MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
MADDEN ROOM WEDNESDAY, May 28, 2014
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL TIME: 7:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Chairperson Louise Neary, Vice Chairperson Susan Burnham, Linda Jeski, Joseph Kennedy, Alternate Paul Burnham, Dwight Johnson, Mark Lillis, Wayne Kilburn, James Murray, Edwina Futtner (arr. 8:08pm)
ABSENT: Alternate John Mitchell, Mohammad Quraishi
ALSO PRESENT: ED Coordinator Shari Fiveash
1. Call Meeting to Order: Chairperson Neary called the meeting to order at 7:30.
- Roll Call: The above-mentioned members were introduced.
- Public Participation: Jack Scavone of All-Phase Electric Supply introduced an expansion project that he is currently working on. In 2013, the privately owned company made $25 million dollar in sales in the green energy business, with 540 locations around the country. The company is out of space and is seeking permission from the ZBA because although in line with the current building, the addition is close to Sullivan Ave. All-Phase originally gave an easement to the State in order for Sullivan Ave to be widened. All-Phase is interested in purchasing property to expand but because it is located inside the ‘Gateway Design Zone’, it is affecting their expansion. To conceal the loading dock, delivery trucks and other aspects of the business, Mr. Scavone is trying to make addition match current building in design and
alignment. The concept is to locate the building near the street and camouflage it with greenery. If the request from ZBA is denied, the expansion can’t be done and the business will most likely move to MA.
Commissioner Lillis asked if there has been an abatement application has been submitted. Ms. Fiveash responded that it has not and Mr. Scavone added that he would like help to save money on expansion.
Chairperson Neary asked how the façade will appear. Mr. Scavone explained that it will look similar to the existing building with greenery in front.
Commissioner S. Burnham asked if the building will be visible from Sullivan Ave. Mr. Scavone stated that the building will be located on the corner of Commerce Way and Sullivan Ave and will allow room for a ‘Welcome to South Windsor’ sign.
Mr. Scavone explained that he needs to prove to the ZBA that there’s a ‘hardship’ in order to approve the request. The lot has been staked and drawings are on file with town planner. The proposed height for the addition is 4’ higher than existing building, which is 18’-20’ for a total of 10,000 sq. ft. addition. The addition will be the same length as the existing building but not as wide in order to accommodate tractor trailer traffic and loading docks in the back.
Mr. Scavone is looking for support from commission. Ms. Fiveash stated that the commission could write a letter of support for increased economic development in town.
Commissioner Lillis stated that the building appears consistent with development already in the area.
Mr. Scavone replied that he has been working on trying to build this addition for 20 years.
Commissioner Kilburn (ZBA board member) explained that an applicant needs to show a hardship such as something on the property that cannot be moved (underground wires, well, etc…) in order to get approval.
Mr. Scavone currently has an option to buy town owned property adjacent to his current property that will allow for the addition and the placement of the welcome sign.
A motion was made by Commissioner Lillis and seconded by Commissioner S. Burnham to send a letter of support for the project to all boards, commissions & the town manager and was approved by majority. Motion passed. Commissioner Kennedy abstained.
Minutes from Regular Meeting on 4/23/2014:
A motion was made by Commissioner S. Burnham and seconded by Commissioner Jeski to approve the minutes of April 23,2014, with the following corrections: on p. 2 item 7 ‘…letter submitted to P&Z….’ and that ‘Coldwater Creek is possibly closing’ and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
- Old Business: The commission discussed the recent economic conference they hosted and noted that it has been televised several times on local access television. Commissioner P. Burnham noticed that not many ED commissioners attended.
Chairperson Neary stated that commissioners are welcome to attend meetings of the special group and will check on date of next meeting.
6. Committee Report
Report from Louise Neary and Sue Burnham - Discover South Windsor: Chairperson Neary informed the commission that there was no meeting in May and that the next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 19th.
7. Communications and Remarks
Report from Louise Neary, Chairperson: Chairperson Neary is still trying to work on connecting Ms. Fiveash with a gentleman from Plasti-Tech. Commissioner P. Burnham suggested having a packet available for members to hand to prospective business owners when approached for information. Commissioner S. Burnham suggested handing out business cards with pertinent information.
Report from Shari Fiveash, Economic Development Coordinator: Ms. Fiveash reported that 38 interviews with businesses have been conducted as of this meeting. There are 5 ribbon cuttings in June and a wrap-up of the current legislative session will be held at ticket network at end of June. A conference on subsidized training and employment will be held Wednesday, June 11 with free registration. This will have information on retraining opportunities for employers and will be held at Goodwin College.
Commissioner P. Burnham asked about Plasti-Tech but there is nothing new to report.
Ms. Fiveash reported that the brewery located on former town land is moving forward.
Plans for the hotel are moving forward but there is no new information on CT Studios.
The former location of Clearwater Energy will become an empty building for now.
8. New Business: None.
9. General Discussion: None.
10. Adjournment: A motion was made by Commissioner Lillis and seconded by Commissioner Jeski to adjourn at 8:27p.m. and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine Potter
Clerk
Approved: June 25, 2014
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