HomeMy WebLinkAboutIDC COMM 7/19/2016MINUTES OF MEETING
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMMISSION RECDVED
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OFFICE
The meeting was called to order at 7pm by Chair Bob Krentzman
Members present:
Bob Krentzman, Chair
Krista Cummings, Vice Chair
Matthew Cummings
Nancy Wall
Kevin Moran
Maria Correia
Others Present:
Bill Ross, Town Manager
Steve Clancy, Executive Vice President and Partner CB Ellis
Frank DelVecchio, Selectman
Motion to approve June 22"d (Wall, K Cummings)
2016 AUG 11 A a= of
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Discussion with Steve Clancy, Executive Vice President and Partner CB Ellis
Krentzman asked, "Is it important for the business park to be under 1 ownership?"
/ Clancy replied that it is important, but not the case now as it is under diverse and multiple
1-- ownership. For example, when had one owner they took care of the landscaping, but now it isn't
clear who should. Same problem with the rail system (a unique feature of the park). The rail
system has no association so who takes care of it? The main owner now is not interested in doing
so. Bill Ross suggests a possible answer is to create a business improvement district
Clancy says the park is getting older; Similar buildings in other towns have been knocked down
and redeveloped. The zoning of these towns is different than in Mansfield, which may suggest
we need a change. For example, changing coverage ratios (we are at .75 up to .85) and usage.
Other towns have gone "denser", increased coverage ratio. This can increase tax base.
To summarize, our buildings are outdated and may not be attractive to businesses and/or
developers.
Clancy is asked what businesses would come here?
His responses included:
1. First-class warehouses because it is a good distribution center
2. Biotech companies looking for lower prices than the city offers
a. Might prefer to build their own unless warehouse building easy to work with
3. Firms are looking for amenities; public transportation; infrastructure (water, energy, etc.)
Clancy is asked what can the IDC do?
Clancy responds:
1. Work with the state
2. Work with zoning—help put together parcels; Tax practices attractive to industry
3. Develop marketing materials. Potentially brand ourselves "We are a good home for....
(biotech, pharm, life science, etc.). We have medical device—might be a good niche for us.
Clancy informs the IDC that developers often put the deals together and that it may be helpful
for us to develop relationships with developers and the brokerage community.
Clancy is asked, "How do we get our marketing materials to the right people?"
His response included:
1. Brokers can help us with this
2. Mass Econ has a database of properties; Might want to get in touch with them
Main Street Sub -committee update
Tally of FFN responses "What Would Bring You to Downtown"? Participants wanted coffee
shop, ice cream, candy store. The theme of social spaces was brought up.
The downtown sub -committee will be holding a focus group of downtown business owners
Discussion of the mission of the downtown subcomittee: Many different groups with different
agendas; IDC can become the quarterback of all of these groups and help bring them together;
Can help build a business plan for revitalizing downtown
Part of strategic plan is to have a downtown committee of these groups with IDC representation
Krentzman expresses different ideas on how this group comes together—who should create it?
The IDC, community, or Board of Selectman driven?
Bill Ross provided an update on bids on North Oakland project—should be done in 6 weeks;
Converting to a 2 way street; realigning south side of underpass, which allows for more parking;
wider sidewalks; benches and lighting. Reworking sidewalk on Mansfield Avenue with parking
Suggested a possible farmers market?
Selectman Meeting
The IDC has been invited to attend a collaborative meeting on Wednesday 7/27 at 7:15. IDC,
Board of Selectman, Planning, and FinCom will be present
Update on MHS collaboration
Website is ready for viewing and editing by the group. Some items that may need to be added:
more information on infrastructure; Available real-estate; Tri -Town video link; Open up map
more
Member questions
"Is Mansfield easy to work with compared to other towns?"
Are we developing a reputation for being difficult to work with? Member states we are
developing a bad reputation by both small and large businesses. Lots of red tape; Getting things
through the system
Future Meetings. Next Scheduled Meeting: Tuesday, August 16th ,2016 at 7 PM.
Motion to adjourn passes (M Cummings/ Wall) at 9pm