HomeMy WebLinkAboutIndustrial Development Commission Minutes 9/30/2004MANSFIELD INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 ;.a i` i'I I j':I'i Q: I I
Present: Jay Barrows, Alan Clapp, Tom Flanagan, Charles O'Regan, ToT Prestowich; . Ct
Tom Stevens; guests: Maria Correia, Mansfield Holiday Inn
Meeting rescheduled from 9/23 to accommodate member's schedules.
Members discussed the successful 8/31/04 event at the TPC golf event in Norton. The
attendance, at 30 -35 people, was reasonably good in consideration of the time constraints;
the event was a good first step for the reconstituted IDC. There appears to be an
opportunity to make this an annual event, and with this year's experience and additional
time to prepare, members agreed that this is an event worth holding again.
At the TPC event, all three presenters did an admirable job of getting the message out
that Manfield is, as the Town Manager put it, "open for business." Planning Director
Shaun Burke spoke on the issue of business development and zoning changes in
Mansfield's planned business district. Tricia White spoke on the benefits of membership
in the Tri -Town Chamber of Commerce, particularly for businesses looking to relocate or
expand in Mansfield.
Discussion of prospective businesses: Greif Bros. is moving from a building on Plymouth
Street to another location in town; the current building is 74,000 square feet in size.
Miller Recycling, a business in North Attleboro that recycles plastic, metals, paper and
other items, is reportedly prying to buy the building, and is expected to seek a TIF
agreement with the town of Mansfield.
Mr. Flanagan advised that the Town Manager has requested that the IDC play role in the
town's potential use of District Improvement Financing (DIF) program; it is another
economic tool for municipalities to employ. According to paperwork provided on this
new program, DIF enables municipalities to finance public works and infrastructure by
pledging future incremental taxes resulting from growth within a designated area to
service financing obligations. Information will be provided to each IDC member, so that
the commission can assist the Town Manager in its potential use.
By agreement the next meeting was set for October 28, 2004 at 7:00 PM; by unanimous
vote the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.