 |
EAST HARTFORD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the East Hartford Economic Development Commission was called to order at 6:05 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 by EDC Commissioner Debbie Arrieta, Acting-Chair.
ROLL CALL
EAST HARTFORD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Present:
Debra Arrieta, Vice-Chair
Frank Collins
Pat Harmon
Devorah Johnson
Barbara-Ann Rossi
Absent:
Miguel Franco
Jack Jacobs
John Ryan
Others in Attendance:
John Choquette, Development Director
Aya Beckles, Economic Development Specialist
Alta Lash, Executive Director, United CT Action for Neighborhoods
- OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS COMMISSION ON AGENDA ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF EDC MINUTES
MOTION by Mr. Collins, seconded by Ms. Rossi to approve minutes
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
MOTION by Ms. Rossi, seconded by Ms. Harmon to approve
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
- The luncheon at Roma’s was another success. The owners were presented a certificate of appreciation for hosting the monthly lunch club.
- Ms. Beckles announced that the April lunch club will be held at Margarita’s.
- Main Street Initiative Update
- Ms. Lash reported that the tax credit bill allowing all businesses to apply for tax credits passed through the Finance Committee and will most likely be moved forward to the full House & Senate.
- A consultant has been contracted through CEDF for the purposes of improving businesses curb appeal along Main Street. Three businesses have been selected for the trial run of this program: Main Hardware, East West Package Store, and Michael’s Bakery. The consultant will then host a workshop for all EH businesses after which she will make herself available for 5 additional businesses.
- A brief discussion was held on outside dining with regards to Town regulations.
- Main Street Momentum Newsletter
- Ms. Lash authored the newsletter which was created for purposes of updating Main Street businesses about upcoming improvements.
- Commissioners are concerned that the newsletter and information about the Main Street Improvement meetings are not being transmitted in a timely manner.
- Details of up-coming visit by Engineering Consultant, Mark Fenton
- Brian Liss, Executive Director – Greater Hartford YMCA, presented his proposal entitled “Pioneering Healthy Communities”. The goal of this program is to eliminate childhood obesity by increasing healthy eating and physical activity. Mr. Liss has invited Mark Fenton to EH in order to learn more about creating a healthy community which includes, but is not limited to, a vigorous economy, sustainable environment, and a healthy community. Mr. Fenton will be leading a facilitated walk audit down Main Street with a presentation and workshop to follow.
MOTION by Mr. Collins, seconded by Ms. Rossi to support the initiative set forth by the Greater Hartford YMCA
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
- New East Hartford Businesses
- Ms. Beckles presented commissioners with a handout listing the most recent data on new businesses in town covering the months of August 2011 through November 2011.
MOTION by Ms. Rossi, seconded by Mr. Collins
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY AT 7:24PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Jeffrey A. Currey
Clerk
cc: Town Clerk
Mayor
Development Department
| |
