Economic Development Commission
Minutes of Meeting— June 9, 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, Hugh Gardner, Christopher Tibbals, Christine Miller, Sarah Cressy, and Teresa Vickery, Clerk
Not Present: Santino Parente, Anthony Loureiro, Tom Davis, William Sullivan, and Moose Longhi
Update on Economic Development in Town
Mr. Garcia began the meeting by updating the Commission on the progress at Highland Commons. The developers have approached Mr. Garcia as well as Ms. Cressy to inquire about local banks. They are looking to put a bank in a one-acre parcel across the road. Ms. Cressy had sent them a list of 5 local banks. Mr. Garcia also sent them a list of banks for them to contact. Mr. Gardner asked why a bank. Ms. Cressy explained that it probably has to do with the image they would like to put forth and the vision they have for the gateway to Highland Commons. Ms. Cressy believes this is a good use for this parcel.
Ms. Cressy informed the Commission that Lowes has already poured the foundation for their building. The developers have been in talks with certain grocery stores, however, there have not been any leases signed.
Mr. Garcia informed the Commission that the RK Plaza project is moving along well and some discussion regarding that project took place.
The widening of Washington Street was briefly addressed. The members discussed the takings that would need to occur along this strip of Route 85.
Lastly was a brief update on Basha’s Natural Marketplace. It is coming along nicely and with proper landscaping will be very attractive.
Cellucci Park Opening
Mr. Garcia explained that the opening of the Cellucci Park on South Street was a successful event. He noted the lovely work done by Jeff Richards and employees of the Town of Hudson. Ms. Cressy noted that this may cause additional foot traffic in the
Downtown area and may help with economic growth in this area.
New Business
Mr. Garcia informed the Commission that he had recently attended a meeting with a new association of downtown property owners in Hudson. The Hudson Business Association (HBA) was formed in order to help these property owners market and lease vacant space in our downtown area. Their thought is that if they all worked together they may be able to get a more high profile and aggressive representative to market their space.
Mr. Garcia then asked the Commission members if they would be willing to join this Association for a yearly fee of $125.00.
Ms. Cressy stated that a good idea would be to have the Hudson Business Association attend a meeting with the Assabet Valley Chamber as well as the business owners. She believes the meeting would be more productive than if the Association met with the property owners.
Sarah Cressy, seconded by Christopher Tibbals, made a motion to join the Hudson Business Association as members for 2009.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous
Schedule Change
Ms. Cressy asked the members of the Commission if they would consider changing the scheduled meetings. She would like the Commission to meet twice a year for three months at a time. Ms. Cressy thinks that because they meet only 4 times a year it is difficult to keep momentum within the Commission.
Sarah Cressy, seconded by Don Garcia, made a motion to change the schedule for the remainder of 2008.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous
Sarah Cressy, seconded by Hugh Gardner, made a motion to include the members of the Commission that are not present into the public record.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous
Minutes
Don Garcia, seconded by Hugh Gardner, made a motion to approve the minutes of September 17, 2207 and March 17, 2008 as corrected.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous
Adjournment
Sarah Cressy, seconded by Christine Miller, moved to adjourn at 8:45 PM.
Vote: 5-0-0, Unanimous.
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