HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-16 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC)
February 16th, 2011 MINUTES c
Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman), Russ Graham,
George Rio, Michele Williams, Jack Russell, Michelle Ferullo, Maria Higgins and Ben Yoder met in the
Berger Room, Town Hall. Members Absent: None.
Others Present: Staff Planner Abby McCabe and Selectmen James Bonazoli.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Other Business:
On a motion made by Mr. Graham, seconded by Ms. Clarke, the January 19th, 2011 meeting minutes
were approved as written by a vote of 4-0-1 (Ms. Williams abstained).
Mr. Russell attended the recent Board of Selectmen's meeting where they adopted the Selectmen's Policy
establishing a Fall Street Faire Committee. Mr. Russell summarized the changes incorporated into the final
version which included a member of the Board of Selectmen as a committee liaison.
Work Plan Highlights (See online spreadsheet for details):
Mr. Yoder reported on his progress with the way-finding signage project. The downtown/town center signs
are approximately $100 each excluding installation costs if the Town is able to provide this service. The color
and design of the parking signs were briefly discussed and the Committee requested further direction from
Town Counsel. The Committee felt the "Town Center' signs should be the first priority. It was also noted that
there are marketing and branding grants available for these types of projects. The subcommittee working on
the business improvement program has had a couple meetings and several conversations with the peer
consultant. A co-op program at Wentworth Institute of Technology has been identified for a student intern
that could provide the design services for the businesses. Ms. Clarke updated the Committee on some cost
estimates and preliminary designs for flower hanging baskets and banners to be placed on the street lamp
posts in the downtown. Replacing the old street lights on Haven Street was also discussed as part of the
Haven Street Streetscape project. It was estimated that it would cost approximately $6,000 each to replace
the old poles with new ones to match the ones on Main Street. Another option in the interim would be to paint
the old poles. The Staff Planner gave an update on recent sign enforcement efforts. The next meeting will
focus on the Downtown Improvement and Events Trust fund. There is some confusion of how much is in the
fund after the Downtown Steering Committee was dissolved and the exact money in the fund needs to be
clarified before any decisions are made about how the money will be spent.
Economic Development Activity (See online spreadsheet for details):
The owner of the MF Charles building is seeking approval from the MA banking commissioners to open
another branch before submitting an application for 601+ Main Street. An application to redevelop 281 Main
Street (the former abandoned artist shop) is expected shortly. A new hair salon will be opening shortly at 8
Brande Court. Oaktree has closed on the property and plans to begin demolition at the end of April.
The Chamber of Commerce will recognize Ms. Clarke for her work as an outstanding volunteer where there
will be a ceremony on March 30th at the Hillview Country Club.
On a motion by Mr. Graham, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. by a vote of
5-0-0.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 2nd, 2011
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe