HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-23 Economic Development Committee MinutesMINUTES
Economic Development Committee (EDC)
August 22, 2007
p--sell Graham, Sheila Clarke, Meghan Young-Tafoya, Jack Russell, Leslie McGonagle, Michele Williams, and Carol
~alski met at Reading Senior Center, Reading, Massachusetts beginning at 7:30 P.M.
Review of 08.08.07 meeting MINUTES
• On a motion by Tafoya, seconded by McGonagle, the MINUTES of 08.08.07 were approved unanimously.
Guests
Jeremy Cryer, Commercial Real Estate agent met with the committee to discuss the strengths and opportunities Reading
represents to existing and potential businesses. Jeremy cited the following:
o Parking is still viewed as the largest impediment for businesses over 2,000 sq. ft. - businesses need 3 parking
spots per 1,000 sq ft. of space
o Reading should strongly consider metered parking (i.e. Lexington and Arlington) to aid with the funding of a
structured parking garage
o Reading has a competitive advantage due to the commuter rail
o Reading is ready for commercial expansion more so than surrounding neighbors due to political climate,
municipal spending, and available zoning
o Developers are very interested in Reading due to reason cited above
o Jeremy will forward a sample of marketing materials he uses when introducing a town. Carol will send him an
updated rendering of the Streetscape project to include and discuss with potential businesses/developers, as well
as a copy of the Market Assessment conducted by the DHCD
Aeenda Review
• Survey has been completed. Michele will create an invitation to go along with outlining the details of the Business
k breakfast. Leslie will forward a copy of the RMLD mailing list to Michele to cross reference with the existing Business
owners list Carol will forward. Survey will be distributed in the next RMLD mailing.
• Meghan created a presentation template for the meeting as an introduction and year in review of the committee. She
will forward to all members for feedback.
• Website - Sheila and Meghan are scheduled to meet with Bob LeLacheur, on 8/29 to review website edits.
• Farmers Market - no update
• Business Fagade project- Russell will schedule Rich Radville to meet with the committee on 11/14 to discuss
enhancement possibilities for local businesses.
MeetinE Schedule
• Next regularly scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, September 5, 2007, at the Reading Senior Center, Reading,
Massachusetts beginning at 7:30 P.M.
On a motion by McGonagle, seconded by Young-Tafoya, the committee voted to adjourn at 9:30 P.M. on a unanimous
vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Clarke