Sharon Economic Development Committee 28 August 2008
In Attendance
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Rob Maidman |
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Susan Price |
robert.price4@comcast.net |
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Connie Mayo |
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Josh Kiernan |
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Chuck Goodman |
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Dave Crosby |
Water Mmgt Advisory Comm |
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Roni Thaler |
rthaler@townofsharon.org |
Suzie Peck |
Kathy McCabe |
McCabe Enterprises |
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Review of meeting notes from previous meeting. Meeting notes reviewed and accepted.
Presentation of 1st milestone by vendors on progress to date for economic, water and process documentation studies.
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 - $500k 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.
Rob Maidman presented the findings of the economic development study by Land Strategies (vendor). This is a milestone presentation about 2/3rds of the way through this study. Rob discussed the background of the study, as PO Square is a central area in the town in a number of dimensions. Also, reviewed the constraints we want to acknowledge including traffic and water considerations. Dave Crosby is also working on a town-wide study for water management, so this analysis in PO Square will contribute to that work.
Discussion ensued on each page in the presentation. Sharon’s high pedestrian traffic is a good thing and Kathy McCabe commented that is unusual for a suburban town center. Interesting findings that parking on public and private spaces is less than 70% full during the day. Also, questions about the traffic patterns and left turns onto Depot St possibly being redirected. The number of curb cuts is pretty interesting discussion as well; this leads into a larger discussion not yet touched on about how to create a pedestrian friendly streetscape. Initial identification of potential for overlay districts within the zone for consideration of rezoning and different type of permitting.
Next steps remain for this work include finalizing the traffic study and incorporating the water considerations to develop final recommendations for zoning changes, business mix potential and examples of other town centers that work.
Discussion ensued on PWED (public works development) grants – Ben was interested in understanding the opportunity for it, Kathy McCabe discussed the current behavior of the State as far as positives for gaining funding and limits to it as well.
Suzie Peck discussed the results form Wright Pierce. The current status is that they have done a baseline set of studies to understand current state of the square. They have mapped the existing conditions, including underground paths as well as current treatment and water flows. Have not been able to take this too much further until the LS study gives us the new water demands. Given those scenarios, they will be able to make a set of recommendations of the proper type of treatment recommendations.
Kathy McCabe updated the group on her work on the process documentation, as well as the June public communication meeting. Met with about 20 people and there were findings from that –in general, people think PO Square is good, and has improved, but would like it to continue improving. People had lots of ideas about potential services … Land Strategies has included that into their thinking. Attendees continued to be concerned about traffic and about waste water, as well. The next workshop is going to be Thur Sept 25th. The first one started 6.30 –probably too early; we will try the next one at 7.30 / 7.15. This next one will be the public meeting for Land Strategies to present their work, as well as for Wright Pierce to present their findings.
The process documentation requires 5 things
1. A single point of permitting contact (Sharon has Ben Puritz office)
2. To make available all permitting information available (Sharon is good here);
3. A permitting guide of guides. A summary document.. e.g what permits and timeframe are required … Kathy is reviewing this.
4. To figure out, when they come in to file a permit, when does a person know it is “complete.” Currently, each board does it, but how do we figure and communicate this in a user friendly way.
5. Within 43d district, 180 day window is needed.
Over next 2 months, Kathy intends to meet with every board to confirm the regulations against actual practice for each area of “timeline.”
Finally –Sept 25th will be next community meeting –and we need to each call 3 friends to attend. It will be in the Community Center.
The next key meeting is Sept 3rd for Wright Pierce and Land Strategies to meet to synchronize on the eco scenarios / water needs combinations.
9:15 Next Meeting: Last week of September, 7.30 pm, Sharon Town Hall
Public Communications Meeting: expected to be 25 September 2008 in Community Center
9:20 Adjourn