HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-01 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (El 4CEIVED
July 1, 2009 MINUTES R [)!'G; PSS,
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke, Sharon PeterseLlQ liBElelll illi* ~ Fratto,
Russ Graham, George Rio, and Jack Russell met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:30 P.M.
Members Absent: Michelle Ferullo Also Present: Community Services Director/Town Planner, Carol Kowalski and
Staff Planner, Abby McCabe and Emily from the Reading Advocate.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
Other Business:
The Chair read a letter of recognition to Ms. Kowalski and thanked her for her work in Reading. Members of the smart
growth subcommittee are encouraged to attend the public hearing on July 13th
Sign By-Law Updates & Next Steps
The Committee discussed the recent sign violation notices that were distributed to several businesses. The committee
noted that the hours to come to Town Hall and speak with the building inspector were limited and decided to look at
the hours of availability in other communities. The Town Meeting time line was reviewed by the committee and it was
determined that because CPDC is focused on the proposed downtown smart growth zoning district they do not have
time to also hold public hearings for signage zoning amendments. The next. step should be to host a public meeting
with business owners for feedback and comments. It was decided that two business meetings should be held; one
during the day and one in the evening to get more people to attend. A press release, email blast and letters should be
sent to businesses about the meeting to attract a wide audience. At the meeting, the EDC should present what they
have considered thus far and ask for input in areas that still need further review.
Assignments for next meeting: Committee members should compare the sign table on page 137 of Reading's Zoning
By-Law with other municipalities. Also, committee members should report back to the next meeting with the office
hours of the building inspector in other communities.
Work Plan (See Work Plan for complete details):
An article about the Reading Farm Stand appeared in the Advocate and has been added to the webpage. New post
and a chain will be installed at the back of the alleyway to prevent trucks from driving onto the new bricks. Reading
was recognized by Common Cause of Massachusetts for having information available on the website, this recognition
will also be added to the website.
Economic Development Activity:
The Economic Development Activity spreadsheet was reviewed by the committee. The new owner of the former
Wayside Bazaar site is expected to file soon with CPDC and Conservation Commission.
Meeting Schedule
The next regularly scheduled meeting for July 15th has been cancelled and there will now be a smart growth
subcommittee meeting held in the Berger room at 7:30 pm on July 15th
Minutes
Ms. Williams made a motion to approve the minutes for Jun 17th, seconded by Mr. Graham. Vote: 4-0-0 to approve the
minutes as written.
On a motion duly made by Mr. Graham and seconded by Ms. Clarke. The Committee voted to adjourn at 9:07
P.M. on a unanimous vote, 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe