HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-18 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (E 9CEIVEQ
February 18, 2009 MINUTES READING, CLERK
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice Chair), MWI iItTs,, N ham,
George Rio, Michelle Ferullo, Kathi Spurr (R/NR Chamber Rep.) Kathy Molloy (R eFF offLdd Ace Rep.)
met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:30 P.M.
Members Absent: Jack Russell Also Present: Tony D'Arezzo, John Street resident, Carol Kowalski, Community
Services Director/Town Planner, Abby McCabe, Staff Planner
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
Zoning By-Law Amendments:
Each committee member discussed the sign images taken in other communities and reviewed why they were and
were not effective. Projecting signs were mainly found in Concord's historic district and were favored by the EDC when
they are scaled to and compatible with the building. Projecting or blade signs are good because they are directed
towards pedestrians and also cars. The committee also liked master signage plans for multi-tenants buildings. Images
of signage in Belmont showed that master signage plans can create consistency and also each can have a unique
personality. The Committee agreed that signage with too many words were not effective and bigger is not always
better as many of the most popular signs were not very large and incorporated artwork and images. Kathy pointed out
that Bedford's bylaw requires all sign lighting to be turned off by 11:00 pm and this, should be considered for Reading.
Bedford's home businesses had yard signs that matched the houses in size, colors and materials. Many of the signs
gathered from other communities that were not well received were too big, had a lot of words, bright lights, and free
standing signs.
Assignments for the next meeting: Committee members should send signage pictures to Abby to put into one
document. Staff will put together a table of the signage by-law priorities and issues discussed at the February 4th
meeting and also create a list of CPDC's, ZBA's and the building inspector's sign priority list. These lists will be added
to the March 4th agenda for discussion. The sign by-law priority table should be reviewed by members prior to the next
meeting.
Review Carol's Sign By-Law Notes:
'Carol clarified some questions about the margin notes in the sign by-law. The sign table in the bylaw is confusing
because it shows dimensional and size requirements but not the amount of signs allowed.
2009 Work Program (see the work plan on EDC webpage for details)
The EDC aims to be ready for sign by-law changes at the Subsequent Town Meeting in November with a September
Public Hearing. The Downtown Strategic Plan item was discussed by the Town Planner. Once a strategic plan is
created it will be given to developers, property owners, business owners and posted on the website so that the Town's
vision for downtown is clear. Michele Ferullo is working on finding a cheese vendor or one more vendor to add to this
year's farm stand.
Liaison Reports
Chairmen's Report/Board of Selectmen: Michele Williams is now a full EDC member and Jack is stepping down to an
Associate member so that there are no quorum conflicts while he is traveling. A summary was given by those who
attended the recent Board of Health meeting. The community is concerned that a taste of Reading is not possible
under current regulations because it would be too costly for non-profits and small businesses. It was reported that the
BoS gave direction to the CPDC about south Main Street efforts.
Staff Report: CPDC will have a public meeting on March 9th about the proposed downtown smart growth district.
Other Business:
The Economic Development Activity spreadsheet updates were reviewed. The Town Planner will be meeting with
Oaktree Development next week and will have updates at the next meeting. The minutes for February 4th were
reviewed and approved as amended.
Meeting Schedule
Next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday March 4, 2009 at 7:30 PM, Berger Room in Town Hall.
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Committee voted to adjourn at 9:35 P.M. on a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted, Abby McCabe