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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 :��:.���b'��` t=i;;? i�:�CORD c,����1�9 : .,a .,, �=4,� 2G1�3��e��' 22 P�� 3� 55 � � �''.;��,�., `,. —A�6-- ' + � •'��a�..'v4.;.�4r;`'i. �� ��F;�.1�':",i,`i.