2002/11/04 TOWN OF BERLIN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MONDAY NOVEMBER 4 2002
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
Thomas Stregowskl Chairman
Edward Egazanan
Ronald Stack
Jim Mahoney Economic Development Director
Juhet Benjamin Secretary
Lawrence Slembab
MEMBERS EXCUSED
Richard Hans
Mitchell Unghlre
John Garoyan
GUESTS
Mr Dennis Bltzaya Developer
James Ripper Esq
Julle Welsberg Berhn Citizen
Chairman Stregowskl called the meeting to order at 7 00 P M
1 AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
Attorney Ripper discussed a submitted text change proposed to the Berhn
Zoning Regulations regarding a change in density to the CCD 1 Zone The
proposed change to the Zoning Regulations would change the maximum
allowable density with respect to adult housing (55 & over) within the CCD 1
Zone There are approximately five areas in town that are zoned CCD 1
Attorney Ripper noted that the requested change would be consistent with the
housing density found at Kensington Woods and Prentice Place Condominiums
The maximum density of ten units of adult housing per acre is proposed for the
CCD 1 Zone He also felt that an over 55 condominium development would be
a tax advantage to the town because of the lesser strain to pubhc services such
as schools and police
2 MINUTES OF MONDAY~ OCTOBER 7~ 2002
Commissioner Stack MOVED to accept the Minutes of Monday October
7 2002 as written SECONDED by Commissioner Slembab & UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED
3 FINANCIAL REPORT
2 Economic Development Commission 11/4/2002
Dlr Mahoney noted that the submitted budget is current and everything
seems to be on track After review Commmsloner Egazanan MOVED to accept
the budget as presented SECONDED by Commmsloner Slembab &
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
4
PROMOTION
New Brochure - Dlr Mahoney noted that he needs only one photo
release and the brochure will be ready for production
Chamber of Commerce publication advertisement - Dlr Mahoney
stated that the Chamber seems to be dmng well with 1ts campaign for
advertmement space in the Member Directory/Town Grade
Seasonal Party with Chamber of Commerce - Dlr Mahoney noted
that a Hohday Party sponsored by the Economic Development
Commmslon and the Chamber of Commerce m planned for Dec 12 at
the Hawthorne Inn After dmcusslon Commmsloner Stack MOVED
to approve the funding of $600 for the Hohday Party SECONDED by
Commmsloner Slembab & UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
5 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANt PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
6
Status of Plan - Dlr Mahoney stated that the Plan of
Conservation and Development Committee would meet this
Wednesday Nov 61 to discuss the Implementation Plan of the
POC&D Copies of the draft plan will be sent to concerned
parties i e Town Council Conservation Commission Park &
Recreation Commission etc for review before adoption
Zoning Recommendations - An reformation session will be held
this Thursday Nov 71 at 7 00 P M and notices have been sent to
concerned individuals There are approximately thirty eight areas
containing about three hundred parcels recommended for change
Dlr Mahoney noted that regulations on slgnage need to be
clarified and a public hearing will be scheduled on signage
regulations Dlr Mahoney expects that a second informational
meeting will be held on the zoning changes in January with a
Pubhc Hearing in February or March
INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
Berlin Steel Application Dlr Mahoney noted that the Town
Council has approved the Berhn Steel apphcatlon
93 Deming Road Dlr Mahoney reviewed the apphcatlon from
the owners of 93 Demlng Road for tax abatement A letter from
Charles R Parsons principal of Clarion Construction
Management LLC states that Clarion and Vanguard Flooring LLC
will occupy 4 820 SF of the 9 220 SF building and the remaining
4 400 SF will be leased to a future tenant 93 Demlng Rd LLC
plans $325 000 in renovations to the building which is estimated
to result in an increase of $162 500 in assessed value or one half
of the cost of renovation Dlr Mahoney is proposing a three year
3 Economic Development Commission 11/4/2002
7
tax abatement of 50 / of the real property taxes in year 1 40 / in
year 2 and 30 / in year 3 After discussion Commissioner Stack
MOVED to approve the requested tax abatement and forward the
request to Town Council for their approval SECONDED by
Commissioner Slembab & UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
FARMINGTON AVENUE
GHBDC Contract Extension Dlr Mahoney noted that the contract
for extension of the Greater Hartford Business & Loan Assoc for
servicing accounts for the Farmmgton Ave Loan Program is in
process
Underpass Project - Dlr Mahoney noted the informational session
was held on Oct 301 and was attended by approximately thirty
people He stated that the road will be lowered and the tracks raised
There will be three lanes with walkways on each side and increased
drainage provided He understands that the road will be kept open
throughout the project which should take about two and a half years
to complete
8 EPA BROWNFIELDS REVOLVING LOAN FUND GRANT AND SITE
ASSESSMENT - An apphcatlon for assistance with environmental assessments
has been fried for the town owned property on Massirio Dr and Farmmgton
Ave Dlr Mahoney expects to hear something regarding this request by the end
of November
9 CONTRACT SERVICES
Dlr Mahoney noted that he had nothing new to report on this item
10 BERLIN TURNPIKE NAME CHANGE SIGNS
Commissioner Egazarlan stated that some signs along the turnpike have
been changed
11 SMALL TOWN ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM {STEAP} -
HERITAGE CROSSING SENIOR APARTMENT PROJECT (/ FORMER
KENSINGTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL & TOWN CENTER
Dlr Mahoney stated that the Town has received approval of funding
from the State of Connecticut for the Town Center project
The grant for the Heritage Crossing Senior Apartment Assisted Living
ProJect is still in place and will be going to the contract stage soon
12 BUSINESS VISITS
Dlr Mahoney stated that he had nothing to report of this item
13 LEGISLATION
Dlr Mahoney had nothing new to report on this item
14 DIRECTOR S REPORT
4 Economic Development Commission 11/4/2002
Dir Mahoney noted that most of the items in his report were discussed
during the meeting
15 OTHER MATTERS
Referral of zoning matter from the Planning and Zoning
Commission Dlr Mahoney noted that the Commission is being
asked by the Planning & Zoning Commission to render an opinion
regarding the proposed changes to the zoning regulations Dlr
Mahoney stated that the proposed change would create the potential
for increased adult housing in the CCD 1 zones These projects
would have a positive fiscal impact on the Town After discussion
Commissioner Egazarlan made a MOTION to support the proposed
change to the CCD 1 Zone for Planning & Zoning Commission
approval SECONDED by Commissioner Stack & UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED
Consideration of the activation of the Sportsman s Well A
proposal for professional services for preparation of a Level A Aquifer
map for the Woodlawn Road Well site was enclosed in the agenda
packet for the Commissioners review Dlr Mahoney noted that the
Town Council will be considering the proposal for mapping of the
well site and he would recommend the Commission s support for the
mapping work After discussion Commissioner Stack MOVED to
support the preparation of Level A Aquifer mapping as presented
SECONDED by Commissioner Egazarlan Commissioner Slembab
abstained from the vote MOTION CARRIED
Schedule of Meetings for 2003 - Commissioners reviewed the
proposed schedule of meeting dates for next year After review
Commissioner Egazarlan MOVED to approve the proposed schedule
of meetings for 2003 as presented SECONDED by Commissioner
Stack & UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
16 ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Egazarlan MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 8 10 P M
SECONDED by Commissioner Stack & UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
Respectfully submitted
Juhet K Benjamin Secretary