Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-20 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee CENED D,(*4H CLERK July 20th, 2011 MINUTES . DI~dG. HASS. Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice-C"q, Aft 4SSR, NAll Williams, Karl Weld and George Rio met in the Berger Room, Town Hall. Members Absent: Ben Yoder, Michelle Ferullo and Maria Higgins. Others Present: John Arena; Finance Committee Member and Staff Planner Abby McCabe. 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 Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from June 15th as written by a vote of 4-0-0. The Committee reviewed the results from the year end survey. The Committee suggested having the Selectmen liaisons also complete the survey. Staff will forward the survey to the liaisons. While discussing the Committee's role and goal's for the upcoming year the need for a focus on marketing and strong development goals were discussed. The Chair noted that the FY12 technical assistance peer-to-peer grant request to revisit the economic development strategy is a good next step for this upcoming year. Ms. McCabe summarized the most recent CPDC meeting on July 11th. The YMCA received approval to expand their parking lot and the CPDC reviewed the administrative rules for the minor site plan review zoning changes. Guiding principles and other areas of importance are going to be added for final review by the CPDC at the July 25th meeting. Ms. McCabe will send the draft minor site plan review administrative rule to the EDC. Changes to the existing aquifer protection.district zoning by-law are also being considered and may be before Town Meeting in the fall. The EDC briefly discussed zoning changes that the CPDC may want to consider such asa vacant properties by-law and an amendment to allow construction signs. Work Plan Highlights (See online spreadsheet for details): The exact locations for the five Reading Center directory signs have been determined and the signs are expected to be delivered in the next couple for weeks for installation by the Reading DPW. Three local architects have agreed to offer their design services for the Fagade Improvement Program. The Fagade Improvement subcommittee members have been in contact with and will continue to reach out to the property and business owners. Staff will schedule a meeting to discuss the New Crossing Road development area with the Town Manager. The mural for 18-20 Woburn Street has been completed by Creative Arts but the property owner still needs to install the art work. Ms. McCabe updated the Committee on the status of sign enforcement. The Committee requested that sign enforcement be discussed at the next meeting to establish an action plan for enforcement. Economic Development Activity: Aine's Boutique is now open at its new location and a sign permit has been submitted for review. Oaktree and Calareso's Farm Stand received foundation permits last week. Oaktree will also be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony in early August. The architect working with the owner of the MF Charles building at 600 Main Street has indicated that they will be submitting an application soon. Ms. Clarke informed the Committee that Atlantic Music Studio is looking for a new location and suggested staff or the EDC reach out to the business owner to assist in his efforts. Ms. Clarke suggested that the EDC identify local restaurants to be placed on the signs located on the highway. Initial research by Ms. Clarke has found that Massachusetts Department of Transportation maintains these signs and there are a couple vacancies located on the existing signs. Mr. Weld noted that the Town of Franklin has a lot of material and documents available to help guide businesses and development that Reading should look into. The EDC discussed recent efforts such as the creation of the Reading Passport Book that guides new businesses through the development and permitting process. On a motion by Mr. Rio, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:07 PM by a vote of 4-0- 0.