City of Torrington Economic Development Commission
Minutes March 2, 2010
Members Present: Cindy Donaldson, Jim Thibault, TJ Zapulla, JoAnn Ryan, Bill Battle, George Noujaim, Nancy Sieller
Members Absent: Mayor Bingham, Greg Mele,
Commissioner Donaldson called the meeting to order at 5:00pm
Commissioner Battle made the motion to open the meeting to the public and Commissioner Noujaim seconded the motion. Motion carried
2. Approval of the Minutes
Commissioner Battle made the motion to approve the February 2, 2010, minutes and Commissioner Mele seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
Rose contacted Dawn Gutowski, owner of J&B industries to consider joining the EDC. Dawn decided to attend the March EDC meeting before making her decision.
4. SWOT Analysis
Jim Thibault, moderated this month’s SWOT discussion which focused on the City’s revised strengths and the opportunities they can create. Next month the discussion will focus on weaknesses and threats.
P&Z is currently reviewing the incentive housing zone report. The report was made possible by a grant from the State of CT. If approved by P&Z it will allow for higher density residential zones to exist as an overlay to 4 proposed sites. There is potential for incentive money to be awarded to municipalities that approve such zones and incentive money for construction of higher density residential units.
The TDC approved the preliminary design for the City Hall Avenue extension. Grant applications to the federal government, as well as to DECD have been completed. Funds are needed to move this project forward.
Commissioner Bill Battle updated the commission on the Summer Outdoor Dining Evening. He has received many favorable comments from area restaurateurs.
Mike O’Neil from P&Z has been invited to address EDC next month to discuss the City’s temporary sign regulations. EDC members have expressed an interest in understanding the regulation and how it affects small businesses.
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