HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-07-06 Economic Development Committee MinutesMINUTES
Economic Development Committee (EDC)
July 6, 2006 RECEIVED
TOE CLERK{
Russ Graham, John Russell, Sheila Clarke, Meghan Young-Tafoya, Leslie McGonagl A6A&n4A8,S.
- Arnold Berger Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts beginning at 7:30 P.M. with Town Manager
Peter Hechenbleikner. Z001 MY 10 P 1: 2 2
Review of June 14, 2006 meeting Minutes
➢ On motion by Graham, seconded by Young-Tafoya, the minutes of 6.14.06 including an
amendment to include the phrase "proactive force forum" as part of the EDC definition were
approved by a vote of 3-0-1.
Open Agenda - Topics Discussed
➢ On motion by Russell, seconded by McGonagle, a sub-committee consisting of Clarke and Young-
Tafoya was formed to review surrounding town's websites and recent economic development
successes. A progress report is to be given to the EDC at the 9.6.06 meeting. The motion passed
3-0-0.
➢ EDC to review and update existing town website to include a "New Business" tab. This would outline
all town requirements, application process, and possibly available properties.
➢ EDC to review Salem State College CEANF.org program for Intern possibilities.
➢ EDC discussed a Business Improvement District program. It would be a tax related program formed by
local businesses to combine group marketing efforts and overall improvements (street sweeping, snow
plowing, parking, etc.). The possibility of a sub-committee or separate committee was raised.
➢ On a motion by McGonagle, seconded by Young-Tafoya, a sub-committee consisting of Graham
and Russell was formed to research Commercial Realtors and Small Retail/Restaurant brokers.
The motion passed unanimously.
➢ EDC discussed scheduling a meeting with a Massachusetts Development Representative and Carol .
Hughes, Executive Director, Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce to discuss development
options and possible partnerships. Town Manager will contact State Representatives regarding meeting.
➢ EDC created a short list of priority opportunities and projects:
1. Grants
2. South Main Street (Depth of Zoning and Building Set Back)
3. Welcome new business owners and schedule meetings to offer site-specific help for current
property owners
4. Gould and Green Streets zoned Commercial
5. Review historic Downtown Steering Committee data
6. Form partnerships with Art Organizations (Create Art for Kids, possible community owned
location, sculpture for downtown areas, etc.)
7. Develop alleyway beside CVS - opportunity for murals, signage, etc.
Meeting Schedule
➢ Next meeting Wednesday, September 6, 2006, in the Arnold Berger Room, Town Hall, 16 Lowell
Street, Reading, Massachusetts beginning at 7:30 P.M.
On motion by McGonagle, seconded by Russell, the Committee voted to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. on a
unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
`She" a Clarke
Clerk