Economic Development Advisory Board Meeting

Economic Development Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 11, 2024 – 5:00 p.m. Members Present: Otto Mills, Heather Mahaley, Jason Wood, John West, Rick Brown, Marjan Shirzad of Fonthill Castle, Aisling Lavery of the Michener Art Museum, Doreen McVaugh for the Doylestown Historical Society, Recreation Director, and Special Events Coordinator Caitlin Hernandez. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 pm. Approval of Minutes – Approved as submitted. Comprehensive Plan Update – Heather shared the progress the Planning Commission is making with the Comprehensive Plan. The plan currently focuses on six key areas, all of which were identified based on feedback from the public. The overarching theme of the plan is land use and stewardship, with a particular emphasis on how future land use planning can contribute to the goal of stewardship. Discover Doylestown Project – Caitlin provided an update sent from Kris. The Arts Fest applications have closed. They had a record number of applications this year. The Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt had 32 participating businesses and approximately 300 participants. Doylestown Cultural District Report – Marjan gave the Mercer and Fonthill updates. The Doan Exhibit will open to members on May 3 and the public on May 4, 2024. Movies at the Mercer will be Field of Dreams in May, The Goonies in June, The Princess Bride in July, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in August. In September, Clueless will be the feature movie, and in October, it will be the 1920s version of Frankenstein. Aisling updated the board on what was happening in the art museum. They are pushing for their summer camp enrollment. The Art After Dark program is scheduled to begin on May 2 at 6:00 pm. The museum also offers free admission on the second Sunday of the month. Art After Dark will take place on the first Thursday of each month. Doylestown Historical Society Report – Doreen gave the DHS update. The Historical Society park is being upgraded with new plantings and hardscaping. Doreen also shared information on upcoming events and exhibitions at the Historical Society. Social Media Report – Caitlin updated the Board on the social media channels. She shared the top posts on each of our socials and reported on various levels of engagement with each of the top posts. Economic Development Report – Caitlin reported on the various vacancies in town. Also, she updated the members with new businesses and restaurants that have recently opened or will be opening soon. DART Report - None Mayor’s Report – None  Economic Development Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 11, 2024 – 5:00 p.m. Old/New Business – Under Old Business, Jason asked if anyone had considered his questions from the last meeting. He wanted to know if anyone had any ideas to discuss or if brainstorming would be good. There was discussion about new developments coming to town and how the EDAB can help to advise the Borough Council. Rather than focusing on macro-driven economic growth, the EDAB can focus on more measurable metrics and look at micro-levels to help boost tourism or economic development. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 pm. Respectfully Submitted by: Erika Fellman Economic Development Advisory Board Minutes Secretary