HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-20 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC) c
October 20, 2010 MINUTES
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Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman,-Russ Goa arl-kA I0< r3Michele Williams and Maria Higgins met in the Berger Room, Town Hall.
Members Absent: Jack Russell, George Rio, Michelle Ferullo and Ben Yoder
Others Present: None
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM.
On a motion by Ms. Young-Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to approve the minutes
from October 6 with typographical corrections by a vote of 4-0.
Economic Development Summit:
It was noted that the Economic Development Summit originally scheduled for October 19th will be re-scheduled,
with a tentative date of Tuesday, November 16th. The draft of the EDC SWOT analysis prepared by Ms. Higgins
from the October 6th meeting was edited by Ms. Young-Tafoya and Ms. Clarke and has been reviewed with Ms.
Delios. The EDC engaged in a discussion about the parameters of the upcoming Economic Development
Summit and how best to focus the discussion. It was determined that the next meeting of the EDC (Nov. 3`d)
would have a portion of the agenda dedicated to meeting with the EDC Board of Selectmen liaisons and the
Town Manager to plan for the Summit.
Fall Street Faire Report:
Ms. Clarke gave a detailed report on the highly successful Fall Street Faire, including the results of a survey
given to the vendors. 25% of the vendors responded, and all found the website helpful, and most were satisfied
with the event, with location being the key factor. It was discussed that the date of next year's Faire will be the
tenth anniversary of September 11th, and special memorial events will be planned.
Work Plan Highlights (See online spreadsheet for details):
Updates to the Work Plan were reviewed, and a new item, the Downtown Events Improvements Trust, was
added. The sign By-law was discussed. The award letter on the Fagade Improvement Program has now been
received. Mr. Graham gave an updated report about the site visit of the industrial area by Ash Street and the
various properties, and a project plan will be developed which may include connecting this area with the
roadway from the Reading Municipal Light Department.
Economic Development Activity:
The property at 18-20 Woburn Street has been moved to "in Progress" as James Lynch is actively seeking
tenants. Mr. Graham discussed the Development Review Team meetings of the Pulte residential development
at 1 Jacob Way, and the Pierce Street condominiums at the former organ factory, although since these are
strictly residential developments they will be removed from the Economic Development Activity Report.
Other Business:
On`a motion by Mr. Graham,, seconded by Ms. Young-Tafoya, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:24 p.m, by a
vote of 4-0.
The next meeting will be Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Respectfully submitted, Maria Higgins (Associate Member, EDC)