HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-01 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (ED )'WN C FR K
April 1, 2009 MINUTES READING, MASS.
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice Chair), MichrP0l ~n1,-Fu§k( ah, Kara
Fratto, Michelle Ferullo, Sharon Petersen met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:30 embers Absent: George
Rio, Jack Russell Also Present: Carol Kowalski, Town Planner
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
Economic Development Activity:
Ms. Kowalski would contact Salem 5 representatives for their opening date. Ms. Clarke and Ms. Young-Tafoya would
contact Getty representatives. Ms. Kowalski would contact Michael Palmer for an update on his purchase of Wayside
Bazaar. EDC asked if Town Manager would contact Jamie Lynch for update on his plans to build at 18-120 Woburn
Street. Ms. Young-Tafoya would contact Greg Chesnulovitch. Ms. Clarke would get the amount of square footage still
to be leased at Fabric Town from Art Trigilione. Ms. Kowalski would get square footage of Carlson Real Estate
building. Town Manager and Town Planner would get update from National Development on former Addison Wesley
site.
Zoning By-Law Amendments:
Ms. Kowalski would draft approaches for EDC's consideration to address each priority item. She reported that she and
the Zoning Enforcement Officer have begun work on this. Ms. Kowalski would check her and Mr. Redmond's
availability to attend a meeting on April 29, with an earlier start time of 6:30pm to make significant progress with the
EDC.
2009 Work Program (see the work plan on EDC webpage for details)
New Addition to the Work Program: Smart Growth District Support - a subcommittee of Russ Graham, Sharon
Petersen, Kara Fratto, and Jack Russell was created to work on a letter in support of the Smart Growth District and
make efforts to reach Town Meeting Members to inform them of the Smart Growth bylaw. Due to the additional action
items that were added in this meeting (Fall Street Faire and Smart Growth District Support) it was agreed that Carol
Kowalski and Michele Williams will come up with a revised due date on the Downtown Strategic Plan. It was agreed
that the Fall Street Faire would not be an official part of the EDC Work Program.
Liaison Reports
A couple of members of the EDC attended the fundraising workshop on March 19t" and reported that it was well
attended and good information. Ms Kowalski gave an EDC update to the CPDC on the 23rd to check in and update
them on progress of the proposed sign by-law amendments. Town Staff drafted an EDC insert on the sign by-laws for
"Your Community Connection" that was signed off by the Chairman.
Other Business:
Sheila Clarke and Michelle Ferullo met with Jim Mawn to discuss his plans for the former MF Charles Building. Mr.
Mawn informed them that he plans to proceed with his plans this year, and will "build out" for future condominium
possibilities. Mr. Mawn agreed that adding the artist's renderings to the storefront now would help with the curb appeal
of the buildings at this time; they also discussed retail possibilities for his property.
Sheila Clarke and Michele Williams met with Steve Goldy and Pete Hechenbleikner to discuss plans for an
Oktoberfest; the original plans turned into a bigger event and is now renamed the Fall Street Faire. All members of the
EDC were invited to participate in this project, as it will be a big event that will need many hands.
Minutes: Motion by Sheila Clarke to approve the minutes as amended for March 18, 2009, seconded by Michele
Williams, vote of 3-0-1 to approve.
Meeting Schedule
Next scheduled meeting is April 15, however April 29 was considered so the Zoning Enforcement Officer and
Town Planner might be able to attend.
On a motion duly made and seconded the Committee voted to adjourn at 9:35 P.M. on a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Kowalski