MEETING MINUTES
November 13, 2014
Economic Development Office, Old Saybrook Town Hall 7:00pm
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Members Absent:
John DeCristoforo Lauren Ashe
Elizabeth Swenson Maura Richards
Carol Conklin
David Cole
James Keating
Bruce Greenfield
Dr. David Shearer via Telephone
Staff Present:
Susan Beckman, EDC Director
Joanne Kegel, Recording Clerk
4 Members of the Public were present
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Approval of Minutes: October 16, 2014 Special Meeting
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the October 16, 2014 EDC special meeting as presented; MADE: by J. Keating. SECONDED: by D. Cole. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, E. Swenson, D. Shearer, C. Conklin. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 6-0-0
B. Guests: Stephen Matic – 75 Main Street Redevelopment
Stephen Matic-Project Manager, Anthony Izzo-Owner, of 75 Main Street, LLC and Ed Dzialo-Project Assistant, were invited to the meeting to discuss redevelopment of the old North Cove Outfitters building and how the EDC can help them ensure quality tenants fill the spaces.
Mr. Matic and Mr. Izzo presented the drawings and explained the procedure for the interior and exterior refurbishing, entries, windows, roadways, and parking. Mr. Matic explained that they are demolishing some walls to add more windows and doors, then add new brick on the exterior, in order to have more flexibility in build-outs for tenants’ needs. The demolition should begin around November 25, 2014 and with a winter build, be complete in spring of 2015.
The Commission asked questions on type of tenants the developers were seeking. Chairman Swenson stated that the tenants should appeal to all income levels, not so much high end corporate brands. Mr. Matic replied that they are trying for a diversity of tenants that could include a restaurant. Sandy Roberts of Shair’s Hairstyling Salon, asked a question regarding drainage and grease traps for a food establishment. Mr. Matic explained that the traps are already in place with the new septic system.
David Shearer stated that he is very much in favor of a diversity of tenants that can fit into the Old Saybrook village atmosphere.
The Commission explained that the EDC is a resource, not a governing body, and could make recommendations that would best suit the site. They suggested contacting the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Business Association as a reference for potential tenants.
C. Correspondence & Announcements
There was no new correspondence.
Announcements:
1. The Director announced that the Public Hearing for the application for Cantina Hospitality, LLC who is seeking a Zoning map change and amendment of the Zoning Regulations for a drive-through window for the property at 688 Boston Post Road was continued to the next regular meeting of the Zoning Commission on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
2. The Director announced that the Preserve is closing on time by the end of December 2014.
3. Carisma Car Wash – 277 Boston Post Rd (Mariner’s Way) is being auctioned by the Town of Old Saybrook on Dec. 4, 2014 to recoup taxes due.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. Mariner’s Way
1. Branding:
The Director met with Mike Skiles and discussed the Mariner’s Way concept plan and branding ideas. However, after considering the project, Mike was concerned about how the area might be redeveloped and had reservations about being part of the project. The Director invited Mike to join our EDC Meeting on Nov 13th but he did not attend.
The Commission suggested seeking other services for quotes and the Director will ask if Steve Alves would consider including a third design in his present quote.
2. Zoning Changes Update:
Jim Keating and David Shearer met with Christine Nelson, Chris Costa and Director Beckman to review existing businesses, identify potential businesses and types of businesses that would fit within the plan. Additional discussion is needed to determine the impact potential changes may have on existing and future businesses as well as on other business districts in town.
3. Brownfields Assessment Grant Status:
Contract for the Brownfields Grant is being approved and spending the $155,000 grant will go the Town Meeting later in November.
Sandy Roberts, a hairstylist who works on and owns property on Mariner’s Way, stated that the entire area needs to be cleaned up. There is nothing happening there to attract business. There is no curb appeal and there are some blight issues.
Chairman Swenson suggested contacting the group called “LiveWorkLearnPlay”, a Master Developer of special projects. Director Beckman will contact them and invite them in to possibly consult and assist with plans for Mariner’s Way.
B. Chamber of Commerce B2B Showcase – results
Director Beckman attended the B2B Expo on Oct 23, 2014 and shared a table with SCORE. The raffle of toffee and Godiva chocolates enticed 2 dozen people to give us their business cards. EDC plans to grow its email list of businesses and begin an email newsletter using Constant Contact in January. The Director also walked around and met many of the participating businesses. The EDC was reimbursed from SCORE for ½ of the cost of the entry fee for sharing the booth.
C. Spirit of Old Saybrook Award
The Commission briefly discussed a possible candidate for the award.
Carol Conklin and Bruce Greenfield, left the meeting at 8:55 p.m., and David Shearer was no longer on the telephone at this time.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. 2015 Meeting Schedule
The EDC 2015 Annual Meeting Schedule was presented to the Commission for approval.
MOTION: To approve the 2015 Annual Meeting Schedule for the Economic Development Commission; MADE: by D. Cole. SECONDED: by J. DeCristoforo. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, E. Swenson, OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 4-0-0
B. Torchlight Parade Parking
The Commission discussed ways of discouraging early parking of vehicles on Main Street by those attending the parade, who park and keep their vehicles there until the evening of the
parade to reserve spots. The Commission hopes to get the word out via the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses.
VI. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The Director updated the Commission on issues and upcoming possible projects.
1. Call from David Mieczynski of National Realty Advisors of Willimantic – light industrial home furnishing manufacturer on the shoreline is looking for space on the shoreline. They want to purchase or build a 60,000-70,000 sf building. Options in Old Saybrook are limited. The Direcctor talked with the realtor and will stay in touch with him regarding potential sites.
2. Another Industrial company in Old Saybrook is looking to buy a 40,000-50,000 s.f. industrial building to expand their operations.
3. Dunkin Donuts: The Director met with Randy Rianhard and his daughter, Laura, who own several DDs in the region including the two in Old Saybrook. They had several areas they wanted to discuss in addition to just meeting after having difficulties navigating through Town processes.
4. Chamber of Commerce: Annual Meeting is on Dec 4 from 6-9pm at Saybrook Point Inn, $50 pp.
5. Infrastructure & Municipal Improvements: The Town Planner met with the Transportation Planner at RiverMPO to identify eligible funding sources for transportation projects prescribed by the Mariner’s Way section of the Town Plan.~ The Region will incorporate the list of project ideas into both the Region’s Long Range Transportation Plan, which happens to be under revision, as well as into the Transportation Improvement Program itself, which is the open-enrollment list of projects-to-be-funded within the Region.~ Most transportation grants are for construction, so it will still be incumbent on the town to budget for design and local/State/Federal permitting.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission on December 11, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at 302 Main Street, Town Hall, EDC Office, First Floor; MADE: by J. DeCristoforo. SECONDED: by D. Cole. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, E. Swenson. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 4-0-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Joanne Kegel
Recording Clerk
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