HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-21 Economic Development Committee MinutesMINUTES I, r L IV -0
Economic Development Committee (EDC) Ill LEA? K
May21,2008 4f
Russell Graham, Sheila Clarke, Meghan Young-Tafoya, Michele Willams, Jack R~I( siMrCprol
Kowalski, Abby McCabe, and Sharon Petersen met at the Selectmen Room, Tow l e i g, Ma a setts
beginning at 7:30 P.M.
Guests
• Peter Milano, Senior Regional Director, Massachusetts Office of Business Development
o Peter Milano explained the role of his office which is to assist companies who wish to relocate, expand,
grow, or stay in Massachusetts. He serves 45 cities and towns. Listed below are a few options and ideas
that were discussed.
o Recommended the committee at Salem State College and
o Does Reading qualify as an Economic Target Area? - the town needs to
i i IUcL vi i s vul v i U1c i I.
o 43D - An expedited permitting process in which a 180 day maximum review and decision period by the
town. The project must be a minimum of 50,000 sq. feet. If adopted, the town would receive a Technical
Assistance Grant of $100,000.00. This program has been proven very successful in North Carolina.
Agenda Review
• Work Program
o The committee reviewed the BOS presentation that Meghan created and sent out to the EDC for
feedback. Edits and slide presentation assignments were made by the committee.
o Michele Williams will send an electronic version of the business survey to Abby to include in the
Selectmen packet. Sheila will provide final copies of the marketing brochure. Abby will also include the
work plan and alleyway initiative draft.
Reports
Fagade Improvements
o No updates reviewed
Alleyway Improvement Project
o No updates reviewed
Farm Stand s
o No reviewed - pending report from Michelle Ferullo regarding contacting Calresso's ownership to see if
they would be interested in participating in the farm stand - Included in work plan
Property Status Report
o No updates reviewed
0
• Minutes
On a motion by Russell, seconded by McGonagle, the committee voted to accept the Minutes of the 4/16 and
5/2 meetings 3-0-2.
• Other Business
o Meghan attended the CPDC meeting which the Mandarin Reading and Salem 5 Bank were heard and
requested that to the committee once available.
Meeting Schedule
o Next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at the Berger Room, Town Hall, Reading,
Massachusetts beginning at 7:30 P.M.
On a motion by Russell, seconded by McGonagle, the committee voted to adjourn at 10:55 P.M. on a unanimous
vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Clarke