Economic Development Commission
Minutes of Meeting— March 17, 2008
The Hudson Economic Development Commission met at the Hudson Town Hall, 78 Main Street. At 7:30 p.m., Chairman Donald Garcia called the meeting to order.
Present: Donald Garcia, Moose Longhi, Tom Davis, Hugh Gardner, Christopher Tibbals, William Sullivan, and Teresa Vickery, Clerk
Not Present: Santino Parente, Anthony Loureiro, Christine Miller and Sarah Cressy
Update on Economic Development in Town
Michelle Ciccolo, Director of Community Development for the Town of Hudson presented the Commission with a brief update on the current and future projects in Town.
Ms. Ciccolo began by informing the commission members of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) recently awarded to the Town from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The grant awarded funds for the reconstruction of the South Street Parking Lot, the Façade Program and the expansion and renovation of the Senior Center.
The reconstruction of the municipal parking lot on South Street will begin in the spring. One part of the project will be to improve the lighting on that site and hopefully match it to the lighting posts on Main Street. The project is estimated to cost approximately $5,000,000, however it was originally estimated at $2,000,000.
The Façade Program targets what is known as the “Blight Target Area” in Hudson’s downtown. The CDBG funds allocated for this program were $100,000. Ms. Ciccolo explained that 5 applications have been submitted by business owners and the Façade Review Committee is strongly considering awarding 3 projects.
One of the criteria the Committee used was that the chosen project needed to have a meaningful visual impact.
Ms. Ciccolo then informed the members that the Houghton Street Bridge reconstruction is on the FY ‘09 TIP (Transportation Improvement Plan). She went on the say that there is a great amount of competition for statewide funding.
Mr. Davis asked what the status of the widening of Route 85 was. Ms. Ciccolo stated that the plans are at 25%. These plans include utilities, catch basins and drainage.
They also show 4 sets of traffic lights stretching from the RK Plaza down to the intersection of Park and Washington Streets. Sidewalks will be constructed all along the corridor up to the entrance of Wal-Mart. When the 25% of the criteria is met a public hearing will be held.
Mr. Davis then asked when the Main Street Bridge is scheduled to be completed. Ms. Ciccolo answered that it should be completed in the spring of 2009.
Ms. Ciccolo then explained that at the November Town Meeting the citizens of Hudson voted to approve certain sites in Town as priority development sites. This means that the permitting process for these sites would be expedited and they should be permitted within 6 months of their application. Ms. Ciccolo is in the process of filling out the 43D application to have the State approve designating these sites. The sites are the Intel property, RK Plaza, Bonnozoli property and some property on Cabot Road.
Mr. Garcia thanked Ms. Ciccolo for attending the meeting.
Mr. Garcia suggested that the Commission extend an invitation to Doug Kelham from the Mass Office of Business Development for their next meeting.
Adjournment
Don Garcia, seconded by Tom Davis, moved to adjourn at 8:30 PM.
Vote: 6-0-0, Unanimous.
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