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SPECIAL MEETING
ENFIELD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2009
MINUTES
A Special Meeting of the Enfield Economic Development Commission was held on Friday, July 17, 2009 in the Enfield Room at Town Hall. The meeting started at 8:09 AM.
Members Present: John Gual, Jerry Fitzsimons, Joanne Parlante, Chris Casey, Ralph Cerrato, Kiran Majmudar and Karen Wesliza arrived at 8:12 AM.
Mr. Gual began with a discussion of the recent Council of Chairs meeting.
Discussion followed on ways to improve the approval process and ways to assist boards and commissions do their jobs.
Mr. Warren discussed the expanded role as Director of Development Services. More of his time is devoted to community development, planning, and building department programs and operations. He noted that projects like the proposed Thompsonville Fire Department and the proliferation of code enforcement and blight complaints are consuming a lot of time and attention.
Mr. Gual noted that Ginny Higley was very dedicated and responsive re code enforcement.
Mr. Warren stated that she receives many complaints and she responds to all.
Mr. Warren noted that Yardney & Coda, the manufacturer of batteries for electric cars was looking at LEGO for their manufacturing facility, but they are waiting to hear about receiving stimulus funds for the project. Mr. Warren noted that we are looking at 600 jobs.
Mr. Warren noted that he had talked with the president of a company that imports/exports wind turbines for sale in Europe. He’s waiting for more information.
Karen Wesliza asked if this would have any impact on the Coda project. Mr. Warren replied that Coda has rights to the property. If the project does not go forward, then the owners can deal with other prospects.
Mr. Cerrato questioned if there were LEGO people still in the building. Ms. Wesliza said that LEGO had expanded other sites. There are over 400 people working for LEGO in Enfield.
Mr. Warren reported that there is 200,000 sf being leased by Plasti-pak, First Pioneer added 15,000 sf, New England Energy took over the former First Pioneer building on South Road, Old Fox’s site is being considered for a new building by Camerota, CT Wood Group is constructing another building, Five Guys Burgers is ongoing, Hartford Hospital is on-gong, and there is a new restaurant located at 1541 Enfield Street.
Mr. Warren also reported that the building occupied by Comcast is being sold. The current owner wants to donate 50-60 acres to the Town as a condition of sale, but the Town has declined the offer.
The meeting adjourned at 9:33 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Ouellette
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