Economic Development Commission
Minutes of Meeting— September 15, 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, Christine Miller, Sarah Cressy, William Sullivan, Anthony Loureiro, Tom Davis and Teresa Vickery, Clerk
Not Present: Santino Parente, Christopher Tibbals and Moose Longhi
Resignation
The Commission noted the resignation of Moose Longhi who served as a member for over 31 years.
Update on Various Town Projects
Mr. Garcia began by informing the Commission about the state of the reconstruction of the Main Street Bridge. He explained that the project seems to have entered a ‘black hole’ of sorts and there is no time frame as to when the reconstruction will be completed. He cited a dispute between the contractor and the utilities as a reason. Mr. Loureiro thought it had something to do with Verizon expanding its network in the area that has brought the work to a halt. Mr. Garcia’s major concern is for the safety of the pedestrians traveling along this corridor. It is unsafe and he will address his concerns with Chief Braga.
RK Plaza expansion, Highland Commons, and Walgreens are all coming along as expected. Mr. Garcia did inform the Commission that Starbucks has decided to not go forward with their construction on Washington Street.
Downtown Vacancies
Ms. Cressy informed the Commission that Fragrant Path seems to have disappeared overnight. She stated her concern for customers with gift certificates and noted that if they did not file chapter 11 the owners must honor the gift certificates.
Mr. Garcia noted that the Hudson Appliance expansion project will help generate business in the downtown area and hopefully bring in tenants. This project is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2009.
Ms. Cressy noted that the building occupied by the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce is fully occupied.
Hudson Business Association
At its last meeting the Commission had voted to join the Hudson Business Association. The membership fee for associate membership is $125.00. This association exclusively serves the businesses in the downtown area and works in conjunction with the Chamber. Ms. Cressy stated that she would prefer that next year they reevaluate their membership before automatically renewing it. The Commission agreed.
Tom Davis, seconded by Christine Miller, made a motion to reevaluate their membership with the Hudson Business Association when it comes up for renewal.
Vote: 8-0-0, Unanimous
Economic Development Commission Event
The Commission discussed options for an event which would address issues of small business owners and what local government can do to assist them. Ms. Cressy suggested that the Commission look into holding an event in the first quarter of 2009 instead of in November. The members agreed.
Sarah Cressy, seconded by Christine Miller, made a motion to continue to pursue beneficial or educational programs for local business owners.
Vote: 8-0-0, Unanimous
New Schedule
The Commission noted the new schedule for the remainder of 2008.
Minutes
Don Garcia, seconded by Christine Miller, made a motion to approve the minutes of June 9, 2008 as written.
Vote: 8-0-0, Unanimous
Adjournment
Sarah Cressy, seconded by Christine Miller, moved to adjourn at 8:45 PM.
Vote: 8-0-0, Unanimous
| 
