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Schneider Dreimiller Vincent Cherry Hary Tashea Aherne
AYE
X.
A.
OLD BUSINESS
Business Directory Update
The updated PDF has been posted on the Business Directory page. There are still 3 businesses
that have requested to be added are waiting for Burdick’s approval - Tub Guys, LLC, The
Raven's Rise, and The Craft Nook.
Business Directory Email Listing Progam
B.
C.
Aherne said that he has compiled a list of email addresses for town businesses that he’ll share
with the commission when he’s done proofing it. The newsletter will establish communications
with businesses and provide a way of sharing information such as grant opportunities, important
deadlines, etc. It may also include spotlights of businesses who are interested in participating.
RT-12 Streetscape Action Plan
Cherry went back and looked at the 2000 economic development strategy and Rt. 12 study, a
grant opportunity Main Street Investment Fund in 2011 which they submitted but were not
awarded, and the 2025 Goman & York study. Focusing on near McDonalds to Kartway, Military
to Hurlbutt, and Hurlbutt back to Rt. 12. Nine areas in total were priced at $1.5 million in 2011
and included streetscape improvements, sidewalks, trees, and plantings. Current price would
probably be 50% more based on CPI. He thinks we should extend sidewalks at least to the
library. On Rt. 12, more development between Christy Hill Rd. and Kings Hwy is likely coming.
Including sidewalks up Christy Hill Rd. to Kings Hwy, down to Rt. 12 and then back down to
Christy Hill Rd. makes sense. So, we’re probably looking at $3-$4 million dollars. The Town
doesn’t have right-of-way on Hurlbutt, Military Hwy, Christy Hill Rd., and limited right-of-way
on Rt. 12 if we put sidewalks in. Where would snow go? In 2011, they estimated 10% of cost for
engineering study, but that was for landscape, trees, benches, sidewalks. Nothing for things like
storm water flow. And Rt. 12 is a state road which is another hurdle. Next steps would be to
update the map from nine areas to 10 or 11. We should have a public forum to set priorities. He
will update the maps and he will provide additional records that he has from back in 2012. It’s
currently budget time and the Town Planner and the Town Council Finance Chair is the EDC
Liaison and involved with the budgeting process. He said we should do the engineering part,
then start with the original 9 areas, and then program out the additional areas over the following
years so that funding can be planned for. He wondered what funding sources were available.
Town Planner Burdick mentioned that LOTCIP grants (Local Transportation Capital
Improvement Program) which are funneled through by the Southeastern Council of
Governments does provide large amounts for work on State roads. The multi-use pathway in
Ledyard Center was funded by a LOTCIP grant. She said that funding availabilities are usually
announced in March but we may need to way until March 2027 due to the complexities of the
engineering. She will work together with Cherry on this.
Kartway - Blighted Property Update
D.
Burdick said the owners signed a contract signed with abatement provider on Jan. 29th. She is
going to try to get a copy of that. On Feb. 13th 10 business days notification of state and federal
EPA. Removal of heavy equipment and abatement of asbestos on Feb. 20th. March 3rd apply for
demo permit. They expected to start demolition on March 4th but Burdick said that isn’t
accurate. If things don’t start as planned on Feb. 20th as stated then they will be issued a notice
