2010-04-12
TOWN OF BERLIN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2010
BERLIN TOWN HALL
7:00 P.M. – ROOM 8
APPROVED
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Edward Egazarian, Vice-Chairman Peter Campanelli
Peter Rosso Thomas Veronesi
ABSENT:
David Cyr, Chairman Christine Fairwood, Treasurer
STAFF:
James Mahoney, Economic Development Director
Juliet Benjamin, Secretary
GUEST:
Kate Fuechsel, Executive Dir. Berlin Chamber of Commerce
Vice-Chairman Egazarian called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
1. AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS:
Kate Fuechsel, Executive Dir. Berlin Chamber of Commerce – Ms
Fuechsel thanked the EDC for its participation at the Berlin Chamber of
Commerce 57 Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony on Friday, March 26 and
thth
for the commission’s support as a Premier Member. She felt that there was a
very good turnout for the event. Vice-Chairman Egazarian suggested that
speakers be told they are limited to a certain number of minutes for their
presentation so that the program moves along smoothly.
Ms. Fuechsel noted that the ribbon cutting for the new Filene’s
Basement/SYMS joint venture at the Brickyard Plaza will be held this
Thursday, April 15 @ 9:45 a.m. The Filene’s Basement portion of the store
th
will cater to women’s fashions and shoes and the SYMS portion to men’s suits
and outerwear.
Ms. Fuechsel said that the Berlin Chamber of Commerce is gearing up
for the annual Golf Tournament to be held at Timberlin Golf Course this year.
The event will be held on June 9 with registration at 11:00 a.m. and tee-off at
th
12:30 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES, MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010:
Page 2
Town of Berlin Economic Development Commission April 12, 2010
Commissioner Rosso made a motion to accept the Minutes of Monday,
March 8, 2010 as written. Commissioner Campanelli seconded the motion
and they were unanimously approved.
3. FINANCIAL REPORT:
Dir. Mahoney noted that copies of the current budget as of 3/31/10 and
the Council approved budget for FY2010/2011 were distributed for review.
The current budget is in order and the proposed budget shows that the
$15,000 Streetscape request has been removed from the budget previously
recommended by the Town Manager...
4. DEVELOPMENT PRESENTATIONS:
None
5. SHERWOOD TOOL PROJECT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN:
Dir. Mahoney noted that the developer needs to get building permits for
Phase II of the project because the electrical room is part of that phase. Dir.
Mahoney noted that he visited the site and they were installing sheetrock in
units on the fourth floor.
6. HOUSING INCENTIVE ZONE APPLICATION/TRAIN STATION AREA:
Dir. Mahoney noted that the Town Council has authorized the filing of a
smaller grant application. Dir. Mahoney needs to go to Planning & Zoning for
their approval before the grant can be filed.
Vice-Chairman Egazarian suggested having a meeting with property
owners in the area of the Train Station to discuss possibilities of housing in the
Train Station area. Dir. Mahoney plans to have such a meeting after the grant
is approved.
7. PROMOTION:
ICSC – Dir. Mahoney attended the International Conference of Shopping
Centers program in March.
E-Newsletter - Dir. Mahoney stated that Berlin is participating in an e-
newsletter in conjunction with the towns of Wallingford, Meriden, Cheshire and
Southington. The e-newsletter is through the Central Connecticut Alliance for
Economic Development.
8. INCENTIVE PROGRAMS (TAX ABATEMENT & FAÇADE ENHANCEMENT
& INFRASTRUCTURE LOAN PROGRAM:
Northeast Utilities – Dir. Mahoney noted that Northeast Utilities
applications have been approved. There are no other new incentive requests.
9. GRANTS:
?
Streetscape – Dir. Mahoney stated that a pre-bid meeting was held
today and another may be held next Monday. The bid opening will
take place on April 22.
nd
Page 3
Town of Berlin Economic Development Commission April 12, 2010
?
Berlin Veteran’s Memorial Park – Dir. Mahoney noted that the
survey has been corrected and Mark Roming, the Landscape Architect
has revised the plans accordingly. Maguire Group is now doing the
Flood Management Certification Application. The application then
goes to the DEP and they have ninety days to review and then out to
bid.
?
Firehouse Pocket Park – The Kensington Fire Department
announced that they have received steel from 911 and it will be part
of the Pocket Park.
?
Train Station – Dir. Mahoney stated that they are making progress
and have met with the consultant. The plan is still in the concept
design stage. They will meet again on April 28 and AMTRACK will be
th
at that meeting. He believes that the plan will be to concentrate on
the outside portion of the building for Phase I. It is planned for the
Berlin Station to be double tracked and a pedestrian bridge will be
part of the future commuter rail project. Vice-Chairman Egazarian
asked Dir. Mahoney to get a list of how many houses and buildings
are located in the area across the tracks from the Train Station. Dir.
Mahoney said that a meeting has been set up by the Capitol Region
Council of Governments for April 22to discuss the progress of the
nd
commuter rail project and Town plans for transit oriented
development.
?
Economic Development Fund – Dir. Mahoney noted that these funds
are being used on the Veteran’s Memorial Park.
?
LOCIP – Street Signs - Dir. Mahoney stated that money has not yet
been allocated for street signs.
?
LOCIP – Veteran’s Memorial Park – LOCIP funding for this item has
been approved.
10. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION:
?
Streetscape
?
Façade and Landscape Incentive Programs
?
Gateway Signs & Business District Signage
?
Train Station
?
Berlin Veterans Memorial Park
?
Pocket Park, Farmington Avenue at Mill Street
11. LEGISLATION:
No report.
12. PUBLIC RELATIONS:
?
Street Signs
?
Gateway Signs
?
A Periodic Column in the Citizen – Vice-Chairman Egazarian stated
that he was pleased with the recent article in the Berlin Citizen.
Page 4
Town of Berlin Economic Development Commission April 12, 2010
?
Photos for Display – Dir. Mahoney stated that he hopes to get copies of
photos that the developer of the Lofts at Sherwood Falls project has been
taking.
13. SPONSORS FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS:
14. PLAN OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE:
?
Discussion of TEDS Site – New Britain Rd Rear – The Commission
reviewed maps of the area behind New Britain Road where Eastern
Parlor Frame and other buildings are located. The several properties are
zoned GI – General Industry. The area contains significant wetlands and
flood plain. Development of these properties presents challenges
because there is no sewer or water available, although they do offer
access to rail. Road access is also an issue because the area is framed
by Route 9, AMTRAK and the rail freight line at New Britain Road rear
and all crossings are at grade.
15. DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Dir. Mahoney noted that COM-Pak Services has bought the assets of
Market Point Direct on Episcopal Road and the business has been downsized.
Dir. Mahoney discussed a residential energy audit program sponsored
by CL&P.
16. OTHER MATTERS:
Stormwater Management Program - Dir. Mahoney noted that NEMO will be
presenting a program in the Town Council Chamber on April 28 @6:30 p.m.
th
on Stormwater Management.
UPBEAT Picnic – The EDC agreed to sponsor a table at the UPBEAT Picnic in
May with the Berlin Chamber of Commerce.
17. ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Veronesi made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:15
P.M. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rosso & unanimously
approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Juliet K. Benjamin, Secretary