HomeMy WebLinkAboutIDC 02/29/1996Mansfield Industrial & Development Commission
February 29, 1996 96 DEC 23 PH 3, 29
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MEETING SUMMARY MASSAi"`-USETTS
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM in the conference room located in the
Mansfield Electric Department's office building. The members present included Jay
Barrows, Dennis Grady, Tom Prestwich, Ian MacDonald and Jack Vultaggio. Also
present were William F. Williams - Town Manager (8:45 PM), John Larch - Electric
Department Manager, Chris Marion - Assistant to the Town Manager, Jim Burke (Master
Plan), Bernie Dolan (Master Plan) and Tom McShane (Master Plan). Not present was
Karl Clemmey.
1. Meeting Summary
Tom Prestwich moved to accept the 2/15/96 Meeting Summary (Second - Jay Barrows);
Correction: John Larch was not present at that meeting.
2. Meeting with Master Plan Committee
The meeting began with a general discussion about downtown development including the
parking situation, traffic, youth centers and "niche" businesses. Jay Barrows pointed out
that the Mansfield cannot stop growth and needs to plan for it. Bernie Dolan specifically
asked the IDC what their position is in regards to keeping the train station downtown. All
of the IDC members and Master Plan Committee members who were present agreed that
the train station should be located/expanded only in the current location and that the
Board of Selectmen need to investigate several options (Hathway/Patterson, Clemmey
Tank, 140 Access Road) and take a position.
The discussion then focused on how Mansfield can be more competitive in attracting
businesses. Bernie Dolan mentioned that many businesses are looking toward
communities like Brockton because they offer financial incentives and have space
available. Tom McShane also pointed out that we are experiencing too much residential
development and that businesses are paying for services that they don't even use (schools,
trash, etc.). The IDC members then began to discuss the specific advantages that
Mansfield has over other contiguous communities including: location, infrastructure, the
Industrial Park, educational system and the town owned and operated facilities (Mansfield
Electric, Waste Water Treatment Plant). Dennis Grady said that the Town should be wary
about offering tax credits, etc. because the real estate firms will not necessarily cut rental
rates for their tenant businesses.
Finally, the IDC decided that they should first concentrate on the existing businesses and
define their needs. This will be done by meeting with Park representatives in upcoming
meetings and reestablishing contact with all of the industrial businesses located in
Mansfield Industrial & Development Commission
February 29, 1996 - Meeting Summary
Page Two
Mansfield. Other suggestions included scheduling business breakfasts or a golf
tournament to provide an opportunity for interaction.
All of the IDC and Master Plan Committee members present agreed that more open
communication is needed between town boards and committees to develop a unified
approach to specific town issues. The Master Plan Committee members stated that the
IDC (as well as all town boards and committees) has an open invitation to attend all of the
Master Plan meetings and that their input is important to the planning process.
3. Around the Table
Ian MacDonald called for a vote of the IDC to make a recommendation to the BOS (via
the Town Manager) that the train station location/expansion remain downtown and that
the BOS investigate all of their options and take a more proactive approach towards
dealing with the issues involved (Second - Jack Vultaggio). Motion passes 6-0.
Dennis Grady suggested that IDC meetings be moved to Monday nights.
4. Next Meeting
The next meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 1996 will be rescheduled
for a Monday night in late March. Members will be notified when the date is definite.
5. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM.
4. 4V-- M
cc: William F. Williams, Town Manager
John Larch, Manager, Mansfield Electric Department