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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-18 Economic Development Committee MinutesRECEIVED Economic Development Committee EDC LERK March 1 2 I READ ' MASS 8, 009 M NUTES In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice Chair)?%IcP;k Witlia ,1~eo ge Rio, Sharon Petersen, and Kara Fratto met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:30 P.M. Members Absent: Russ Graham, Michelle Ferullo Also Present: Peter Hechenbleikner Town Manager and Abby McCabe Staff. Planner Call to Order: There being a quorum the.Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Zoning By-Law Amendments: The EDC reviewed the priority recommendations and discussed the new additions which included clarifying CPDC jurisdiction over sign design during site plan review. EDC requested Town Counsel's opinion or guidance on proposed sign by-law changes before July. It was the opinion of the committee to have legal advice sooner rather than spending too much time on the proposed changes. Assignments for the next meeting: EDC requested town counsel legal advice before July if possible. Staff to work with Town Counsel. EDC scheduled for March 23rd CPDC agenda to check in and update them on proposed sign by- law amendments, staff will send CPDC the EDC's proposed by-law list and timeline in advance of meeting. 2009 Work Program (see the work plan on EDC webpage for details) Downtown Strategic Plan- Michele drafted an outline and emailed to the committee. EDC members should review and send comments to Michele. Staff will provide more feedback to Michele and will set up a time to meet. Sheila and Michele plan to meet with Peter on Friday to discuss the fall festival event. The alleyway mural artist plans to begin work in May and is expected to complete mural in two weeks. The Massachusetts Cultural Council grant will be used for the mural. Jack Russell asked if the Downtown Steering Committee had made any recent funding decisions. Michele reported that the Downtown Steering Committee has not made any final decisions. Sharon has contacted the Advocate and the Chronicle and they plan to publish the Business of the Week and Shop around the Corner soon. Sharon will contact other regional papers for more coverage of local businesses. Liaison Reports Members that attended the CPDC smart growth meeting gave a brief summary of the meeting. Meeting handouts and information is posted to the website. The Committee discussed ways to support the smart growth zoning effort and expressed interest in submitting an official letter of support to Town Meeting members. The committee would like to further discuss the smart growth district and ways the EDC can help at the next meeting. Sheila and Michelle Ferullo are meeting with property owner, James Mawn, on Tuesday to discuss prospective tenants and short term site improvement opportunities. RMLD's Laurie Cavagnaro has been named the Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year" A fundraising workshop will be held Thursday evening on March 19`" at the police station. Downtown reconstruction project begins this week and will include regular weekly email updates. Other Business: The Economic Development Activity spreadsheet updates were reviewed. George reported that his wife and daughter (owners of Goodhearts Children Shop) are opening up a gift store at the former CB Design site and planning to open in mid-April. Grand opening for Swiss Bakers planned for Sunday March 22nd at the new train depot location. New ownership of The Wine Shop of Reading is official. Peter Hechenbleikner reported that he spoke with Ed Dickenson about the recently vacated Linen-N-Things space and encouraged him to look towards local retailers instead of national chains. Minutes: Motion by Meghan Young-Tafoya to approve the minutes as amended for March 4, 2009, seconded by Michele Williams, vote of 4-0-0 to approve. Meeting Schedule Next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday April 1, 2009 at 7:30 PM, Berger Room in Town Hall. On a motion duly made by Meghan Young-Tafoya and seconded by George Rio, the Committee voted to adjourn of 9:40 P.M. on a unanimous vote. Respectfully submitted, Abby McCabe