Sharon Economic Development Committee 19 July 2007
In Attendance
|
Eli Hauser |
Keevin Geller |
||
|
|
|
||
|
Bill Heitin |
|
||
|
|
|||
|
Ben Pinkowitz |
|
||
|
|
Suzie Peck |
peckrsdh@speakeasy.org |
|
|
Nancy Fyler |
|
|
|
|
George Bailey |
Peter O’Cain |
Ass’t Town Engineer |
|
|
Sean T. Caron |
Metro Area Planning Council, Policy Counsel |
|
|
Review of meeting notes from 7 June 2007 meetings (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.
7:40 Discussion of Status for RFP for Studies
Rob (not present) is working with Tom Houston and the folks from Edwards & Kelsey who are starting a new firm.
Suzi is still in process. We had a discussion with Peter O’Cain that an engineering study can be issued by the Town without a formal RFP; town policy is to put it out to multiple vendors to bid. Peter will send existing study over to Suzi.
7:50 Sean Caron and George Bailey – Discussion on Metro Area Planning Council does.
George - Sharon been a member since 1965; the group assists in developing economic studies. Has a staff of about 40 now. While primarily a planning agency, also does consortium buying and so on. Planning water, housing, environmental studies, and economic studies.
Sean – assists Towns with 43D – local option expediting permitting – a town can choose to adopt it; which qualified the the town for a series of beneifits; plus priority marketing for the town for these sites; can charge fees; get priority consideration for state grants. Make a pledge to approve or deny the permits within 180 days. How that would work, you choose a mixed-use, industrial or commercial development. 50,000 square feet zoning is required (the building does not need to be 50,000 square feet); and owner’s approval. $150,000 grant we are eligible for can be used for any planning or eco development within town – consultants, etc., There is no “back end date” – can structure it over a period of years and so on.
There are a few things the Town needs to be do after adoption; 120 days to 1). Appoint a single point of contact in Town to interact with business; 2). Amend all local rules to determine the requirements for a permit within 180 days.
What happens with State approval (water discharge) needs against 180 days – timeline goes on hold during the period until State responds.
The local zoning stands, and no changes are required to local control. The only change introduced is the need for a town to make a decision within 180 days on a proposed project. Peter O’Cain commented that the mixed-use overlay district already requires a 110 timeline. George suggested, and endorsed by group, to have Atty Gelerman review processes for compliance with this need.
8:25 Review Items on list of Things to do
40R – have Atty Gelerman review PO Square zoning for compliance with 40R (by-right requirement); get DHCD approval.
Septic study
Eco study
Land acquisition
Town buildings
8:35 Peter O’Cain review of Rt. 1
Peter gave overview of current lots on Rt. 1; discussed number of parcels; existing development;, new proposals currently going in; a little discussion on history; reference to revenue achieved, and remaining potential; and comments on changes the town could make to zoning to help develop the balance.
9:00 Next Meeting: Thursday 6 Sept 2007, 7.30 pm, Sharon Town Hall
Suzi to complete RFP and work with Ben to identify funding source; Suzi to move forward with Peter O’Cain on assembling request.
Eli – email Sean to get spec’s on 180 day modification needs; write Town counsel to see if we can make it happen within Town resources.
Peter – can you provide a list of owners for PO Square including the railroad.
George Bailey – take lead on moving warrant article through to Town meeting in November.
9:05 Adjourn