2014-04-14
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TOWN OF BERLIN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2014
BERLIN TOWN HALL ROOM 7 7:00 P.M.
APPROVED
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
David Cyr, Chairman Ed Egazarian, Vice- Chairman
Robert Sisti, Treasurer Michael Baczewski
Steven McLarty Peter Campanelli
Others: Sean Taylor
STAFF:
James Mahoney, Economic Development Director
Chairman Cyr called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
1.AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
2.APPROVAL OF MARCH 10 REGULAR MEETING AND MARCH 20
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Motion by Mr. Egazarian, seconded by Mr. McLarty to approve the minutes
of the March 10 Regular Meeting. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Motion by Mr. Egazarian, seconded by Mr. Campanelli to approve the
minutes of the March 20 Special Meeting. The minutes were approved
unanimously.
3.FINANCIAL REPORT
The finances for the fiscal year are on track except the promotion funds are
depleted.
4.FY 2014 BUDGET
The budget referendum is April 29.
5.POCD- DISCUSSION OF ZONING AMENDMENTS
The Commission discussed the proposed zoning text and map
amendments including the added changes that were made by Mr.
Mahoney in concert with Mr. Chalder. The Commission endorsed moving
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forward to propose the proposed zoning map and text changes with the
following modifications:
i.Section 1 – Make the requirements more flexible for smaller projects;
keep the proposed standards for new construction. We don’t want to
discourage incremental improvements to existing buildings.
ii.Section 2 - In the Village Core Areas 1 & 2 of the Kensington Overlay
Zone, require a minimum lot area of .5 aces (excluding wetlands and
flood plain) for multi-family above first floor commercial. Provide that
the allowed multi-family density will be prorated by rounding down to
the nearest 0.1 acre. Eliminate the affordable housing requirement in
the Kensington Overlay Zone.
iii.Sections 3, 4, 5 – Agree with sections as amended.
iv.TEDS sections - Agree with sections as amended.
6.HOUSING INCENTIVE ZONE STUDY/ TRAIN STATION AREA
The new proposal for Core Area 1 may qualify as a housing incentive zone, if
approved.
7.PROMOTION
The awards event was held on April 2 at the Baltic. About 90 people
attended. The Governor cam and received an award. All went well.
Work is proceeding on the brochure update.
8.INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
The tax abatement application from Sirois Tool was approved.
9.GRANTS
The plan is that the State will take over administration of the Train station
renovation project and incorporate it into their up and over and parking lot
expansion project. We have expanded the Michael Baker contract to
prepare bid documents for spring bidding. The paperwork is in process for
the second STEAP grant. We developed a plan for underground wiring at
the station with one pole at the rear of the site. The wiring will initially be
overhead and then will be put underground when the Town constructs the
boulevard to the Train Station.
Loureiro Engineering Group has completed the revised Remedial Action
Plan and Engineered Control Variance application. These are being
reviewed by staff before they are submitted to DEEP. We engaged Jacunski
Humes to prepare the 889 demo specifications. Eagle Environmental
performed additional soil testing related to the hazardous materials
abatement portion of the demo project and provided the hazardous
materials portion of the demo spec.
The Town Council approved the concept plan for phase II of Berlin
Veterans Memorial Park on October 29. We receive the borings report and
this is under staff review. The sign was installed by Sign Lite.
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Façade Program – We are continuing to meet with prospective applicants.
The application for the Subway building at 1224 Farmington Avenue was
approved by P&Z and the Town Council and the grant agreement is
executed. Colvest’s site plan revision and facade improvements for 1073
Farmington Avenue were approved by P&Z. We used architectural design
services from the Façade Program to assist this project but the property
owner is not applying for a façade grant.
Streetscape – We have received a revised concept plan from Luchs and we
have been meeting with property owners and businesses on the block. A
public information meeting for this project is scheduled for April 29 at 7
PM at the Library.
Train Station Boulevard – The State awarded a $500,000 grant to fund this
project.
The Commission decided to propose that staff apply for another Main
Street Grant to fund additional streetscape improvements on the Main
Street block between New Britain Road and Farmington Avenue, and
immediately adjacent areas.
10.DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION
Work has started on the Depot Crossing project.
CCRPA will be doing a survey of businesses and property owners in the
Farmington Avenue area.
The Gateway Sign bid was awarded to Creative Sign Designs. Contract
paperwork is in process. There are details that we will discuss with the
Commission before moving forward.
11.DISCUSSION OF OLD SAYBROOK DESIGN MANUAL
12.LEGISLATION
13.PUBLIC RELATIONS
14.DISCUSSION OF RESTARTING BERLIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Commission decided to take no action concerning the New
Britain/Berlin Chamber and Restarting the Berlin Chamber.
15.POCD ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
16.DIRECTOR’S REPORT
17.OTHER MATTERS
18.ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Campanelli, seconded by Mr. McLarty at
9:30 PM. The motion passed by unanimous vote.