Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
Monday, January 20, 2009– 7:00 p.m.
Colchester Town Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Cathy Pompei, Vice-Chairman Bruce Goldstein, Tom Crotty, Steve Cohn, Jeffery Koonankeil (via phone)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kevin Burzycki, Paul Catalano,
OTHERS PRESENT: Adam Turner, Town Planner, John Malsbenden, BOS Liaison, Linda Hodge, First Selectman
1. Call Meeting to Order: Chairperson Pompei called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
2. Approval of the December 15, 2008 Meeting Minutes: B. Goldstein motioned to approve the
December 15, 2008 meeting minutes, second by S. Cohn. All members present voted in favor with abstaining S. Cohn. MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Pompei requested that the Settler’s Green be moved to this point in the agenda.
Settler’s Green – Mixed Use Development: John Mathieson, Sandy Mathieson, and Peter Carli gave a presentation on a proposed mixed use development on Lebanon Avenue. The plan includes consolidated services such as conference rooms, e-bay facility, and childcare. Businesses in the development could lower expenses by sharing services. There is committal to the colonial architecture. Green materials will be used wherever possible. The condos will be kept in the $200,000 range to provide affordable housing. Mr. J. Mathieson asked the commission for an endorsement, ideas, and tax incentives. B. Goldstein explained how the C-Tip works and what would be required.
3. Additions to the Agenda: B. Goldstein motioned to add CT Main Street to the agenda, seconded by T. Crotty. All members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
• CT Main Street: John Simone of CT Main Street discussed with the commission what his business could do for the town. Using buildings that are already there, making the area more convenient for walking, and keeping the historical aspect are important considerations to the commission. A. Turner said he sees the main problem on Main Street being the road. He also believes that more people actually living in the area surrounding the green would benefit the area. The cost to join CT Main Street starts at $750. Workshops and additional services would cost more. The commission felt that the same results could be accomplished without paying for the services.
4. Public Comments: None
5. New Business:
• Business Development Task Force Report: A. Turner briefly discussed items in the report. B. Goldstein felt there were areas of the report that criticized the EDC but were areas in which the EDC is not charged with. Mr. Turner tries to obtain a good working relationship with the businesses considering Colchester for development. He shared with the committee an article he had written and an advertisement promoting Colchester.
• Town of Colchester Stimulus Package Submission: Stimulus Package for the town, as submitted to the state, was reviewed. L. Hodge commended A. Turner, and the rest of the staff, who was able to compile all the necessary information for the package in a limited amount of time.
• Election of Officers:
B. Goldstein motioned to appoint C. Pompei as Chair, seconded by T. Crotty. All members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
S. Cohn motioned to elect B. Goldstein as Vice-Chairman, seconded by T. Crotty. All members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
6. Old Business
• Settler’s Green – Mixed Use Development: Previously discussed.
** Discussion of the remaining items was postponed until next meeting.
• Website Redesign:
• Update for C-Tip Procedures:
• Press Release on approval of C-Tip Procedures:
7. Adjournment: B. Goldstein motioned to adjourn, seconded by T. Crotty. All members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
8. Chairman Pompei adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
Dawn LePage, Clerk
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