MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 10, 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, John Barney, Sharon Craig, Nancy Haase (arrived 7:40), Alan Levesque, and Dave Ryan, as well as other interested parties.
II. MINUTES – 5/13/04
Dave Balboni made a motion, seconded by John Barney, and passed unanimously to approve the 5/13/04 EDC Minutes.
III. PRESENTATION – ENSIGN BICKFORD REALTY
T.J. Donohue addressed the EDC members and explained EBR’s philosophy in keeping a partnership with the town in using their real estate resources. EBR is proposing to build an active, adult, residential community in a portion of the Powder Forest. Tom P., President of EBR and Robert Stevens of EBR were introduced and showed a Power Point presentation of the analysis of economic impact, marketing studies, land use design, and comparative studies of other residential communities in the area. An overview pamphlet of this presentation was distributed to all EDC members (Addendum I).
The site location map showed that Powder Forest is located in the center of Town, and is serviced by all infrastructure utility, including sewer and water.
The entire square footage of Powder Forest is 550 acres with the parcel of land to be developed in the southwest corner.
The goal of the market analysis done was to see if this was housing adults wanted. The process included sending out 4,000 questionnaires. A response of 587 was received, and 300 households expressed immediate interest. Key findings were adults wanted to stay in Simsbury, they wanted condo style living, and single family, one floor housing. The desired size of the house was 1,600 to 1,900 square feet.
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The proposed plan has 184 units versus 476 permitted by sewer capacity. This equates to 1.7 units per acre. There are 7 different styles of homes with 3 different architectural fronts each. Wooded, park-like areas will be maintained, a bike trail and walking trail, and a meeting house will be on the site as well.
The estimated fiscal impact for Simsbury business is $55 million for the construction budget with an estimated $4.1 million in additional annual sales. The ongoing estimated additional sales from the completion of this project would be an 8-9% increase. The impact on the existing Town budget would be about $1.4 million in real estate taxes and $166,000 in personal property taxes.
EBR is hoping to start construction in the winter of 2005 and have units available for spring 2005. It has not been determined yet who will do the construction for the project. Further information can be obtained on their website at www.powderforest.com which will be up in a couple of weeks.
The following information was given in response to questions raised by members of the EDC.
It was determined that adults leaving their larger homes and selling them to families with children would indeed happen regardless. The project now allows these adults to stay in Simsbury rather than move out of Town and allows the development of 4-5 bedroom homes to slow down.
The impact on traffic on Bushy Hill Road will be incidental. There are two entrances/exits from the Powder Forest. One on Bushy Hill Road and the other on Stratton Brook Road. Also, the majority of the adult community would not impact the “rush hour” traffic.
Final prices for the units have not been set, but the range that was asked for in the questionnaires was between $250,000-$350,000.
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A condo management company would maintain the community and local craftsmen would be needed for some of the work involved.
Currently, the price estimate per square foot is $195. The average market price is $175 – last years price.
The absorption rate is expected to be 3-5 years for the homes.
The Town of Simsbury has about 3.4% in statutory affordable housing. The old Ensign Bickford housing does not fall in this category.
PRESENTATION – STEVE ANTONIO
Steve, owner of Antonio’s Restaurant in Town, addressed the EDC members and wanted them to know he is going forward with the new lobster, seafood restaurant. The location is the old building where Gemini’s resided.
They hope to open in 30-45 days.
There will be new furnishings, booths, etc. and have made the renovation simpler by not changing the structure. Steve did say the Town, Commissions, etc. were slow in the process but doing their best. He is still in the process of getting his signs (neon) for the restaurant approved. He showed photos of the signage to the Commission.
Lou George said if Steve needed any help in the process to let the EDC know and they would be happy to help.
The EDC members discussed the idea of supporting Ensign Bickford Realty in their proposed project. Dave Balboni stated he could not vote because he is an EB stockholder. Dave Ryan reported that for the first time, the Planning and Zoning Commissions were meeting together to help the ease of the process in this application.
It was discussed by the members that a letter would be sent to the Planning and Zoning Commissions and the First Selectmen.
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John Barney made a motion, seconded by Alan Levesque, with one abstaining, and passed by the Economic Development Commission that they send a preliminary general letter of support at this time, and at a later stage make a more specific recommendation.
IV. REPORTS
Rich Coreira reported for Sara Floraski from Main Street. Main Street has been working with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and Talcott Mountain Music Festival. The concerts set for July 2nd and 3rd currently has 7 vendors that have rented tents that will sell their wares. If the retailers are happy with this situation, they will continue this again next year for all the events.
In conjunction with this, the Simsbury Inn and the 1820 House have put together a package “Under the Stars” for a room and food for the concert.
Rich reported that Sara has met with Life Balance located at Fiddlers Green, and Welden Hardware has new owners and has a 5-year lease contract.
Simsbury Main Street has been awarded two State awards, and Sara will show these to EDC next month.
In September the Barney School of Business from the University of Hartford will be “secret” shopping 15-20 stores on Hopmeadow Street to help identify the 5-7 businesses that need the most help. They will then help in the marketing, merchandising, etc. of these businesses. The students receive full credit and it is a free service to the retailers.
There have been meetings regarding the intersection at West Street and Hopmeadow Street and Main Street has helped in the added attendance of these meetings. The State has proposed that more lanes be added to speed up the traffic, however the location of this gateway is to slow traffic down. The various groups involved in these meetings are expressing the concerns.
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Rich distributed on behalf of Nancy Antsy the FVVA Visitors Guide Books.
Rich reported that the Fiddler’s Green property will be welcoming Luna Pizza. They will occupy 2,800 square feet and will have outdoor dining. Fitzgerald’s Market will eliminate Luna Pizza and have their own. Upstairs will be a restaurant called Dandelions occupying about 4,000 square feet and will also have outdoor dining on the roof section.
Sakimura Restaurant is doing a 600 square foot addition which will allow for a double hibachi. A teahouse will be coming offering teas, chocolates, etc., and Life Balance will expand from 500 to 1,250 square feet. A franchise called Candy Bouquet will be renting space, a local massage therapist, and a local Reikei business will move from their current locations to Fiddler’s Green property.
Dave Balboni reported users of Aquarian Water Co. (old Village Water Co.) received information in the mail stating that Tuesday, June 15th, at 6:30 pm the DPUC is holding a public hearing at the high school. Interested parties will have an opportunity to speak about the rate increase. There has not been a rate increase in 4-5 years.
Nancy Haase spoke with Fred Wergeles regarding Economic Gardening and due to Littleton’s tax structure being set up differently; a plan is being restructured for Simsbury in the hopes of bringing this plan to our community.
Lou George received correspondence from Tom Vincent on the track and field issue at the high school. He read a letter by Tom Vincent that had been sent to the Track & Field Committee stating due to a petition being circulated on this issue, and supported by the BOE, the Committee meetings were no longer scheduled.
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Lou George expressed his concern in the dissolution of the Committee and EDC members discussed this subject.
It was agreed a letter would be sent from EDC stating their desire to see these meetings continue in a healthy manner. Lou George will e-mail Commission members a copy beforehand for comments.
V. ADJOURNMENT
The Economic Development Commission unanimously adjourned the meeting at 9:40 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Lungarini
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