APPROVED 06-24-2010
TOWN OF ENFIELD
ENFIELD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MAY 27, 2010
TOWN HALL / ENFIELD ROOM
________________________________________________________________________
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
Members Present:
Darrin LaMore, Chairman
Tophie Nowak, Vice Chair
Bill Watson
John Miller
Jeanne Smith
Ken Carlson
Staff Present:
Peter Bryanton
Roll Call: There were not enough members present for a quorum. The meeting was opened for informational purposes only at 7:10 p.m.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of April 22nd will be voted on at the next meeting.
Public Communications: Mr. Froment spoke briefly regarding the zoning change from R-33 to TVC on Windsor and Church Streets. He thanked the committee members for their support and stated that he is making some adjustments to his plans in order to maximize improvements to the neighborhood.
NEW BUSINESS
Revised Revitalization Action Plan: Mr. Bryanton gave an overview of the revised plan and asked the members to review it for the next meeting. He specifically highlighted the Marketing Plan section and reiterated the importance of getting the Committee’s message out about the TTC, rezoning and the potential of riverfront development. He suggested developing a Marketing subcommittee in conjunction with the Voices of Thompsonville. Mr. Carlson suggested that the committee should make better use of the area Chamber of Commerce for promoting Thompsonville. The committee also discussed on going issues of maintenance, or lack there of, and the negative message it sends to the public and potential investors. Mr. Bryanton stated that those are legitimate issues and the Town needs to make infrastructure improvements a priority in the village.
Fair Rent Commission: Mr. Bryanton explained the issues surrounding the Fair Rent Commission and their inability to retain members. He suggested that the commission’s charge could be expanded to include issues of fair and affordable housing as the ERSC often touches upon, but is rarely able to focus on them. Mr. Bryanton submitted the idea to the Town Manger and is awaiting a response. The Fair Rent Commission recently received a new case on Alden Ave and does not have enough members to hear the case. That is what prompted the OCD staff to suggest the changes. Mr. Bryanton stated that if any of the ERSC members were interested in serving or knew someone who might, to please contact him directly.
OLD BUSINESS
TTC / DOT Update: Mr. Bryanton stated that he attended a meeting with the CT DOT at the Town Mangers office. The DOT is proposing to develop a High Speed Rail Service in conjunction with other northeastern states. The proposed service will run between New York City to Montreal, with a second line running from Springfield to Boston. The High Speed project will also be built in conjunction with the proposed New Haven, Hartford, Springfield commuter rail project. The two services will share the existing rail line and improvement may begin as soon as 2011. Mr. Bryanton will keep the members posted on any further information as it becomes available. He also gave an update on the progress of the TTC Selection Committee. Interviews for final design services will be held on June 4th.
Thompsonville Rezoning: Mr. Bryanton stated that he has been in contact with CRCOG regarding assistance for the rezoning initiative. He is hopeful that the increase interest in TOD planning on the State and regional level will lead to financial assistance for local communities. Mr. LaMore commented that the PZC is also interested in rezoning the area and is looking for insight from the ERSC on the issue.
COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS
ECDC / Transition Committee: Mr. Bryanton provided the members with a draft memo to the Town Council outlining the proposed Transition Committee concept. He also provided information about Community Based Development Organizations and how that model might work for Enfield. The committee will meet with the Town Council on June 7th to discuss the issue and decide how to move forward.
Plan of Conservation & Development: Mr. Bryanton announced that a public hearing date has been scheduled by the PZC on June 17th at 7:00 p.m. The hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to provide comments about the plan. Mr. Bryanton urged the members to attend the hearing as opponents of the transit center and riverfront developments are expected to be there. Mr. LaMore commented that it will be important for the committee to be present and counter some of the misinformation being circulated around town. He expects that other town board and commission members will be there as well.
Public Safety / Sex Offender Ordinance: Mr. LaMore stated that he would be meeting very soon with the Town administration and various public officials regarding the development of a public safety committee. He is hoping to develop a group much like the Code Enforcement Team to address crime and public safety issues in town. Mr. Watson inquired about the stalled sex offender ordinance. Mr. Bryanton stated that it is his understanding that the issue now lies with the Public Safety Director who has done nothing with it for at least 6 months. Mr. LaMore stated that he would make some calls to see why the ordinance has stalled. Either way, the committee should receive some notification as to whether proposed ordinance is worth pursuing or not.
Code Enforcement: Mr. Bryanton gave an update on the Code Enforcement Team efforts. He said that we are heading into tall grass season and the fact that the Town will lose key positions from the Development Services Department will not help matters. He said that the Team is making progress on some cases but that the overall enforcement system needs serious improvements in order to have a real impact on issues of blight, housing and zoning violations.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting closed at 8:40 p.m.
Submitted by:
Peter Bryanton, Director of Community Development
Approved by:
Darrin Lamore, ERSC Chairman
Signature: ________________________________ Date: _______________________
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