Economic Development Commission Minutes 02/27/2014 SPECIAL MEETING ADOPTED
Economic Development Commission
ADOPTED Minutes 2/27/2014 Special Meeting
Simsbury Town Offices – 7:30 a.m. – Main Meeting Room
1. Call to Order
Kristen Barnett, Vice-Chair, called the special meeting of the Economic Development Commission to order on Thursday, February 27, 2014, at 7:35 AM in the Main Meeting Room at the Town Offices. The following members were also present: David Balboni, Carolyn Bligh, James Devivo, Louis George, and Allan Raphael. Also in attendance were: Mary Glassman, First Selectman; Hiram Peck, Planning Director; Nancy Haase, Board of Selectmen; and other interested parties.
2. Approval of the minutes for January, 2014
Commissioner George made a motion for approval of the January 9, 2014 minutes. Commissioner Raphael seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
3. Welcome new commissioner: Carolyn Bligh
Commissioner Barnett welcomed Carolyn Bligh to the Commission. Commissioner Bligh introduced herself and briefly spoke of her background.
4. Reports: FVVA; SMSP
Nancy Anstey, FVVA, provided an update on what the Farmington Valley Visitors Association is currently working on. Some events coming up are: A Lecture about the Farmington River on March 16; Tour of One Room Schoolhouses on April 26th; Try Simsbury Try-athlon on May 18th; and A Night at “The Belle” on May 31st. It was also noted that the FVVA now has someone who is going to start a Facebook page for the FVVA.
Sarah Nielson, SMSP, updated the Commission on what the Simsbury Main Street Partnership does for the town of Simsbury, as well as some of the events that are coming up in the next few months: Junior Nationals’ Hockey Tournament and the Simsbury Try-athlon, with special room rates set by The Simsbury Inn for these events. The SMSP is also working on packages for restaurants, etc. to keep participants in town during these events.
5. Update from Planning Director
Hiram Peck reminded the Economic Development Committee of the budget meeting on Friday, February 28th. Mr. Peck noted that there is an office building on Plank Hill and Firetown Road that is zoned “PO” (Professional Office). A small PAD is proposed to take the existing building and divide it into two units and two single family homes to be built behind the existing building. Dorset Crossing is getting ready to start the apartments and the former Webster building is being worked on to remove the newer section of the building and add townhouses behind the existing building.
6. Status of The Hartford Land Use Study
Hiram Peck discussed The Hartford Land Use Study that was presentation on February 26th from the realtor regarding what has been done so far and some of the marketing materials they had put together. The town is continuing to work with the realtor on finishing the code for this property. One item that was discussed at the presentation was trying to get Simsbury designated as part of one of the manufacturing hubs that the Governor has been talking about. Mr. Peck noted that the Town is working with Gateway to finish up the code for the property.
7. Powder Forest PAD Application to the Zoning Commission
Mr. Gus Jasminski, Ensign Bickford Realty, presented the Powder Forest PAD Application to the Commission. Mr. Jasminski stated they are looking for a zone change to this property, as it is currently zoned for office and industrial. The realtor submitted for the PAD zone to have flexibility with the property. A couple of options for the property are a dental office and assisted living housing. There would also be three different types of housing which would include townhomes, apartments and workforce housing. Mr. Jasminski also discussed the traffic impact the housing development would have versus a commercial development in this area.
Mr. Ron Janeczko, Landworks Development, distributed information about the apartments on West Street that they are currently working on. He stated that is has been quite some time since rental property has been built in town. Mr. Janeczko noted that the development in Powder Forest would not have a negative effect on the school system as the Board of Education studies show school enrollment is down by 727 students or 14.4% from its high point.
Mr. Andy DiFatta, Ensign Bickford Realty, spoke on the “revenue positive” this development would have for the town of Simsbury.
Commissioner George made a motion for the Economic Development Commission to send a letter of support to the Planning and Zoning Design Review and Conservation Commission. Commissioner Raphael seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. (Commissioner Barnett and Commissioner Balboni abstained)
8. Progress of the EDC website update
Commissioner Barnett gave an update on the Economic Development Commission website and where it stands. A letter has been submitted to the Board of Selectmen from the Economic Development Commission requesting the funding for the website. The decision is currently pending.
9. Proposed EDC Task Force; goals and deliverables; discussion
Hiram Peck sent a draft agenda for the first meeting of the Economic Development Commission Task Force. The Board of Selectmen selected twelve residents to be on the Task Force. Some members need to be added from the Boards and Commissions, including the Economic Development Commission, for the March 18th meeting.
Commissioner Raphael made a motion to appoint, as an ad hoc member, Commissioner Bligh to attend the Economic Development Task Force meeting on March 18th until the Economic Development Commission can vote on this at their next meeting. Commissioner George seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
10. Old/New Business
Nothing to report.
11. Adjournment
Commissioner George made a motion for approval for adjournment at 9:07 AM. Commissioner Bligh seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.