Economic Development Commission Minutes 05/14/2015

Meeting date: 
Thursday, May 14, 2015

Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes

May 14, 2015

“Subject to Approval”

 

 

1.   Call to Order

Mark Deming, Chair, called the regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission to order at 7:01 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2015 in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices located at 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT.  The following members were also present:  David Balboni, Kristen Barnett, Co-Chair, Carolyn Bligh, James Devivo, Lou George, Chuck Minor and Allan Raphael.   Also in attendance were Lisa Heavner, First Selectman, Nancy Haase, Board of Selectmen and Hiram Peck, Director of Community Planning and other interested parties.

 

2.   Approval of the April 9, 2015 minutes

Commissioner George made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting of April 9, 2015 minutes.  Commissioner Devivo seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

 

3.   Update from Town Engineer on status of PAC/Community/Senior Center

Nothing was discussed at this meeting.

 

8.   Planning Director Update on Town survey.  Input from EDC.

Mr. Peck discussed the upcoming survey going out to Town residents and some of the items that are being considered to be included in the survey.  He noted that the survey should be started in approximately two weeks.  Mr. Peck stated that residents will be receiving phone calls from Great Blue Research, who will be conducting the survey.

Mr. Mike Girard, President, Eco Farms, presented his proposal for an application for a zone change and site plan approval for their new location at 80 Wolcott Road.  He discussed the new building, parking lots and landscaping proposed for this property. 

Commissioner George made a motion that the Economic Development Commission will recommend this project to Zoning.  Mr. Devivo seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.  

Mr. Peck also updated Commission members on the following items:

  • Big Y start date - 2016
  • Webster Building
  • Pre-Construction Meeting for 155 Hopmeadow Street
  • Apartments at Dorsett Crossing
  • Meadow Wood
  • Wagner property development
  • Property next to McDonalds on Route 44
  • The Hartford property

 

4.   Update report from FVVA

Nancy Anstey updated Commission members on upcoming events in Simsbury sponsored by the FVVA.  Events included:

  • Simsbury Try-Athlon being held on Sunday, May 17
  • Best of the Farmington Valley awards
  • Farmington Valley Discovery tours including Fall Family Fun day
  • Tourism

 

6.   Review and discuss the final draft of the Tax Abatement and Business Incentive Policy

Commissioner Deming referenced the two handouts to Commission members on this subject.  Commissioner members voiced their concerns to Mr. Peck regarding the process that has already taken place with the Tax Abatement and Business Incentive Policy. 

Ms. Haase and Ms. Heavner discussed what the Board of Selectmen have recently completed regarding the Tax Abatement and Business Incentive Policy, which includes a Public Hearing to get comments on this issue.

 

5.   EDTF update:Nancy Haase

Ms. Haase updated Commission members on the Economic Development Task Force, which included the work with Main Street Partnership for the design and production of print materials.

 

7.   Hudson property at 1 Old Bridge; discussion of possible economic uses

Nothing was discussed at this meeting.

 

9.   Old/New Business

Mr. Peck noted that the Zoning Commission is updating the zoning regulations and discussed the impact of parking on economic development.  Mr. Peck distributed an article to Commission members on this subject.

 

10. Adjournment

Commissioner George made a motion for approval for adjournment at 9:03 a.m.  Commissioner    Raphael seconded the motion.   All were in favor and the motion passed.