EAST HARTFORD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the East Hartford Economic Development Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 by EDC Commissioner Susan Skowronek, Chair.
ROLL CALL
EAST HARTFORD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Present:
Debra Arrieta, Vice-Chair
Frank Collins
Jack Jacobs
Devorah Johnson
John Ryan
Barbara-Ann Rossi
Susan Skowronek, Chair
Paul Sousa
Absent:
Pat Harmon
Others in Attendance:
Eileen Buckheit, Director of Development, Town of East Hartford
Ellyn Laramie, Economic Development Coordinator, Town of East Hartford
- OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS COMMISSION ON AGENDA ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF EDC MINUTES
- Date in the meeting announcement should read “2013” not “3013
- Section 6aii should read “bringing” not “brining”
MOTION by Ms. Arrieta, seconded by Mr. Collins to approve minutes as amended
APPROVED (1 abstention – Ms. Rossi)
MOTION by Ms. Rossi, seconded by Mr. Jacobs to approve
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
- Ms. Buckheit reported on CDBG funding and the stipulations on the funding as to what projects are and are not approvable. Various funding options were discussed including, but not limited to, partial repayment and/or matching structure. Ms. Buckheit recommended that an area of town is decided upon prior to submitting a proposal to the Mayor.
- The Commission discussed various option, including sections of Main Street and Burnside Avenue with the consensus being a focus on Main Street: bridge to bridge.
- Farmington Bank – grand opening was held in September
- 403 Main Street – Goodwin College renovated and expanded
- Library expansion – additional 14K sq.ft
Joseph Merritt Printing – Prestige Part
Ms. Skowronek asked about Cardio Express in School Street Square to which Ms. Buckheit indicated an expected opening date of March 2014.
Ms. Skowronek requested the new business list be distributed to Commissioners.
- Ms. Buckheit held the first meeting on October 17, and due to lower attendance she will hold another session in the spring
- Plan of Conservation and Development update
- The draft version of the EH Comprehensive Plan Update was presented by BFJ Planning with a suggested focus on mixed use development, smaller scale retail and market rate housing.
- Ms. Skowronek suggested Commissioners review and submit any suggestions or concerns to Ms. Buckheit or Mike Dayton, Town Planner.
- Ms. Rossi inquired as to the necessity for zone changes to achieve the suggested recommendations.
- Introducing new staff member
- Ms. Laramie introduced herself to Commissioners and gave a brief overview of her qualifications and work history.
- Joint EDC Redevelopment Dinner
- Meeting will be held on December 4, 2013 at Al Fresco Restaurant.
MOTION by Ms. Arrieta, seconded by Mr. Ryan to amend the agenda and approve the meeting dates for 2014
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
MOTION by Ms. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Jacobs
APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY AT 7:20PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Jeffrey A. Currey
Clerk
cc: Town Clerk
Development Department
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