Sharon Economic Development Committee 29 January 2008
In Attendance
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Rob Maidman |
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Ben Pinkowitz |
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Seth Ruskin |
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Alan Lurie |
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Bill Heitin |
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Review of meeting notes from 06 September 2007 meetings (Meeting notes reviewed and accepted.
Guest speaker: Kathy McCabe, McCabe Consulting.
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 has finalized proposals from Tom Houston, PSC, Inc., and from Rich Benevenco, Land Strategies, LLC.
A significant discussion ensued upon the content and sequencing of water study and of economic study for PO Square. What is the sequencing of each and understanding the interdependency of each.
Discussion of previous study in Sharon; discussion of 43D applications from other towns that Roni received from the State.
George advocated endorsement of study for determining waste water first; and for attempting to find a much larger system addressing much larger concerns than just PO Square. Expensive but doable. Worthwhile adding the question of adding in more homes than just the PO Square business district.
Discussion about the eco study method – what is purpose of interviews with community and owners. Role of Steering Committee in guiding and managing the consultant team.
A lot of what is happening is to understand the dynamic of what has changed; uncover some of the good things; adding in the income and demographics of Sharon; and figure out how to encourage a dynamic balance. Ben is advocating, as did other members, that we work on the pragmatic water component of the study needs.
Alan raised the question of public transportation and how that links into the discussion. Are we able to gain funding if we have a transportation component (40R?). There is a question about the traffic flow within PO Square as well – the proposed studies do reference this aspect as part of their work.
Introduce “Tax Incrementing Financing” and “District Improvement Financing”– two different programs that feeds directly back into improving the district. It is legal and can be done. These might be investigated.
Nancy commented the need to really revitalize the town center; and to make the businesses flourish; that Sharon center is truly the center and that we need to keep this in mind.
There is no question that we want to see both studies conducted. The question is how can we fund both with a constraint of $100k; each study right now is looking for about $75k. Keevin asked for a question to be raised that if we put in a system for the town center, can a remote owner raise a question that they have to have access to the system, despite the distance. There are many localized treatment systems throughout Massachusetts, so how do you draw the line before “service” and “no service.” One strategy is to set up a sewage district, which limits the extent of where sewage can be expected v. not. There are probably other scenarios.
Kathy McCabe presented her background, and the work she has done for Canton in specific. How do we use the funds to assist in expedited permitting; it is possible to look at market strategy and the infrastructure constraint of waste water management. Recommendation to make sure that the two consultant teams are working together. Creating a comprehensive plan for the square is a totally allowable study. Looking at district improvement strategy is a good approach to offset the capital cost. A big question will be how to finance the capital piece of the investment. Whether it is done under Sewage District or a water commission board is a future question of implementation. But it allows the town to take advantage of the improvements and to assure the funding of the investment.
9.30 Next Meeting: Monday, end of February, 7.30 pm, Sharon Town Hall
Business study proposal review by team of 2 vendors.
Discussion of hiring Kathy McCabe or other personal consultant to facilitate the integration.
9:30 Adjourn