2019-05-06 � Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
BERLIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, May 6, 2019
240 KENSINGTON ROAD, BERLIN - Room 8, Town Hall, 6:00 P.M.
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
David Cyr, Chairman Peter Campanelli, Treasurer
Tim Grady Chris Coppola
ABSENT:
Robert Sisti Ed Egazarian, Vice- Chairman
STAFF:
Chris Edge, Economic Development Director
Kristen Grabowski, Recording Secretary
Chairman Dave Cyr called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
l. Public Comments - Growing Facility/Metro Realty
Ed Grimm and Pierre Bennerup were in attendance to discuss a potential
marijuana growing facility along the Chamberlain Highway. It was noted that
the property is currently zoned POD, and it is not residential. The structure of
the facility was discussed, noting that it would be a clear plexi-roof, and likely
closed with grow lights. The facility would be used strictly for growing, and
there would not be any dispensary.
The Commission discussed potential permits required, and it was noted that
medical licenses in the State of Connecticut are saturated. The license would be
for recreational use as it is unlikely that the state will give out additional
medicinal licenses. It was noted that the potential project is in the preliminary
phase, and it will need to appear before the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Jeff Sager discussed his property on Deming Road, noting that he would like to
develop it in the near future. He discussed successful projects that his firm has
completed in Berlin including Orchard Ridge and Stonebridge. He explained
that Metro Realty primarily focuses on commercial property, but they have
completed successful residential and multi-family housing projects in Berlin,
Farmington, South Windsor and West Hartford.
�� Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
He discussed his desire to develop the property along Deming Road, making it a
residential property. He noted that there are a substantial number of
millennials and empty nesters that are renting versus buying property, and a
rental opportunity would be ideal. He noted that need for guidance from the
EDC regarding the property, explaining that he would prefer to build an
affordable senior product similar to the Stonebridge property. He expla.ined that
it is highly desirable, and there is often a waiting list. The main benefits to this
type of development are no school aged children and that the project will likely
include no interior corridors, and therefore the units are very private.
He went to discuss his belief in the multi-family market, not just in Berlin, but
throughout Greater Hartford. His market rate developments are attracting
millennials with an approximate income of$70,000 to $90,000 per year. These
millennials are from a diverse geography, with almost 75% of them coming from
outside of Hartford County and about 40% from outside of Connecticut. This is
due to the great employment opportunities at firms such as Eversource,
Comcast, United Technologies, Cigna, ESPN and Stanley Works. This
generation likes the smaller spaces with amenities and a neighborhood feel.
The Commission discussed the site, and Mr. Sager noted that he could
potentially put 72 units on the parcel. He discussed the market, noting that the
trends have changed. High-end rental units are highly desirable. The
Commission also discussed the impact of the potential project on the affordable
rate, and Director Edge explained that between this project, and another
recently approved project, the Town would need an additional 40 units to meet
the 10% threshold.
Commissioner Coppola moved to support the development of a senior affordable
housing project. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Grady, and it
carried unanimously.
2. Approval of Minutes - April 2019/Special Meeting - April 2019
April 1, 2019 - Commissioner Campanelli moved to approve the minutes,
seconded by Commissioner Coppola. The motion passed unanimously.
April 30, 2019 - Commissioner Campanelli moved to approve the minutes,
seconded by Commissioner Grady. The motion passed unanimously.
�� Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
3. Incentive Programs; T� Abatement/Fa�ade Improvement
• Budney Industries
Director Edge discussed the specifics of the application, noting that the
project includes a 9,000 sq. ft. expansion. Commissioner Campanelli moved
to approve the tax abatement application at a rate of 50-40-30. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Coppola, and it passed unanimously.
• Focus Physical Therapy- will apply
Director Edge noted that there have been preliminary discussions.
4. Berlin Turnpike
� Meeting set up on signage with Planning Office
Director Edge noted that a meeting has been set up to discuss signage
for Spruce Brook Industrial Park, Woodlawn, and White Oak. Specifics
will be discussed so they can go out for bid.
5. Public Relations/Events
• Awards Night -June 5th (Choose Winners)
The Commission discussed the awards night, and they determined the
recipients for each award.
• Broker Breakfast
Director Edge noted that a broker breakfast will be held at Timberlin Golf
Course. The greens fees will be waived for participants.
• Berlin Fair Table
It was noted that a table has been donated for Economic Development.
6. Downtown Revitalization
• Newport Realty Group
Director Edge noted that the subdivision of the sites was approved by the
PZC. This will allow the Town to keep ownership of the Boulevard and a
small area of green space next to the AMCO building.
• CT Main Street Program - June meeting
It was noted that a meeting will be held to put together events for this
year, specifically focusing on Christmastime decorations.
7. Planning and Zoning
• BTD Zoning Amendment
�` Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
It was noted that the BTD floating zone language was approved 6-0 at the
PZC meeting.
• Focus Physical Therapy
The project was approved with PZC for two office buildings at the corner
of Farmington Avenue and Lower Lane.
• Brewery
Director Edge noted that there is a great potential for a brewery to go in
across from Dairy Queen. He noted that they will be eligible to apply for
the fa�ade program.
8. Director Report
Director Edge reviewed the Director's Report.
9. Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Grady inquired about the Pistol Creek property, specifically the
possibility of developing townhouses. Director Edge noted that the response was
not favorable from PZC.
10.Adj ournment
Commissioner Campanelli moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Commissioner Grady. The motion passed unanimously. The time was 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristen M. Grabowski
Recording secretary
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