2006/05/08
TOWN OF BERLIN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MONDAY, MAY 8, 2006
7:00 P.M. – ROOM 7
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
David Cyr, ChairmanRonald Stack
Patricia MaerzPeter Campanelli
Thomas Veronesi
James Mahoney, Economic Development Director
Juliet Benjamin, Secretary
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Christine FairwoodMichael Bragulla
GUESTS:
Richard Hans, Arkema, Old Brickyard Lane, Berlin
Councilman Edward Egazarian
Chairman Cyr called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M.
1. AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS:
Richard Hans, Arkema, Old Brickyard Lane, Berlin – Mt. Richard Hans,
former Economic Development Commissioner addressed the Commission
regarding the proposed addition of a 20,000 square foot building to house
processing equipment for coating products. Arkema produces both Plexiglas
and Polycarbonate products. The company is located on Old Brickyard Lane in
a building built by Rowland Products in the mid fifties. He noted that the new
building would be a state of the art facility. Ten to twelve new jobs would
initially be added with the new building, with more as the business grows.
This new building would allow Arkema to incorporate the high value added
coating process into the facility. Mr. Hans noted that he believed the long-term
future of the existing business would be compromised if Arkema were unable to
build this project. An area of the proposed building may also be used to
manufacture finished products for the transportation industry at some time in
the future.
Mr. Hans noted that an application has been filed with the Zoning Board of
Appeals to request a variance to the 50’ front yard setback in the PI Planned
Industry Zone. Because of the configuration of the lot and placement of the
existing building, a corner of the proposed building would be only 14 feet off
the front property line. Commissioners discussed the proposal and were in
agreement that they would support Arkema’s request to the ZBA for a variance
Page 2 – Town of Berlin - Economic Dev. Commission – May 8, 2006
of the front yard setback. Commissioner Veronesi made a motion to notify the
ZBA that the Economic Development Commission supports the request of
Arkema for a variance of the front yard setback for their proposed building on
Old Brickyard Lane. Seconded by Commissioner Stack & unanimously
approved.
2. MINUTES OF MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2006:
Commissioner Stack made a motion to accept the Minutes of Monday,
April 10, 2006, as written. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Veronesi & unanimously approved.
3. FINANCIAL REPORT:
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Budget for Current Year 05-06 – Dir. Mahoney noted that the current
year budget is on track.
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Budget for Fiscal Year 06-07 – Dir. Mahoney noted that the Town
Council has to adopt a budget on Wednesday, May 10and he did not
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know if any items would be removed from the proposed budget as
approved by the Town Manager.
4. PROMOTION:
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Brokers Breakfast – Dir. Mahoney stated that the date of the Brokers
Breakfast and Golf Outing has been set for September 27, 2006.
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CCSU ITBD – Dir. Mahoney noted that he had spoken with Rick Mullen,
who is the Director of the CCSU Institute of Technology & Business
Development that includes an incubator business program for start-up
companies. He noted that he hopes to host a meeting of the incubator
businesses at the Cornerstone business condos on Four Rod Road to
help introduce them to Berlin.
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Berlin Chamber of Commerce Directory/Map – Dir. Mahoney stated
that Kate Fuechsel has been busy on the new Chamber Directory and
Map. Dir. Mahoney has spoken with Town Manager Middlebrooks and
asked whether the EDC would agree to split the cost to purchase a ¼
page in the directory as it has done in the past. EDC Commissioners
were in favor of purchasing a ¼ page in conjunction with the Town of
Berlin.
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Upbeat Annual Town Picnic – Dir. Mahoney noted that he will be out of
state for the picnic and asked if other Commission Members would be
willing to man the table with the Chamber of Commerce at the picnic on
May 25. Chairman Cyr and Commissioner Campanelli volunteered to
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man the table and stated that any other EDC Commissioners would be
welcome to help out. Dir. Mahoney noted that he would have the
portable display ready for the event.
Page 3 – Town of Berlin - Economic Dev. Commission – May 8, 2006
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Berlin Fair – Dir. Mahoney will file the application for the EDC to
participate by having their booth on Friday only of the three-day event,
as agreed.
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Farmers Market – Dir. Mahoney noted that Kate Fuechsel had spoken
with the owner of Labieniec Feed Store and the store has been too busy
on Saturdays and unable to organize a Farmers Market. It was agreed
that this project would be put on hold for now. Dir. Mahoney noted that
he has spoken with a local plant wholesaler about having a one-day
sale, most likely in the spring or fall, of plants. This will be discussed
further at future meetings.
5. INCENTIVE PROGRAMS:
Dir. Mahoney noted that he had nothing new to report on this item.
6. GRANTS:
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EPA Revolving Loan Fund - $500,000 - Dir. Mahoney noted that he
would have a better idea of where the State is on this item by next
months meeting. It is still in transition to the State of CT Dept. of
Economic & Community Development.
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Small Town Economic Assistance Program Projects;
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Heritage Crossing Project - $500,000 – Funds to be reprogrammed.
Dir. Mahoney noted that a new project concept for condos in the
building is being proposed. This will need a Zone Text change due to
the requirement of zoning for a certain number of efficiency units.
The project will also need a revision to the Special Permit from the
Planning & Zoning Commission. The developer has applied for the
Zoning Text change.
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Town Center l – Town Center Park Improvements & Site
Remediation, $500,000.
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Town Center 2 – Additional Remediation Funds & Lower Lane
Improvements, $500,000. – Still a priority item to finish
remediation and complete park.
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New STEAP Application (pending) Streetscape - $500,000 – Dir.
Mahoney stated that he has not had any news regarding this grant
request.
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Train Station Grant- pending funding initiative - $1.700,000 –
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Farmington Avenue Underpass Project - $17,600,000.
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Economic Development Fund – Chairman Cyr requested that the
Economic Development Fund be listed on the Agenda for future
meetings.
7. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION:
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Streetscape – Dir. Mahoney noted that the selection committee had
interviewed the four applicants, are still sorting through the
proposals and have not made a decision yet.
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Gateway Signs – Dir. Mahoney noted that he is waiting on this item
until the Streetscape consultant is chosen.
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Ciammella LLC Property, Farmington Ave. – The Town is still
assisting the property owner in the process of marketing the
property.
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Train Station
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Town Center Remediation Project – Discussed above.
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Business District Signage – This item will tie in with Gateway
Signage.
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Design Standards – Dir. Mahoney noted that the Town Council has
approved an additional $5,000 for Design Standards. The Town is
now waiting for the consultant to send back a signed contract.
Chairman Cyr asked to have Signage added to this item. Chairman
Cyr questioned whether other areas of Town are being included in the
Design Standards, such as Ferndale Plaza, Berlin Turnpike and East
Berlin.
8. LEGISLATION:
Dir. Mahoney noted that he had nothing new to discuss on this subject.
9. PUBLIC RELATIONS:
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Gateway Signs – discussed above.
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A Periodic Column in the Berlin Citizen – Dir. Mahoney noted that
he has not been able to put together a column because of his busy
schedule.
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Photos for Display – Dir. Mahoney will get photos ready for the
Upbeat Picnic.
10. SPONSORS FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS:
11. PLAN OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE:
Commissioners reviewed the list of EDC responsibilities and priorities
submitted by Dir. Mahoney and three items were added to the list. Chairman
Cyr will discuss the list at the next POC&D Subcommittee meeting on May 17.
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12. DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
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Dir. Mahoney noted that Earl Wicklund is proposing a new 5,000 square
foot retail building on the former Mothers Restaurant site on Farmington
Ave.
Page 5 – Town of Berlin - Economic Dev. Commission – May 8, 2006
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Dir. Mahoney noted that he is working with the VFW; Horbal Const. and
Mr. Wicklund to set up a cooperative drainage easement plan for their
properties.
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Chairman Cyr asked to have Façade Enhancements added as a new item
on the Agenda for future meetings.
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Chairman Cyr discussed the Preserve America Grant that was recently
awarded to Wethersfield and asked Dir. Mahoney to add this item to the
grant list on the Agenda.
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Dir. Mahoney noted that the Pine Loft has reopened under new
ownership. The new owners also own ABC Pizza in New Britain and they
are now working with a limited menu of grinders, etc. and expect to go to
a full kitchen in the future.
13. OTHER MATTERS:
14. ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Stack made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 P.M.
Seconded by Commissioner Campanelli & UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
Respectfully submitted,
Juliet K. Benjamin, Secretary