2009-07-13
APPROVED
TOWN OF BERLIN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MONDAY, JULY 13, 2009
BERLIN TOWN HALL
7:00 P.M. – ROOM 8
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
David Cyr, Chairman
Edward Egazarian, Vice-Chairman
Christine Fairwood, Treasurer
Michael Bragulla Peter Campanelli
Peter Rosso Thomas Veronesi
James Mahoney, Economic Development Director
Juliet Benjamin, Secretary
ABSENT:
GUESTS:
Michael Cassetta, Owner/Developer Lot Farmington Ave.
Kate Fuechsel, Executive Dir. Berlin Chamber of Commerce
Chairman Cyr called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
1. AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS:
Ms. Fuechsel stated that the Chamber Annual Golf Tournament at
Shuttle Meadow Country Club was held on June 15 but it was not as
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successful as previous years. She felt that the economy had a big influence on
the attendance at the tournament.
The Chamber is sponsoring a Picnic and Rock Cats Baseball Game on
July 22. The picnic will start at 5:30 PM and the game will follow at 7:00 PM.
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Body Cote on Christian Lane will be hosting a grand re-opening of their
business on August 5 from 12:00 to 4:00 PM in their remodeled facility. The
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business was formerly known as Lindquist Heat Treating and Body Cote has
completed $5,000,000 in renovations.
Ms. Fuechsel stated that there will be a Family Health & Safety Day in
conjunction with the Farmer’s Market on Saturday, September 12 and she is
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working on a Ladies Night Out for sometime in September.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES, MONDAY, MAY 11, 2009:
Commissioner Rosso made a motion to accept the Minutes of Monday,
May 11, 2009 as written. Commissioner Veronesi seconded the motion and
they were unanimously approved.
Page 2 –Town of Berlin Economic Development Commission July 13, 2009
3. FINANCIAL REPORT:
Dir. Mahoney stated that he did not have a copy of the Financial Report
for this month. The Finance Dept is in the process of updating their computer
finance software. Dir. Mahoney said that the requested carryover of funds
(Revolving Loan, Infrastructure loan & signage) was approved by Town Manager
McNair.
4. DEVELOPMENT PRESENTATION:
Michael Cassetta, Lot 20B Farmington Ave.
Mr. Cassetta stated that he has been working with a prospective tenant,
a financial institution for some time and he is requesting to build a 6,400
square foot building next to his existing building. The proposed site plan
shows an 80’ x 80’ building with a two lane drive through and ATM. He will be
going before the Planning & Zoning Commission with a special permit request
for the drive through. He noted that he plans to plant grass at the back of the
property, which abuts the Town owned Berlin Veterans Memorial Park
property. Mr. Cassetta stated that he does not foresee any traffic concerns on
the property. This new building will be located on a separate lot from his
existing building. The lots may be combined or there will be cross easements
for both properties because the entrance driveway is to be located on the
property of the existing building. The existing middle entrance on the new
building lot will be moved toward the west. The proposed financial institution
will occupy one-half of the building (3,200 sf) with 3,200 sf available for one or
two more tenants. Commissioners were pleased with the proposal and wished
Mr. Cassetta good luck on his new venture.
5. BERLIN TURNPIKE ZONING RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDING PARKING
AND LANDSCAPESECTION PROPOSALS:
Berlin Turnpike Zone – Dir. Mahoney reviewed the CCD language
concerning personal services that will be carried over to the BT-1 and BT-2
Zones.
Commissioner Egazarian stated that he did not agree with the
recommendation to eliminate the uses listed in the present regulations. He felt
that, in his opinion, it would create confusion by not listing service uses in
these zones. Chairman Cyr recommended that three or four examples of
personal and business services be listed, in parenthesis, as an example. It was
agreed that these personal and services businesses would be: Travel Agent,
Beauty Salon/Spa and Computer Repair. After discussion, Commissioner
Bragulla made a motion to approve the proposed with the addition as stated,
including map changes. Commissioner Fairwood seconded the motion. All
Commissioners voted in favor except Commissioner Rosso who voted opposed.
Commissioner Rosso felt that he would like to see the changes spelled out in a
draft before approving. Motion approved.
Landscaping Requirements – This proposal concerns repeal of Sections
IXB 14 and IXC of the Town of Berlin Zoning Regulations and the insertion of a
new IXC: Dir. Mahoney noted that this is the first time that the EDC has
Page 3 –Town of Berlin Economic Development Commission July 13, 2009
reviewed these proposed changes to the regulations and they could decide
whether to vote on the changes tonight or at some future date.
Commissioner discussed whether having the landscaped area of a non-
residential lot at 20% was too high an amount or if that amount should be
reduced to 15%. Some Commissioners seemed to be in agreement with the
20% with the notation “Except where modified by the Commission” and others
felt that the 15% was a better amount. This requirement, if it is adopted,
would be town wide, not limited to certain areas.
The Commission was in agreement that there should not be a reduction
in the regulation for Medical Office parking. Dir. Mahoney noted that there is
no recommendation on changes to Medical Office parking at this time.
Commissioners reviewed Item 7 Parking Area Landscape Requirements,
and they agreed that Items 7. a., b., c. & h. do not and should not apply to any
Industrial Zones.
After lengthy discussion, Commissioner Campanelli made a motion to
approve the Landscaping and Parking requirements as amended by reducing
the landscaped area requirement to 15% and by not applying sections 7 a, b, c,
and h to industrial zoned properties. Commissioner Bragulla seconded the
motion. Commissioners voted in favor with Commissioner Rosso opposed.
Motion approved.
6. SHERWOOD TOOL PROJECT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN:
Dir. Mahoney noted that the developer is moving forward. They have
closed on their financing and have secured approval of one of the two tax
credits. They have started pre-marketing and received inquiries from
prospective occupants.
7. HOUSING INCENTIVE ZONE APPLICATION/TRAIN STATION AREA:
Dir. Mahoney stated that there has been no action from the State on the
Housing Incentive Zone. Dir. Mahoney met with the Planning & Zoning
Commission on this matter.
8. PROMOTION:
Dir. Mahoney had nothing to report on this item.
9. INCENTIVE PROGRAMS (TAX ABATEMENT & FAÇADE ENHANCEMENT &
INFRASTRUCTURE LOAN PROGRAM:
Dir. Mahoney had nothing to report on this item.
10. GRANTS:
STEAP 4 – Streetscape – Dir. Mahoney noted that the Town had met with
the DOT in June and the DOT recommended not placing Street Trees within
the right of way. They felt that the trees should be planted on individual
properties. He plans to approach owners along New Britain Road and
Farmington Ave. to get input on whether they would like the trees planted
on their property and if they would be willing to water and take care of the
trees.
Page 4 –Town of Berlin Economic Development Commission July 13, 2009
11. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION:
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Town Center Park – Dir. Mahoney noted that the Veteran’s Committee
was in agreement on the new Memorial plan. Dir. Mahoney stated that
new borings have to be done for the bridge and he has requested a
purchase order to move ahead on this item.
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Train Station – Dir. Mahoney stated that AMTRACK is requiring
Railroad Insurance at a cost of $5,000. This charge was approved by
the Town Council.
He has been looking at the layout of parking for commuter rail and is
waiting for a proposal from the DOT. Dir. Mahoney was asked to bring
in maps/drawings of the Train Station for the next EDC meeting.
12. LEGISLATION:
Dir. Mahoney had nothing new to report on this item.
13. PUBLIC RELATIONS:
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Gateway Signs – Dir. Mahoney stated that he has received comments
from the DOT and they do not want the existing entry signs to be
replaced. They want the Town signs to be separate.
14. SPONSORS FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS:
Commissioner Bragulla noted that he has not seen any recent activity at
the Depot Crossing project.
15. PLAN OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE:
Chairman Cyr stated that the last meeting was held in June and
everything is going well.
16. DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Dir. Mahoney noted that a cleanup plan for the Bradley property on the
Chamberlain Highway has been submitted.
ABC Supply, 554 Berlin Turnpike received site plan approval from the
Planning & Zoning Commission for modifications to their parking area.
Dir. Mahoney submitted a letter that was received from Peter &
Elizabeth Boucher, who had asked that the proposed modifications to the
Berlin Zoning Regulations and Zoning Map in the area of Orchard Road and
the Berlin Turnpike not be made. Dir. Mahoney noted that the zone on the
Berlin Turnpike has not been changed.
17. OTHER MATTERS:
After discussion, Commissioner Veronesi made a motion to cancel the
August meeting of the EDC which was tentatively scheduled for Monday,
August 10, 2009. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Fairwood and
unanimously approved.
Page 5 –Town of Berlin Economic Development Commission July 13, 2009
18. ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Bragulla made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:05
P.M. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Campanelli & unanimously
approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Juliet K. Benjamin, Secretary