HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-14 Economic Development Committee MinutesMINUTES
Economic Development Committee (EDC) RECEIVED
March 14, 2007 TOWN CLERK
ell Graham, Sheila Clarke, Meghan Young-Tafoya, Peter Hechenbleikner, and Lesli~l~ c onagre~m'el at the Senior
t iter, Reading, Massachusetts beginning at 7:30 P.M.
1001 MAY 10 P I- 22
Review of February 7, 2007 meeting MINUTES
• On a motion by McGonagle, seconded by Young-Tafoya, the MINUTES of 02.07.07 were approved
unanimously.
Guests
EDC met with Jennifer Hart, Creative Arts, regarding Cultural Connection and possible space within town. The
EDC walked through known open properties. The Christian Science building was originally thought to be an
option, but no longer is due to ownership/congressional issues. Jennifer updated the EDC that The Cultural
Connection has been in contact with Selectman James Bonazoli regarding a town owned property on Oakland
road. The property is 3 - 4 acres and will under go a "Community process" this summer to determine what
should be done with it. Michele Williams has volunteered to be an EDC Liaison to The Cultural Connection going
forward.
Agenda Review
• Sheila Clarke and Meghan Young-Tayfoya updated the committee on their meeting with Emmy Haan, DHCD.
o The EDC will submit an application to qualify for the Technical Assistance program from the DHCD.
Sheila Clarke will follow up to find out if we can apply the grant toward the website and break up into
multiple projects.
o On a motion by Young - Tafoya; seconded by McGonagle, the recommendation was made that the
EDC apply the TA grant toward the category of Business Recruitment and Marketing the
Community. The motion was approved unanimously.
o The committee members will each attend one of the
1. How Creative Is Your Downtown - 4/10
2. Analyzing Your Parking Needs - 5/2
3. Design Elements for Parking - TBD
4. Economic of Downtown - 6/13
5. Business Development for Downtowns 6/14
Sheila Clarke will contact Jack Russell to confirm attendance.
DHCD workshops'- schedule outlined below:
Peter Hechenbleikner
Jack Russell
Sheila Clarke and Meghan Young - Tafoya
Leslie McGonagle
• Peter Hechenbleikner updated the EDC on the Peer-to-Peer program. The project overview was submitted to the
DHCD for approval. The dates are TBA.
• Peter Hechenbleikner met with Richard Tamboni regarding updating his property. Mr. Tamboni is planning a
face-lift of his building to address immediate needs. The tenants will stay during renovations. A Site Plan waiver
has been submitted to the CPDC for 3/26.
• Town website - Sheila Clarke will email Peter Hechenbleikner the State information links. Sheila Clarke and
Meghan Young-Tafoya will schedule a meeting to determine graphics for existing businesses testimonials, as well
as RCTV clips, town map, and Chamber of Commerce participation
• Peter Hechenbleikner contact Representative Tierney's office regarding possible Grant opportunities for parking
structures
Meeting Schedule
• Next regularly scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, March 27, 2007, in the Arnold Berger Room, Town Hall,
16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts beginning at 7:30 P.M.
motion by Young-Tafoya, seconded by McGonagle, the committee voted to adjourn at 10:00 P.M. on a
unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Clarke