2017-01-09 . ,
Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
BERLIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES of Monday, January 9, 2017
240 KENSINGTON ROAD, BERLIN - Room 8, Town Hall, 7:00 P.M.
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
David Cyr, Chairman Ed Egazarian, Vice- Chairman
Michael Baczewski, Treasurer Robert Sisti
Peter Campanelli Chris Coppola
ABSENT:
JoAnn Angelico- Stetson
STAFF:
Chris Edge, Economic Development Director
Kristen Grabowski, Recording Secretary �
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Chairman Dave Cyr called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. � � �
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1. Public Comments -ABC Hydraulics/Auto Use - Ber�in 'hxrnpike/ Berlan � � _-
Historical Society (Train Station) ��_ - — '� ' �,�;
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ABC Hydraulics _: r= _�
Richard Christensen�vas in atter�dance to address the Commission}regarc�i'ng ``
his upcoming groject at 65 Willow Brc�k Drive. He is relocating his business
(DEF Praperties) from Rocky Hill in the GI-2 zone. Mr. Christensen is proposing
a 5,0� sq. ft. new co�struction building. It was noted that the business will be
for hydraulics and industrial repair. Chairman Cyr noted that the Economic
I3evelopmertt CQtnmission will help in any way possible.
Auto Use - Berlin 'htrnpike
Dipak Parikh was in attendance to address the Commission regarding 427
Berlin �.irnpike. It was noted that a portion of the building previously burned
down, and there have been some troubles renting out the property. Michael
LAST NAME was also in attendance to address the Commission. He noted that
he is the General Manager of Prestige Auto Cars, 111 Christian Lane, New
Britain. He explained that he and CEO Anthony LAST NAME would like to open
a second store on the Berlin 'hirnpike. It was noted that they would like to
dress up the store for an auto sales business. It was explained that there will be
no repairs, but a small section for safety inspections. Michael also explained
that there will be an anticipated 8-15 new jobs at this location. Mr. Edge
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Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
explained that prior to operation, the applicants will have to seek a Location
Approval with the ZBA for motor vehicle sales and repair. They will also have to
seek a Special Permit with the PZC. Michael noted that they will not want to
overload the lot, and there will be approximately 60-90 cars at any given time.
Commissioner Campanelli noted that there are quite a few used car dealerships
on the Berlin 'hzrnpike already, and Mr. Michael noted that the dealership will
be unlike any other located on the turnpike. Commissioner Egazarian noted
that the building will have to be brought up to code, noting specifically that the
bathrooms burned in the fire.
Berlin Historical Society (Train Station)
Members of the Berlin Historical Society were in attendance to address the
Commission regarding the recent fire at the histaric Berlin Trian Station. It was
noted that the Town has been promoting the Downtown Revitalization projects,
and the tra.in station was a nice focal point of the dovvntown area. It was noted
that the Historical Society would like to see the train station rebuilt, but it was
unclear as to what the future wvuld bring. This is the second fire at the train
station since 1900, and each time, there has been a rebuild of the facility. It
was noted that there is an online petition set up with many "likes" on Facebook
as well as signatures. The Historical Society has received many phone calls in
support of rebuilding the train station. It was also discussed that if the station
could not be rebuilt, a nice diorama or replica could be a possibility.
Commissioner Egazarian inquired about the petition, and it was noted that the
petition supports a rebuild. It was noted that the Town and the Historical
Society shou�d be part of the conversation together. Hopefully the project will
support the use of as much salvaged material as possible.
Direetor Edge noted that the original grant was for $500,000, which the Town
received to restore the train station. The funds were passed on to the DOT, as
they were the ones facilitating the project. Chairman Cyr inquired about the
original intended use upon completion of the project. Director Edge noted that
there was no confirmed answer from the DOT. Ticket sales were mentioned, but
it had not been determined.
2. Approval of Minutes - December 2016
Commissioner Campanelli moved to approve the minutes of December 5, 2016.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Sisti and passed 5-0-1.
Commissioner Coppola abstained.
Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
3. Election of Officers - 2017
Postponed until February meeting
4. Incentive Programs (Tax Abatement 8s Fa�ade 8v Infrastructure Loan Program)
o Fa�ade Discussion
Commissioner Baczewski noted that the language revolving around the
fa�ade program is in the process of revision. He nated that the proposed
revisions make the guidelines more business fr�endly. He recommended a
special meeting be held in order to review the Ianguage. Cammissioner
Egazarian explained that Mr. Baczewski has spent a considerable
amount of time on the revisions to make it much mare understandable.
The guidelines have been simplified considerably. It was noted that the
language would be sent to OPM for approval, th�n to Corporation
Counsel, and finally the Town Council.
o Applications
■ Massirio - 39 Mill Street
Director Edge noted that there are approximately $100,000 in
improvements proposed as nated in the paperwork. He explained
that some Co�nmissioners were able to visit the property to review
the plan. He nated that the project includes $85,920 in fa�ade
work plus $10,000 for Iandscaping, totaling $95,920. With tax the
total wuuld cc�me to $102,01 I.78.
Commissiarner Cyr noted that the grant is capped off at $50,000.
He expressed concern with supporting the installation of a new
railing and support columns, as well as dumpsters for the project.
Wrthout those items, the bid would reduce by $35,000, totaling
about $65,000. The 50% fa�ade grant would be in the $32,000
range. Commissioner Cyr explained that he could not see
spending 10% of the fa�ade budget on columns.
Director Edge explained that the applicant will be using Trex
material, not PVC, and the railings and columns will not be plastic
looking. He noted that there was $41,000 left in the old grant
funds.
Commissioner Egazarian noted that the columns make a
difference as part of the renovations, and the give the building a
certain appeal. Commissioner Campanelli agreed, noting that he
would like to see less spending on landscaping, and more spent on
Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
the railings and support columns. He noted that landscaping
could be done at any time.
Commissioner Sisti noted that the Commission could grant the
remainder of the old contract at $41,000. It would also prevent a
second application. Commissioner Coppola noted that the EDC
has a fund, and should help in whatever way possible.
Commissioner Egazarian noted that the project must be completed
in order to receive any funds. The Comrnission discussed the need
to remove the dumpster from the approv�ed funds. Director Edge
confirmed that the Commission was in favor of providing funds for
everything requested except the dumpsters.
Commissioner Sisti moved to agprove th� fa�ade grant request in
the amount of$41,607.70. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Campanelli, and it gassed with a vote of 5-0-1.
Commissioner Baezewski abstained.
5. Public relations/Promotitm/Let's Do Business
o CarStar- 12/7�a 9 a.m. - CarStar has offered to be a sponsor for the
February winter gathering.
o Forrest Machir�e - �2/19 @ 9 a.m. - (groundbreaking) - It was snowy at
the groundbreaking, and Senatar Blumenthal came in from Washington.
The project has been well-received.
o CT Rea�ty Pros- i/20 @ 9 a.m. - 1200 Farmington Avenue
o Dr. Gallo - 1/25 @ 9 a.m. - Dr. Gallo is a dentist, and is the first tenant
on builclin.g 3 at Stick Village, Webster Square.
o Networking Event- February- exact date TBD - It was noted that Best
VVestern vRould be a possibility.
o Holiday Gathering-The gathering will be held at Casa Mia at the
Havvthorne.
6. Grants - STEAP/Brownfield
o TOD Planning Grant ($150,000) 1/25 @ 6
o STEAP- Streetscape 2 ($500,000) RFP for consultant
It was noted that the department will be working with public works
director in the spring.
o Trails Grant ($125,000) Spring 2017
It was noted that costs are in the works to include new paths and
interpretive signage.
Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
o Brownfields ($35,000)
Director Edge noted that the Woodlawn property (Tasca Ford) was
included in this assessment.
7. Downtown Revitalization
o Springtime - Main Street will be revisited in the spring.
o The Arts - 1/25 @ 5 p.m.
8. Berlin 'hirnpike
o Discussion on proposed used car location
Director Edge began the discussion. It was noted #hat the proposed use
will be challenging, and it may not be the best uplifting use on the Berlin
'hirnpike. It was noted that proposed. location is a very visible spot on the
Berlin 'hzrnpike. Chairman Cyr noted his thoughts about tt�e proposal,
explaining a lack of excitement with the proposed use. Commissioners
Campanelli and Egazarian agreed, noting that the property will be
flooded with cars. It was also discussed that the burr�ed area of the
building will be demolished, and there w�l be a concrete pad, rather than
a showroom. Commissioner Coppola noted that the applicants have done
a nice job in New Britain, especially with marketing. The Commission
discussed the taxable property, noting that a car dealership may not
generate tax do�Iars as well as another retail space might.
Director Edge noted that the final decision would be before the PZC.
Director af Development Services, Hellyn Riggins, noted that the
recommendatit>n would go to the ZBA first because of the location, and if
approved there, it would then go the PZC. Director Edge noted that a
retail or affice use would be idea, but a restaurant would work as well.
Commissic�ner Baczewski inquired about the limitations on the number
of cars on t�e lot. Director Riggins noted that with dealerships, normally
there is a bay area. She explained that there is also parking allotted for
sales and customers, as well as those being fixed. She noted that if
approved, the PZC would have to see the site upgraded. It was also
explained that if there are no restrooms on site, tllen there cannot be any
employees.
Commissioner Campanelli made a motion against the support of the
proposed location for a used car dealership at 1427 Berlin �.trnpike. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Baczewski, and it passed
unanimously.
Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
o Discussion on proposed shed/structure retail operation
This item was tabled as no plans were given to Director Edge.
o Spruce Brook Industrial Park
Director Edge noted that a quote from Vital Signs was received in the
amount of$2,300 for signs and installation. He explained that he would
like to have a discussion with the businesses about more visible signage.
He noted that the funds would most likely come out of the marketing
budget. Commissioner Baczewski moved to allow Director Edge to
discuss the proposed signage with the business in the Spruce Book
Industrial Park. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Egazarian,
and it passed unanimously.
9. Plan of Conservation 8v DevelopmentJPlanning 8s Zoning
o ABC Hydraulics -Willow Brook Drive
Commissioner Baczewski noted that there is no tax revenue being
generated at the present time. It was noted that the location would be
appropriate. CommissioFter Egazarian noted that the owner is a
reputable busir�essman, and the EDC should welcome the opportunity
for a new busir�ess in Town. Commissioner Baczewski moved to
recommendation that the application be recommended favorably to the
PZC and �Vetlands Commission. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Cc�ppola, and it passed with a vote of 5-0-1. Chairman Cyr
abstained.
0 18,000 sc}. ft. - I66-196 Old Brickyard
Director Fdge noted that there is no information for the tenant yet.
Commissioner Baczewski moved to table the item, seconded by
Comissioner Coppola. The motion passed unanimously.
o Steelwrist
Director Edge noted that they are still looking for a suitable location, and
there has been positive feedback from the owner.
10.Train Station
Chairman Cyr noted that there is a lack of information at the present time. He
continued, stating that the Commissioner supports something on that site.
Commissioner Egzarian agreed, noting that ideally there would be a rebuild.
Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
Commissioner Egazarian moved to recommend and support the rebuilding and
replication of the historic Berlin Train station. Commissioner Campanelli
seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The motion will be forwarded
to the Berlin Historical Society and the Town Council.
11.Director's Report- covered in items above.
12.Other Matters
The budget and maintenance on Town properties, spec�cally Pistol Creek was
briefly discussed.
13.Adj ournment
Commissioner Coppola moved to adjourn the meeting, seeonded by Commissioner
Campanelli. The motion passed unanimously at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristen M. Grabowski
Recording Secretary