HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-16 Economic Development Committee MinutesRECEIVED
Economic Development Committee (ED TOWN CLERK
March 16th, 2011 MINUTES ~-ADING' MASS.
2031 APR 2S P 3: 42
Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman), George Rio,
Michele Williams, Russ Graham, Michelle Ferullo, and Maria Higgins met in the Berger Room, Town Hall.
Members Absent: Jack Russell and Ben Yoder
Others Present: Town Planner Jean Delios.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
On a motion made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Ms. Clarke, the March 2nd, 2011 meeting minutes
were approved as written by a vote of 5-0-0.
Work Plan Discussion:
There was an extensive discussion of the EDC workplan, highlighting recent activities.
The email received from the Town Manager was reviewed highlighting discussions on signage
recommendations. Further follow up and clarification is required from the Town and noted in the email.
The Town Planner reported on some information obtained about the Industrial Area by Field Pond Road. She
obtained this information from the Assessors database which helped clarify ownership of the various parcels
and buildings.. Further work will include reaching out to Winchester Hospital to determine their interest
expanding presence there as well as mapping the proposed extension of the street through Ash Street.
Also, the Town Planner will be determining if there are any infrastructure funds available from the State to
support this project.
Fagade Improvement - Michele Williams reported on a recent meeting with a committee from Wakefield that
has undertaken fagade/signage improvement. It was a good meeting and helpful for developing an
application, review and selection process for buildings/businesses in Reading. She also noted an upcoming
meeting with Wentworth's Co-op Advisor on March 31St at 1:30pm to discuss the participation of a co-op
student from that institution to assist with the design elements of the program.
Sign enforcement activities were reviewed with a suggestion to separate the list showing those where
progress has been made or the violation has been resolved. This will be incorporated into further updates to
the list.
Farm Stand expansion was discussed by Michelle Ferullo. Ideas include broadening the concept to include
a farmers market on Saturdays, perhaps leveraging some of the momentum from the Street Faire and
including artisans and craftsmen, and looking at others towns, such as Belmont, for examples.
Lastly, another Economic Summit is being contemplated featuring a speaker from another town who could
highlight their experience and success with successful projects recently completed or underway. Timing
TBD.
Town Warrant Discussion and Recommendations:
It was agreed that the EDC should take a position (as advisory council) on those Articles that are being
presented to Town Meeting that impact or enhance Economic Development opportunities for the Town.
Article 19 - Amending General Bylaw Section 5.13 - Demolition of Structures of Potentially Historical
Significance - Move that the EDC recommend to the BOS support of Article 19, by a vote of 5-0-0.
Article 20 - Amending General Bylaw Section 5.16 - Outdoor Loudspeakers and Public Address
Systems - Move that the EDC recommend to the BOS support of Article 20, by a vote of 5-0-0
Article 23 - Zoning Bylaw amendment - Section 4.3 Site Plan Review - Move that the EDC recommend
to the BOS support of Article 23, by a vote of 5-0-0
Article 28 - FY2012 Budget - Move that the EDC recommend to the BOS support of the Town Manger's
FY2012 proposed budget as it pertains to the Community Services line item, by a vote of 5-0-0.
Economic Development Update: The Town Planner reviewed a few projects. First, she reported that
Calaresos' project is moving ahead and demolition of the existing properties is scheduled to begin shortly.
She also reported that there has been some progress locating the owners of the Getty parcel on Main Street.
She has been able to have a discussion with the owners' representative and relayed the concerns of the
Town and its elected officials with the lack of progress in finding a suitable tenant/owner for the property.
It was agreed there would only be one meeting next month on April 6th to allow for time to participate in Town
Meeting which is scheduled for later in the month.
There being no further business, on a motion by Ms. Clarke, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to
adjourn at 9;10 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 6th, 2011
Respectfully submitted,
George Rio