HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-03 Economic Development Committee MinutesRECEIVED
0VN CLERK
Economic Development Committee (EDC)L~a~;IC, p.
March 3, 2010 MINUTES
2010 MAY 18 A Oe 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 Anne Barton, Steve and Sandy as the way-finding
project consultants from Lowell.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Way-Finding Signage Project:
Ms. Barton and her consulting team reviewed the draft report and sign graphics recommended throughout the
town. Questions and comments from the EDC were also addressed by the consultant. Most of the signs
included the "Reading red" that is commonly used on the existing town-owned signs. Staff will find out the exact
name of the color and get a color swatch so that it can be included in the final report. The EDC suggested a sign
at the corner of Main and Washington Streets directing traffic/people to the shops in the Walker's Brook Drive
area. It was also suggested that the directory signs include the town seal at the top so that they all maintain a
level of consistency. It was also recommended that the consultant come up with some more design options for
the parking signs and the town seal should be added to the south Main Street signage. Ms. Barton suggested
referring to shopping / business areas by a name so that directional signs can use that name instead of listing
individual businesses which may frequently change. Business would then need to use that name in all of their
marketing material so that it becomes well known. The EDC also suggested signs on existing posts in the
downtown showing a map of the downtown. Ms. Barton suggested a map with a reference key listing individual
businesses so that it could be easily updated. Signage should be paid for partially by businesses, grants and
other fundraising methods. Downtown directional signs were recommended for Woburn & West Streets, Salem
Street near the rotary, and Walkers Brook and Washington Streets. The Committee discussed priority signage
with the consultants and it was agreed that the shelter signs at the train tracks, the cabinet signs behind CVS,
and the nodal signs with the downtown maps were the priority signs because of their high visibility and foot
traffic.
Other Business:
Development Guidebook / Passport
Ms. Clarke has drafted the passbook and distributed to EDC and staff for review. All comments and edits should
be provided to her by March 10`h so that it can be sent to the printer by the end of March. She has found a
source to provide the printing of 200 copies of the passbook for a good price. The Chamber of Commerce will
sponsor the passbook but is still looking for a second sponsor.
Ms. Young-Tafoya summarized Monday's public hearing with CPDC for the sign by-law zoning changes. The
CPDC voted to recommend the sign by-law changes to Town Meeting in April and the Warrant was closed by
the Selectmen last night.
Ms. Clarke will be chairing the Reading Fall Street Faire and a couple volunteer applications have been
received. Ms. Young-Tafoya has also spoken to the local clergy association about the Fall Faire planned for
Sunday, September 12th
Ms. Young-Tafoya will be meeting with someone interested in becoming an Associate EDC member and they
plan to attend a future meeting.
Reading Cultural Council is interested in interviewing recipients of grants on RCTV and is interested in
interviewing members of the EDC to discuss the grant that went towards the alleyway mural.
Swiss Bake Express will be celebrating their one year anniversary at their Lincoln Street location on Monday,
th
March 8
On a motion made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Ms. Clarke, the EDC moved to approve the minutes
from February 17, 2010 as amended, by a vote of 4.0-0.
The Spring Your Community Connection is due by Monday, March 15`h and will highlight Sam's Bistro and ask
for volunteers for the Fall Street Faire.
Work Plan Update (See the work plan for complete updates):
The CPDC held public hearing for the sign by-law changes on March 1 s`. Ms. Clarke is finishing up the passport
so that it can be printed at the end of the month.
Economic Development Activity (EDA):
The Committee reviewed the EDA spreadsheet. Venetian Moon is considering outdoor dining on the sidewalk
and also on the roof by adding a roof deck. Sam's Bistro is expected to open in May. The Downtown Smart
Growth District was officially adopted by the Attorney General's office last week.
On a motion made by Mr. Graham and seconded by Ms. Clarke, the Committee voted to adjourn at 9:30
P.M. on a unanimous vote, 4-0-0.
Next meeting is planned. for Wednesday, March 17t", 2010
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe
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