010 and reorganize the existing
work plan.
Article 19 on the Town Meeting Warrant:
The Town Counsel clarified that the Downtown Steering Committee does not have to be dissolved until after
Town Meeting. The Reading Fall Street Faire will become a subcommittee of the EDC once this new Downtown
Trust Fund is in place.
Economic Development Activity (EDA):
The Committee reviewed the EDA spreadsheet. Ms. McCabe informed the Committee that Oaktree is preparing
plans for Site Plan Review and plan to have application material submitted in the next week or two for a May
public hearing with CPDC. Ms. Young-Tafoya spoke with one of the partners at Oaktree Development and
informed the group that they are looking for local high-end restaurant and retail tenants for 30 Haven St. The
Committee made some suggestions for local grocery stores and restaurants and will continue their pursuit for
prospective businesses that would be a good fit at this location.
On a motion made by Mr. Graham and seconded by Ms. Williams, the Committee voted to adjourn at
8:55 P.M. on a unanimous vote, 4-0-0.
Next meeting is planned for Wednesday, April 7t", 2010
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe