HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-01-03 Economic Development Committee MinutesMINUTES
Economic Development Committee (EDC)
January 3, 2007 CDC E IV ED
TOWN CLERIK
'ell Graham, Sheila Clarke, Meghan Young-Tafoya, Leslie McGonagle, and Michelle 1''a`~ r
.__.,/ell Street, Reading, Massachusetts beginning at 7:30 P.M. > n, et n Hall, 16
Z C01 AY 10 1: 2 2 ;
Agenda Review
• EDC met with Carol Wolfe, Manager, Community Revitalization Unit, John Fitzgerald, Urban Development.
Coordinator of the DHCD and Justin Martel, Legislative Aid, Representative Bradley Jones office.. The DHCD
members made the following statements/recommendations to the EDC:
o Committee should consider hiring a consultant to conduct a parking analysis and overall economic mix
analysis for downtown.
o The DHCD no longer has grant opportunities strictly for parking.
o The EDC should continue to research Smart Growth and Urban Development
o The Transoriented Development Program (TOD) may have funds available. Carol will contact Tad Reed
for further information.
o The Massachusetts Downtown Initiative offers workshops regarding Design, Business Recruitment and
Retention, etc. Carol will contact Emmy Haan, Coordinator, for upcoming.schedule as well as details on
the Technical Site Visit Program.
o John Fitzgerald explained the Peer to Peer Technical Assistance program which grant hinds are available
for 30 hours of technical assistance in community development. The Town Manager or BOS would need
to submit a short outline where the town could use the assistance.
o Sheila Clarke will forward a copy of the Master Plan Summary to Carol Wolfe, John Fitzgerald, and
Emmy Haan for a better understanding of Reading's overall vision.
o Carol Wolfe will contact Emmy Haan to discuss comparable towns to Reading regarding Economic
Development.
EDC met with Creative Arts. The organization is currently located in the Congressional church, which is full to
capacity thus limiting the programs that can be offered. They have partnered with RCTV in finding a location to
share approximately 20,000 sq ft. together. They have created the organization "Cultural Connection" which
consists of various arts organizations banding together. It is their hope to create a Cultural center which would
include a 300 seat performance center, gallery, and education programs.
The EDC with talk to Peter Hechenbleikner regarding a possible partnership with the Tamboni property,.
Knights of Columbus building, and the Christian Science church
Meeting Schedule
• Next regularly scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, February 7, 2007, in the Arnold Berger Room, Town Hall,
16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts beginning at 7:30 P.M.
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
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