HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-19 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDdy H CLERK
November 19, 2008 MINUTES'~'G`
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice Chair), RusseMAAXi, Mchke Allioams,
Michelle Ferullo, George Rio, Sharon Peterson, Jack Russell and Kathi Spurr met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:30
P.M. Members Absent: None.
Also Present: Abby McCabe, Staff Planner.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:31 PM.
Review Work Plan: (Refer to the Work Program for further details)
Website: More images have been added to the EDC webpage as a rotating image slideshow as well as the downtown
parking map. The Committee requested the November 18th EDC report to the Board of Selectmen be added to the
website.
Storefront Design Facade: George spoke to Julie from Reading co-operative bank and she is still interested if the EDC
decides to move forward with this program.
Promote/Retail and Restaurants Downtown: Sharon has contacted the Chronicle about the SAC articles. The EDC
discussed "welcome wagon" ideas for new business and decided that an article in the Chronicle is a good introduction to
the Town. Sharon has agreed to reach out to new business owners to ask if they would be interested in the SAC articles.
Economic Development Activity (EDA): EDA status report was reviewed and discussed. The NAPA space on the ground
floor of the former Fabric Town building has a prospective buyer. The Town Planner and staff have reached out to the
owner of a clothing boutique who is interested in the Haven St. space above the Embellish hair salon. Atlantic Market will
be closing next month and the Committee brainstormed ideas to thank the business for its years of service.
EDC Education: The Chairmen suggested adding a permitting checklist table at the end of the Permitting Guidebook.
Partner with CPDC: The EDC is interested in having a joint meeting with the CPDC at one of the south Main Street design
guideline work sessions.
Grants: The Chairmen submitted the Technical Assistance grant last week on the 14`h The Chairmen also reported that
the Alleway Mural was submitted to the Reading Cultural Council for a cultural council grant. Grant recipients will be
notified in early 2009.
Reports
The public hearings for the Gateway Smart Growth 40R district and the Senior Living building on Jacob Way will open on
December 8th. The EDC is encouraged to attend.
The Staff Planner distributed a document comparing site plan review requirements for neighboring communities. This
analysis should be further reviewed at the work session in December.
Other Business
The Chair reported on the Board of Selectmen presentation from the previous evening.
The Committee needs a fifth member by the next meeting on December 3rd. The Chairmen asked one of the associate
members to consider becoming a member because Kathi is not eligible for full EDC membership.
Jack volunteered to write a brief introduction about the EDC and its work to submit to the Winter Your Community
Connection.
The Retailers Association of Massachusetts will be hosting the awards ceremony on Thursday the 20th. Good Heart's
Children's Shop was awarded "Retailer of the Year."
Minutes
On a motion that was duly made and seconded, the EDC voted to approve the Minutes for November 5, 2008.
(Vote: 3-0).
Meeting Schedule
Next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday December 3, 2008 at 7:00 PM. Location to be determined.
On a motion duly made by Meghan Young-Tafoya and seconded by Russ Graham, the Committee voted to
adjourn at 9:55 P.M. on a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
i
_ . Abby McCabe