DDA Minutes October 1 2009 from city website + other comments

7:30 A.M., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2009

DRAFT

Present:
Jackson, Feeney, Flintoft, Frisinger, Heydlauff, Morrel-Samuels, Myles, Pierce, Winans, Hanifan
Absent:
Galvin, Holman, Schwarz
Others Present:
William Harmer, Director Chelsea District Library; Councilman Jason Lindauer, Zoning Administrator Jim Drolett, Janet Bernath, Carey Church, Mark Cresswell, Jane Cresswell, George Till, Realtor Robert Mihelich


President Jackson opened the meeting at 7:30 a.m.

2.Public participation –(a) Mark Cresswell summarized the meeting held at the depot the previous evening, sponsored by the Save the Livery group. He asked that the DDA delay the demolition of the Livery Building at the Longworth property until all efforts have been exhausted to raise the money to purchase the property and restore it to a useful life. Heydlauff emphasized the point that the DDA has viewed the issue as the improvement of the entire corridor with the long range view of perhaps having the remaining building purchased for a use that would put it back on the tax rolls. There was a general consensus that it is too late for the demolition and securing of the site this late in the fall, therefore there will be time to allow the group to pursue means to purchase the property. However, when and if there is an offer to purchase, the opportunity must be extended to the general public.(b) Robert Mihelich of CB Richard Ellis Real Estate Inc. represents Warner family whose property is for sale east of the Longworth property. He suggested that there might be a possibility of arranging for a sale\donation combination. He also mentioned a lease\sale\land lease. President Jackson and Mark Heydlauff take on the research on this matter. The current asking price is $299,000.
Jackson Street Corridor – General Discussion Jim Myles read a summary of his impression of the intended plan for the corridor. There was a spirited discussion regarding going forward with the DDA “Plan B” including getting plans drawn and submitted to the Planning Commission. The conclusion was that until the Livery building is down, it is not possible to see the lot and the possibilities. Heydlauff explained and the board concurred that The Plan was just a starting point on improving the corridor and the DDA is the catalyst to have something happen there. There is agreement that if the Mack Building is to be used, the Livery Building has to go because without sufficient parking, redevelopment is unlikely. Hanifan was asked to prepare an RFP for qualified persons to draw potential plans for the space. Admittedly that is troublesome because without the Livery gone, it is hard to assess the state of the Mack Bldg. It was agreed that the DDA needs to keep its options open. NOT in the official minutes but stated: The City owns the property and has not applied for restoration grants. The Coalition would need a "sign-off" by the City to assist in this effort. At the Town Hall Meeting the previous night, Mark Heydlauff stated that he "didn't think this would be a problem." This option was discussed during the DDA meeting. John Hanifan said there had been no request from anyone thusfar.
Motion by Heydlauff, second by Flintoft to go into closed session at 8:45 a.m. to discuss purchase of real estate. Roll call vote: all yays. Motion carried.