Economic Development Commission Minutes 06/11/2015
Minutes Subject to Final Approval
of Economic Development Commission
Meeting of June 11. 2015
Call to Order; The meeting was called to order at 7:02 am
In attendance: M. Deming, K. Barnett, L. George, A. Raphael, C. Bligh, D. Balboni, C. Minor and C. Miele.
Absent: J. DeVivo
Approval of Minutes: The minutes from May 14, 2015 meeting were given unanimous final approval.
Planning Director Update: Hiram Peck, Director of Planning, noted the progress on the following matters:
- Development on the Powder Forest PAD, for the Commercial area, no activity yet. Assisted Living Facility; Informal discussion to come to the Zoning Commission soon. Residential Area by Landworks, LLC to begin development in the near future.
- 690 Hopmeadow Street: Final plans and building restoration to begin soon. Discussion of the importance of business incentive policy to projects which may require historic restoration and rehabilitation was noted. Historic tax credits and other incentives may be needed to make such projects work where historic buildings are concerned.
- Simscroft plan to move contractor’s yard to 80 Wolcott Road: Plan was approved by the Zoning Commission. This site plan approval will also help Phonon Corp with needed parking of 30 spaces. The next activity will be to market and sell the Simscroft land on Iron Horse Blvd to a developer who will build it in accordance with the approved charrette illustrative plan and the Town Center Form Based Code.
- 155 Hopmeadow: Note was made that the development at 155 Hopmeadow was under way. The owners of the convenience store would like to open this fall. The large barn at the site is also being done at the same time and will house 4 live-work units with a portion of the building to be used for retail.
- Discussion was also held on the developments at 34 Hopmeadow Street and at Dorset Crossing.
Economic Development Task Force Update: Nancy Haase, Deputy First Selectman, noted the progress of the Economic Development Task Force (EDTF). The web site template was discussed. The efforts of the EDTF subcommittees and the schedule for completing the current tasks was also discussed. The revised website is scheduled to go live in the fall of 2015. The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on the Business incentive Policy on June 22. The EDC members were asked to attend if possible to support the new policy. It was noted that the EDC has already voted to support the new policy twice.
Reports: SMSP FVVA: Sarah Nielson provided an update on several of the activities of the SMSP. A project involving the Town, Metro Bis, and the Library was discussed. This project proposes to create a path and a gazebo for wedding photo opportunities near the pond at the rear of the library. Discussions are ongoing.
The Simsbury Farmer’s market will be held at Simsmore Square on Thursdays beginning on June 18 through September.
Hudson Property: Uses of the Hudson property at 1 Old Bridge Road were discussed. Some uses that were proposed included: Bike rentals, canoe and kayak rentals, a kiosk with trail maps, rental of garage for canoe rental operation, public rest rooms, art class and adult ed class location, a place for the Simsbury Art Academy to meet and do art. A public meeting will be held to discuss these and other uses.
Old/ New Business: It was noted by Mr. George that the Historical Society has held 2 meetings to discuss the future use of the property on Hopmeadow street. A master plan is being developed for the future use of the property.
It was noted that E-B has a new president and that they are a valuable asset to the town in that they generate jobs and create vitality in the Town Center. It was noted that the First Selectman has already paid a visit to the new president as a representative of the Town.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 am.
Respectfully Submitted
Hiram Peck
6/11/15