HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-01 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC) Meeting
November 1, 2006 R LE PEI V D
TOWH~ CLERK
READING, ASS.
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Re sou et
Present were Russell Graham, Sheila Clarke, Meghan Young-Tafoya, Le agle, uIie
Thurlow, Attorney Josh Latham, Mark Dickerson and Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner.
Review of October 4 2006 Meeting Minutes
Amendment to October 4, 2006 Minutes - Possible meeting with. DHCD on December 6th not
December 1 st.
un. a motion b Youn -Tafo a seconded b IVIcGona le' the Minutes of October 6 2006
approved by a vote of 4-0-0
Agenda Review
The Economic Development Committee met with the, Reading Co-Op Bank and Attorney Josh
Latham to discuss conversion of the Sanborn Street property into an employee parking overlay
district. The proposal manages existing traffic and does not create any additional problems.
~ricv~una ie seconded b Youn -Tafo a the committee voted to su ort the
concept for zoning which would`allow an employee oyerlav district by a vote of 4-0-0.
the proposal will be submitted at the CPDC Zoning Workshop on December 11th. All ED
members should attend the workshop if available. C
EDC met with Mark Dickerson, developer of Walkers Brooks Crossing, to discuss his experiences
regarding building within Reading.
The Committee asked for his ideas on marketing Reading as well as what he found positive as a
developer:
• Rezone Ash Street and RMLD area for easier access.
■ Addison-Wesley site had multiple uses (office, retail, etc.).
• Revamp website Serious investors look for a quality site that can be a useful tool.
■ Public Relations - Possible statement endorsing TASC and welcoming quality development.
• Developer Mailing - Possibly putting together a marketing package to include available
properties.
• Speak with an Economic Consultant/Real Estate - Barry Abramson.
■ Reading is dense and has a great location.
■ Excellent levels of accommodations due to community involvement (BOS, CPDC and Town
Manager).
The Committee also asked what opportunities existed to help Developers through the process:
■ Stop & Shop project had a difficult site plan review with CPDC - We needed to expedite
building permit and implement a `By Right' design.
Allow development team to aid in writing the CPDC decision draft document.
■ Town should be responsible for Department Head sign off. Town Manager responded that
this should be alleviated with the newly created Permits Coordinator position.
Peer Review process - Cost unfair to developer vs. town. Can we be creative about off
setting costs?