Town of East Windsor
Economic Development Commission
11 Rye Street, P.O. Box 389
Broad Brook, CT 06016
Regular Meeting Minutes
February 22, 2010
I. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Members Present: Eric Moffett, Richard Covill, Josh Kapelner and James Richards
Members unable Matt Crossen and Michael Maloney
to attend:
Also in attendance: Laurie Whitten, Town Planner
The meeting was called to order at 7:12 p.m. at the Planning & Zoning Office, 11 Rye Street, Broad Brook, CT.
Land Use Approval Process Guide – Update
Ms. Whitten noted that the Land Use Approval Process Guide is quite out of date. After a brief discussion, it was agreed that it would be worth working on. Mr. Moffett felt that it was good to have but should be electronic only. Mr. Richards suggested tabling this so that they can come up with suggestions and changes.
MOTION: To table this until the next meeting.
Richards / Covill / Unanimous
Tax Abatement:
Mr. Moffett indicated that he had gotten a phone call from Jason Bowsza (Board of Finance member) who asked how the Finance Board can develop a “game plan” for businesses. The Commission members discussed this. Mr. Richards suggested that it could be something zone specific. Mr. Covill suggested setting up a committee. Mr. Richards said they need to be sure of what is going to happen with the North Road sewers. Mr. Moffett said they need to know what other towns are doing. Mr. Richards suggested that they meet with the Planning & Zoning Commission to discuss the business corridor. After some discussion, it was suggested that they have a preliminary meeting and invite Jason Bowsza, Peter DeMallie, Paul Benson, Joseph Ouellette, Chairman of Planning & Zoning Commission and Mark
Simmons, Board of Selectman liaison for EDC.
Incentive Housing Zone on Route 140:
Ms. Whitten noted that they have a $20,000 grant to promote workforce housing. This would be a mixed use area with commercial in the front and residential in back. She explained that the grant allows the town to hire a consultant to do a study. She said we can use it to help study the Route 140 corridor.
It was suggested that the next meeting should start at 6:30 p.m. so that they can use the smart board in the meeting room.
Update on Web Page
This was briefly discussed by the Commission members. Mr. Moffett said he would like to see the web used as a promotional tool for the town.
Movie Studio – Partnership with South Windsor
Ms. Whitten said she attended an Economic Development forum and talked to the First Selectman from South Windsor. She said he indicated that they are moving forward with the movie studio. The Commission members discussed what type of supplemental businesses this could bring to East Windsor, such as hotels and restaurants.
Economic Development Issues
Mr. Richards recommended that they send letters to the two commission members that do not attend meetings stating that if they are not coming to meetings they should resign.
Mr. Covill said they should support the existing businesses in town and suggested having business visitations. Ms. Whitten said we need to promote going out one-on-one. She said MetroHartford Alliance would work with us as to how to approach the businesses. Mr. Richards suggested a “business week”, setting aside one week to go out into the community.
Mr. Kapelner said they need to set up a regular schedule to see what functions they are going to host. He suggested putting that on as an agenda item for the next meeting.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION: To approve the minutes of December 21, 2009.
Covill / Kapelner / Unanimous
Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn. Kapelner / Covill / Unanimous
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Bauer
Recording Secretary
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