HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-17 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC)
November 17, 2010 MINUTES
Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman), George Rio, Michele
Williams, Russ Graham, and Maria Higgins met in the Berger Room, Town Hall. Jack Russell joined the meeting
at 8:00 PM.
Members Absent: Associate Members; Ben Yoder and Michelle Ferullo
Others Present: Staff Planner Abby McCabe and Board of Selectmen member Camille Anthony.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Other Business:
On a motion by Ms. Clarke, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from November
3rd as amended by a vote of 5-0-0. .
The Chair reported on a request for a donation for Veterans from next year's Reading Fall Street Faire because
the event is scheduled for September 11`". This will be discussed further at an upcoming meeting.
The Chair summarized last week's Subsequent Town Meeting and the results of the zoning articles related to
signage. There was a brief discussion about the zoning article that didn't pass which would have allowed single
tenant businesses in the Business-A zoning district to have an additional sign (either a wall or free-standing
sign). The Committee discussed having this zoning proposal before Town Meeting again. Another Committee
member suggested allowing some time pass before bringing this back to the CPDC and Town Meeting. The
Committee also discussed amending the regulations for real estate signs.
Review of the Economic Development Summit:
The EDC members present at the Novemb9" ummit reviewed the meeting. The Committee felt that the
meeting was well attended and many good points were made. However, some members expressed
disappointed in the lack of guidance in directing the attendees to come out of the summit with clear action items.
The Chair of the Board of Selectmen did encourage everyone to reach out to prospective businesses that may
be a good fit in Reading. In the future, people should leave the meeting knowing how they can contribute to the
Town's economic development goals. The EDC would like to continue to work on a strategy and action items
before the next summit in the spring. Possible zoning changes such as zoning on south Main Street and
Walkers Brook Drive were also mentioned as areas that should be amended to improve economic development
in Town.
Work Plan Highlights (See online spreadsheet for details):
Updates to the Work Plan were reviewed. Ms. Clarke attended this mornings Park and Transportation Task
Force meeting for the agenda item related to the way-finding signage. This is on the Selectmen's agenda for
December 7a, and Mr. Yoder will be presenting the installation phases and logistics. The Committee reviewed
the sign types and discussed which signs should be the highest priority. The signs showing the downtown mini-
map signs can be posted on existing light poles but not higher than 5 feet so they can easily be read.
On a motion by Ms. Clarke, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to recommend the parking sign design
with the black background and white "P" by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Committee discussed the vehicular directional signs leading people to Reading Center. On a motion by
Ms. Young-Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to recommend that the downtown directional
signs. read, "Reading Center" with the red background, white letters and yellow area design by a vote of
5-0-0.
The Committee discussed the sign placements and what the south Main Street directional signs should read.
The Committee decided not to include the south Main Street directions signs in phase I. The mini-map signs
should be located at the side walk bump out near CVS on Main Street, at the corner of Haven and Main Streets
and on Haven Street near the train depot on High Street. The mini-map signs could be placed on top of the
bollards so that they are easily readable. At the next meeting on December 1s`, the EDC should review the
phase I signs and determine how much money should be allocated to the sign construction and installation. .
Phase I is expected in the spring and phase II in the fall and winter. The consensus of the Committee was that
the parking signs, the mini-map/nodal signs and the Town Center directional signs were priorities items to be
included in phase I. The EDC will review the status of the Downtown Improvements and Events Trust Fund at
the next meeting.
Ms. Clarke informed the Committee that the Passport book will be delivered to the printer tomorrow. Ms.
Williams reported that the Creative Arts mural for the vacant lot at 18-20 Woburn Street is almost complete and
ready for installation.
Mr. Graham and Mr. Russell met with the Town Manager and Town Planner this week to review the area
between Ash Street and New Crossing Road near Reading Municipal Light Department. The industrial area is
currently underutilized and possibilities for future development were discussed. An expansion of a local hospital
was discussed as a possibility for redevelopment because the Town has a hospital trust fund. A meeting with
Mass Development is scheduled for December.
Economic Development Activity (See online spreadsheet for details):
The Wine Bunker at 128 Market Place is now open. The underground tanks have been filled at 285 Main Street
and Perfecto's Cafe is working on building permits.
On a motion by Ms. Williams, seconded by Ms. Clarke, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:24 p.m. by a vote of
4-0.
The next meeting will be Wednesday, December 15`, 2010
7:00 PM in the Berger Room
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe