Sharon Economic Development Committee                                                                                           12 February 2007

In Attendance

Eli Hauser	Elimhauser@yahoo.com	Keevin Geller	barneylumber@aol.com
Alan Lurie	Alury@yahoo.com	Jeff Seul	jrseul@verizon.net
Bill Heitin	Wheitin@mit.edu	Ben Puritz	bpuritz@townofsharon.org
Rob Maidman	romarintl3@comcast.net	Seth Ruskin	sruskin@msn.com
Ben Pinkowitz	benpink@comcast.net	Arnold Wallenstein	awallenstein@ferriterscobo.com
David Spiegel	dspiegel@gallerygroup.com	Suzie Peck	peckrsdh@speakeasy.org

7:30        Agenda review

Review of meeting notes from 4 December 2006 meeting (Meeting notes reviewed and accepted).

Subcommittee discussion on project approach and findings to date.

Revenue Targets

New Business Creation: $250 - $500k on 15 parcels, 38 acres of undeveloped lands; $2.5M - $3.5M for 20 acres on S. Main.

New Revenue Sources: $200 - $500 in new revenue or offset costs.

Business Development: $500k to $1.5M in new taxes over next 10 years as businesses upgrade their facilities in PO Square.

7:30        Meeting with Sen.Joyce

Introduction of EcoDev team to Sen Joyce. Need to bring in Sen Timilty for the other 4 precincts as well.

Sen Joyce is described some of his experience in seeing other towns working to develop properties; and the difficulties in brining in businesses to help. Discussed advantage of having a full time Planner in the Town for access to funding from the State. State encouraging right now for Smart Growth. Stoughton is one of the towns he represents. Worked on helping with Ikea; worked on downtown of Stoughton refurbishment; similar in downtown Canton. Obtaining monies for both small and large projects.

Looks like we’re in a transition period – 2001 crash; but hard to predict what the next few years will bring. 2001 to 2005 we were in declining state revenue, while expenses were increasing. 

Discussion on budgeting process taking place right now. Updated us on the process that might be available for us to solicit funding at the State level.

Provide information to Lou Kafka; Jim Timilty and Brian Joyce to give them listing of activities.  Also, assemble a PWED grant at the same time; such that if we get it, we can move it forward onto another effort in town. Town meeting is another avenue to pursue locally. Commit to us to try to secure this funding; there is the possibility for the economic stimulus bill for 2007 to pursue.

Discusison to move forward on 5 initiatives and see if he can help us gain funding from the State for these.

1. $80,000 for waste water study

2. $80,000 for eco study for Sharon

3. Review of Rt 1 possible growth

4. Funding for Waste Water development in PO Square

5. Assistance with development funds for PO Square

8:35        Next Meeting: Thur, 29 March 2007 @ 7.30pm

9:30        Adjourn