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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-10-19 Downtown Steering Committee MinutesTown of Reading y Downtown Steering Committee Minutes of Meeting October 19, 1995 Town Hall 7:00 p.m. Attendance: Virginia M. Adams Susan DiGiovanni Bruce MacDonald Paul Antonelli Jonathan Edwards Rick Nazzaro Joan Blaustein, MAPC Bea Erickson Donald Phinney Bobbie Botticelli Kathy Greenfield Jack Russell Carolyn Boviard Michelle Healey Pattie Segalla Bob Brown Peter Hechenbleikner Nancy Shipes Ruth Carmichael George Hines Peter Simms Anna Carroll Wilbar M. Hoxie David Soule, IMPC Jean Christensen, MAPC Julie Lastella Jay Smith Brian Crosby Bill Lee Tom Stohlman Walter Cudnohufsky Soni Clarke Lee Roberta Sullivan I. TRAINING by Walter Cudnohufsky for The First Step. Walter took the group outside to demonstrate techniques to be used in giving the Downtown tours. He stressed the following: • 10-15 people per group • stay close; speak loudly and slowly • keep a stiff pace • set an agenda/course • each group ideally has a leader, photographer and recorder • give structure to what you're hearing/what you want to hear • stay "on task". Tasks are as follows: INVENTORY - take stock of "what is", big things DESCRIBE - fact, not opinion FEELINGS - how it's effecting us/what it's doing to us Then list ASSETS & LIABILITIES • other tips: keep limited goals; have a pre-planned & tested route with scheduled stops; prepare an introduction, agenda, and guidelines for participants II. Boston Globe Article: Susan DiGiovanni has spoken with the columnist. He will attend The First Step. III. The First Step • Broadcast cards were distributed per assignment; Carolyn Boviard spoke to cable, and details of the event will be on the Bulletin Board. The cable station also expressed interest in doing a show. • Saturday, October 28 - Status for securing certain items for the event are as follows: Health Permit - Jonathan (or Peter H.)- apparently not needed, unless food is purchased rather than donated Selectmen's Approval for sign board on common and for use of Common (Jonathan or Peter H.)- approved? Trash Barrels from DPW (Peter Simms) - done Tables from Old South Church (John Crosby) - the church will donate tables, but they must be picked up between 9 and 2 on Friday, and returned on Sunday. They will be stored in the Selectmen's Room during that time which they are not being used. Cider, apples, muffins, donuts (Virginia) - cider from Calareso's and Spence's; muffins from the Hot Spot; coffee from Newbury St. Bakery; bagels from Bagel Alley balloons (Soni) - has 500 with logo; needs helium and strings tablecloths, napkins, cups (Virginia) - no status Sign Board (Soni, Kathy, Bill) - done; put up on Common 10/ 18 IV. Eugene's Space Update • Susan has spoken with the Kaplans. They have received the "leads" which she sent to them from the blitz, and encouraged them to follow-up. • Susan had feedback from a national retailer who came to look at the Downtown. Among their comments were that the traffic was "bad", the parking was "bad", the Downtown's character does not reflect the demographichs, and there were "not enough pedestrians." These may be common sentiments among potential retailers. V. Other • Peter Simms has obtained donations from local businesses, to build a coffer, from which funds may be drawn as expenses are incurred. John Crosby (through Brian Crosby) has been asked to act as interim Treasurer for the Committee. Those who have spent money should bring receipts to get reimbursed. • Peter also spoke with Brad Jones. He is interested in the Committee's efforts. He will have a representative at The First Step. He wants to come to a meeting sometime after that event. • _ Peter has again spoken with MBNA regarding a local credit card. The Chamber is to put together a proposal.