HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-06 Economic Development Committee Minutes RECEIVED
Economic Development Committee (EDC) TOWN CLERK(
READING, Mt SS.
April 6, 2011 MINUTES
2011 MAY I I P I* 2 3 ,
.Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya(Chair), Sheila Clarke(Vice-Chairman), George Rio, Russ
Graham, Maria Higgins, Jack Russell and Ben Yoder met in the Berger Room, Town Hall.
Members Absent: Michele Williams and Michelle Ferullo.
Others Present: Staff Planner Abby McCabe.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
On a motion made by Mr. Graham,seconded by Ms. Clarke, the March 16th, 2011 meeting minutes
were approved as written by a vote of 4-0-0.
Work Plan Updates:
Way-Finding Signs-Mr.Yoder reported that the way-finding signage program was almost ready to be
implemented. The exact locations of the"Reading Center"signs and color of the parking signs are the
remaining items to be finalized before they can be installed.
Fagade Improvement—Ms. Clarke and Ms. Young-Tafoya attended a meeting with Wentworth's Co-op
Advisor on to discuss the co-op program for a student to assist with the design elements of the program.The
intern would work with the local volunteers with weekly check in meetings through the 12 week program.
One of the CPDC members and Mr. Russell has volunteered to be mentors to the student intern. The intern
will not be paid but a$1,000 stipend will be offered to help pay for food and transportation costs. Ms. Clarke
will be meeting with a local bank soon to discuss the program. The subcommittee is working on reaching out
to interested businesses.
New Crossing Rd. Development Area—The Town Planner has identified a complete list of the property
owners in the area. Mr. Russell reported that one of the properties recently met with CPDC for a site plan
review for a two story addition but the addition will not be in the way of New Crossing Road if it is ever
completed. Next steps were discussed which included arranging a meeting with the Board of Selectmen, a
drainage analysis and reaching out to the property owners. Ms. Higgins volunteered to work with the
subcommittee to research ownership of the right-of-way.
Ms. McCabe will update the sign enforcement tracking spreadsheet to show completed and pending
violations. The Committee discussed the process and procedures for businesses to install a second sign
(particularly blade signs)and portable signs recently allowed in the downtown Business-B district with the
recent zoning amendments.
8treetscape Project—Ms. Clarke reported on updates related to the downtown flower basket program. The
plants have been ordered and we are in the process of looking for a landscaping company. The Garden Club
is willing to provide some funds for the program and Ms. Clarke plans to meet with Mr. Mawn in the next
couple of weeks.
The Committee discussed if they should report to Town Meeting on the Warrant Articles that were voted on
at the last meeting.
Economic Development Update:
Calareso's has begun demolition and site work. ECars of New England was approved by CPDC for 281 Main
Street and they plan to begin construction in the spring. The owner of 306 Main Street the former Getty
Station has spoken to the Town Planner and has cleaned up some of the debris located on the site.
On a motion by Ms. Clarke,seconded by Mr. Graham, the EDC voted to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. by a vote
of 5-0-0.
The next meeting is scheduled for May 4th, 2011
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe