APPROVED 06-24-2010

TOWN OF ENFIELD

ENFIELD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF APRIL 22,2010

TOWN HALL / ENFIELD ROOM

________________________________________________________________________

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

Members Present:

Darrin LaMore

Tophie Nowak

Ken Edgar

Jerry Fitzsimons

Pam Leitao

Jack Lopes

Catherine MacKinnon

John Miller

Jeanne Smith

Ken Carlson

Kathleen Sarno

Staff Present:

Peter Bryanton

Approval of Minutes:

A motion to approve the minutes of March 25th was made by Mr. Edgar, seconded by Ms. Smith and passed with an abstention from Mr. Fitzsimons.

Public Communications:

Mr. Froment spoke regarding the zoning change from R-33 to TVC on Windsor and Church Streets.  The zone change will allow Mr. Froment to redevelop his parcel with 2 duplexes.  He made some design changes to the plans, which he shared with the members.  The final designs will come before ERSC prior to approval of the project.

New Business

Transit Center:  Mr. Bryanton gave a detailed report on progress for the project.  He explained the selection process for design services.  He explained the importance of moving the project forward and how the committee can help to market the project.  Mr. Bryanton suggested that the committee develop a marketing plan to get the word out to the public, and project the merits of the project because there are already signs of opposition cropping up.  There is a vocal group in town that would rather not see development on the riverfront.  The committee needs to explain to the community why the TTC is necessary, and why TOD in the area is important for the future of Thompsonville.  Mr. Bryanton also provided the members with handouts about the proposed High Speed Rail line between New Haven and Montréal.  He explained the difference between the proposed State Commuter Rail service, and High Speed services, slated to be operated by Amtrak.  The TTC would only accommodate Commuter Rail services, not High Speed Rail.  Federal funds for the project will be targeted for High Speed services, although some overlapping work may occur.  At this point in time the schedule indicates that Commuter Rail stations will be constructed in 2012.  The committee also discussed the importance of rezoning Thompsonville in order to attract and steer future development in the village. 

Freshwater Pond Improvements:  Mr. Bryanton gave an update on the pond area improvement project.  The Town has retained a design consultant to develop the construction plans.  The work will include the reconstruction of the multi-purpose path between Route 5 and the pond.  Mr. Bryanton stated that the project is part of a larger plan to bring the Windsor Locks Canal Bike path through Thompsonville.  The bike path now terminates at Pearl Street and the Route 190 Bridge.  The path will eventually continue up Franklin Street, down Enfield Street, to North Main Street and continue pass the pond to the TTC.   

Old Business

CDBG-R Acquisitions:  Mr. Bryanton gave an update on the proposed property acquisitions with the CDBG-R funding.  The Town has identified 6 properties to purchase and will send out purchase disclosures to.  The letters will go out next week.  Mr. Bryanton explained how the properties would be acquired, evaluated, and redeveloped for affordable owner occupied housing.  The Town will solicit local builders to purchase and redevelop the sites. 

First Time Home Buyer:  Mr. Bryanton stated that the Town's revised Program Income Reuse Plan was recently approved by DECD.  His office plans to transfer $60,000 to the Home Buyer program.  OCD should be read to accept applications by June of this year.

Committee Rules:  Mr. Lamore provided the members with an outline of meeting procedures.  The document clearly states how applications, members of the public, and motions are to be handled during the meeting.  He asked the members to look the procedures over and to provide suggestions going forward.  Ms. McKinnon said that she would like to have a better understanding of what the committee is being asked to review.  Mr. Bryanton said that he would type up a quick memo for each application outlining the requirements.

Committee Communications:

ECDC / Transition Committee:  Mr. Bryanton gave an update of the latest meeting.  He stated that a transition committee made up of members of various Town boards and commissions would sit on the Transition Committee.  Mr. Lopes stated that in light of this development, which is essentially a duplicate of the ECDC Subcommittee's work, he has disbanded Subcommittee members.  There was a discussion about the politics surrounding the decision to create this committee.  The committee will be staffed by Peter Bryanton, Ray Warren and someone from the Town Attorney's office.  The committee will also retain the services of Attorney Joe Fallon who is rewriting the corporation documents. 

Plan of C & D:  Mr. Lamore asked about the status of the plan.  Mr. Lopes stated that the latest draft is on the Town's website and that a final hearing by the PZC should be scheduled some time in May.  Mr. Bryanton will get the details on the hearing for the members.

TOD Subcommittee:  Mr. Bryanton asked if the members of the subcommittee would be willing to work on a advertising campaign for the TTC.  Mr. Lopes said that the members were the same members as the ECDC Subcommittee which was disbanded.  Mr. Bryanton suggested that a new subcommittee be created to explore marketing and advertising for the TTC and Thompsonville in general.  Mr. Lamore asked the member to consider joining such an effort.  The issue will be discussed at the next meeting. 

Sex Offender Ordinance:  Mr. Lamore spoke to Mr. Lee about the ordinance which is still being considered by the Town.  At this point there is not projected date for the Town Council to act on the ordinance.  Mr. Lamore also stated that he is still working on the development of a Public Safety committee.  He is hoping to hold the first meeting in the next month or so.      

Adjournment:

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Edgar, second by Ms. Nowak, and passed unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Submitted by: 

Peter Bryanton, Director of Community Development

Approved by:

Darrin Lamore, ERSC Chairman

Signature:  _________________________________ Date:  _______________________