MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
APRIL 8, 2004
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission was called to order at 7:35 A.M. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were Chairman Lou George, Commission Members Dave Balboni, Scott Barnett, John Barney, Sharon Craig, Nancy Haase, Alan Levesque, and Dave Ryan as well as other interested parties.
II. MINUTES – 2/11/04
Sharon Craig made a motion, seconded by Nancy Haase and approved unanimously to approve the Minutes of March 11, 2004.
III. 86 HOPMEADOW STREET PRESENTATION
John McCormick addressed the Economic Development Commission on the property on Hopmeadow Street that is currently for sale or lease. He explained that after attending the Developers Showcase on March 23rd , he wanted to come in to make the Commission aware of the opportunity available.
The 42,500 square foot building has 3 floors and was built in 1989. General Casualty is now occupying part of the building and will be moving into another space. The lease price is $22/sq. ft. ($8/sq. ft. for taxes is eliminated). Mr. McCormick stated that the building would soon be equipped with fiber, ATT or SBC would be used for phone service, and there is also cable. He said this could be a “turn key” move for someone.
His office is having an open house with lunch the third week in May and invited any Commission member interested to attend. He will notify the members of the exact date.
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IV. FVVA QUARTERLY REPORT
Nancy Ansty distributed to the EDC members the Geiger Quarterly Recap (Addendum I) reporting information through January 2004. She said with the 60 media placements, there were approximately $4.5 million potential visitors reached by articles.
Also distributed (Addendum II) were pages from the Fodor’s Book Where to Weekend Around Boston. The good news is they have included the Farmington Valley (includes Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby, and Simsbury). This book now on shelves is one more vehicle for exposure for the town.
Nancy reported the Press Tour is scheduled for May 13-16th. The Phelps Homestead will have a muster and a tour on July 16th , which coincides with the last evening of the Talcott Mountain Music Festival.
V. PROJECT REVIEWS
Nancy Haase reported the Developers Showcase was well attended and successful. Simsbury had good exposure and leads and discussions with other towns attending occurred.
Sharon Craig concurred the event was well attended and the best attended to date. It also made the most money. Attendees had asked for Bill Voelker at the booth and members agreed next year it would be helpful if the First Selectman attended.
It was also suggested the owners of Powder Forest, Ensign Bickford, etc. attend and be available at the booth to have information available.
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Lou George informed the Commission members he had received a letter from the Chamber announcing an informal event that will take place June 15th. This event is for larger land-owners, (EB, Griffin, Chubb, etc.) in Town to get together and share thoughts on what they all are concerned, care about, etc. The First Selectman will be attending this Chamber event and EDC has been invited as well.
Plan of Development – Since the initial presentation made to the Planning Commission, Scott Barnett has been looking at potential zone changes to be made to the map, which the Planning Commission asked for.
The EDC members discussed different areas and the current zones of areas.
Scott explained to the Commission while the EDC does not have statutory authority to change the zoning, they do have the ability to request zone changes.
The Planning Commission is looking at a November target date for the first draft of the new POD.
The following areas were determined by the Commission to be in need of new zoning, either less restricted or mixed. These properties are CL&P, Powder Forest, land behind ISCC, Herman Drive, and Tariffville Mill.
It was suggested that Simsbury Commons, houses on Hopmeadow across from EB, and West Simsbury center should be rezoned.
The Tariffville Village and Hopmeadow properties should also be mixed use.
The Economic Development Commission unanimously approved moving forward with a letter to John Loomis suggesting these areas of change.
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Simsbury Events Coordination – It was reported that the Chamber does not want non-members listed on the web site. The organizations which conform to the Town's posting policy, i.e., those which are non-profit Simsbury organizations, may be posted on an events calendar on the Town web site. Letters will be sent out to those organizations, and those that don't qualify for posting on the Town site will be handled separately.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
The Economic Development Commission unanimously adjourned the meeting at 9:00 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Lungarini
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