North Yarmouth Business Association
Toddy Brook Golf Club Meeting Room
Minutes December 13, 2012
| Attendance | Mary Conroy, Marilyn Matthews, Brian Bartlett, Leslie Taisey, Andrew Walsh, Thaddeus Day, Margie Hansel, Michael Babin. Meeting called to order 7:05 am |
| Thaddeus Day introduced Bill Hopkins, Architect and No. Yarmouth resident who has been working on the Town Center project. The initial focus on this project is the “triangle” of property bordered by Rts 9 & 115, Parsonage Rd. The task is “what can we do to encourage growth?” What changes can be developed in this parcel to be a catalist for business growth here? While this intersection is now a “passthrough” for traffic, our focus would be to create a Town Brand, making it more of a destination. The Town Office would be a focal point, which will mean some clearing to make it more visible, but not clearcutting, just low growth. Signage, a park, playground area, could all be used to draw folks to the Town center. Other items being considered for use would be Boy & Girl Scouts, sports activities, and a community building. An access road to the Town office off 115 OR a sidewalk around the entire triangle might encourage more foot traffic. The artist rendering of the area shows what significant difference can be made of this property. This information is available from the Economic Development and Sustainability Committee.
David Perkins then took over the presentation addressing the financial / funding piece. A proposal has already been made to the Town Selectmen. David pointed out that the Town administration has been very quiet in their attitude toward the project, we need to let them know the importance of this to local business. The Development Committe Board welcomes ideas from the public to consider incorporating into the final plans. These ideas are what you’d like to see here to make it a destination, like a coffee shop with WiFi availability, to a farming, greenhouse use of the pit area later on. The goal is to attract younger families with kids. The Selectmen are fairly on board with the first phase for the triangle. December 17th is the school vote to close NYMS, which is a likely pass, and will be a two to three year process. That gives the Town time to develop plans for a building conversion, such as a satelite library or daycare center. The goal is to include walking trails, and the long range plan might be to move public works and make better use of that land parcel. The budget committee will review in January and February, the goal would be to obtain Selectmen approval by the June meeting. The BEST thing to do is attend Selectmen meetings in support, as the vote will include some controversy due to the tax dollar support needed for the project. |
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| Minutes for 11/08/2012 were reviewed, and approved. Minutes are posted on website each month no later than the Tuesday following our meeting. | |
| Discussion | Individual introductions were made around the table with each member giving a brief outline of their services and products to Bill Hopkins. Brian briefly mentioned to Thad again changing AM meeting to the first Thursday each month beginning January 2013. Brian Bartlett has a three year committment on another committee the second Thurs of each month beginning January 2013. |
| Reports | Treasurer Leslie Taisey reported a bank balance of $1421.17. The only disbursement was to the Nicholas Demers Memorial Fund.
The date of the Trade Show has been set for March 8th, 2013, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM friday. Mary Conroy reported that to do all announcements through mail would be aprrox $800 in print and mail costs. She will approach Deb Grover at the Town to see if a more efficient email list for sending invites can be obtained. Andy and Leslie are going to approach the Notes and Forecaster on free publicity for the event. Leslie will also confirm with the Town about rules regarding serving wine / beer at the event. Mary Conroy will develop concepts for show promotions. We will do a quick survey for trade show exhibitors abaout being more active in NYBA. The purpose of the event will be to network, support local business, develop awareness of our offices, and we’ll have the Town Center plans on display as well. The next meeting will be January 10, 2013 and Thad has already arranged for the speaker. We will have a short Christmas gathering at Toddy Brook on Dec. 20th at 5:30 PM, come one come all !! |
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 AM —
Respectfully Submitted: Marilyn Matthews, Secretary