Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 26, 2019 330 Main Street, Suite 200 Middletown, CT. Attendees: Marie Kalita Leary (Chair) Mike DeSena (Police Department) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Scott Aresco (Police Department) Marc Levin (Commissioner) Geen Thazhampallath (Director of Parking) Mike DiPiro (Commissioner) Cathy Duncan (Chamber of Commerce) Mary Ann Perrotti (Commissioner) Steve Ciskowski (Chamber of Commerce) Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Charles Mitchell (Chamber of Commerce) Gary Nagler (Commissioner) Lisa Melaven (DBD Office) Police Report – Mike DeSena and Scott Aresco Scott reports everything is going well downtown. The beat officers are doing a great job making a presence within the downtown businesses and staying on top of pan handling. Fireworks are in place for Saturday, June 29th. The skateboarders and bicyclist riding down the Main Street sidewalks is on the rise. Parking Report – Geen Thazhampallath Geen reports the parking department will lose a total of 6 parking spaces due to the DOT bump out construction project. The stairwell project should be completed by the end of July, for Riverview Center/Arcade Parking lot. Dingwall Drive will continue to stay a one way street. Planning- Tom Marano Tom reports via email the following:  Caribbean Flavas on Main Street is open serving Caribbean/Jerk style food.  Dominick DeMartino is rehabilitating both Schlien’s (12 apartments & restaurant) and 412 Main Street – Italian restaurant.  “Steamed” restaurant coming to 62 Washington Street – http://www.steamednewhaven.com/  222 Main Street (First and Last) we continue to offer tours and take proposals from restaurateurs.  10 Main Street (Rite Aid) – The building is owned by a multi-layered LLC. They have a broker who I have not tracked down just yet. All pharmacy employees got jobs in other stores. Public Works – None Marc Levin mentioned some of the trees along Main Street need to be pruned or replaced, i.e. LaBoca Restaurant, Middlesex Chamber/Trinity Church, Inn at Middletown. Health Department – None Marie will ask Kevin when the Ethiopian Restaurant will be opening. There are concerns with the side door opening in the alley way between the restaurant and the Inn at Middletown. Chamber of Commerce – Cathy Duncan Cathy reports the following:  Wednesday, June 26th - Business After Work, hosted by Mattabesett Canoe Club, Middletown from 5:00-7:00p.m.  Tuesday, June 18th – Middlesex Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, guest speaker Padraig Harrington, European Tour/PGA Tour Professional at the Red Lion Hotel in Cromwell at 7:00a.m.  Thursday, July 11th - Monthly CBB Meeting at the Chamber of Commerce, from 8:00-9:00a.m.  Wednesday, July 17th – Citizen’s Bank 5K Summer Fun Run and Bed Races  Monday July 22nd - Business After Work, hosted by Courtyard by Marriott, Cromwell from 5:00-7:00p.m. The theme this year is “Fiesta”. Minutes –  Motion to approve monthly meeting minutes made by Marc Levin  2nd by Mary Ann Perrotti  Minutes accepted. Treasurer’s report – Marc Levin Marc reports everything is on task. The 3rd installment was requested to the City’s Finance Department for FY 2018-2019.  Motion to approve by Mike DiPiro  2nd by Mary Ann Perrotti  Financials accepted Board Member Update – Marie Kalita- Leary The DBD will continue to contribute $7,500.00 per fiscal year to the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce for downtown events.  Motion to earmark $2,500.00 from the 2019-2020 contribution to the 2018-2019 Pride Event, leaving $5,000.00 for other downtown events for FY 2019-2020 by Marc Levin.  2nd by Mike DiPiro  Motion accepted   The 42 new planters have arrived and being stored at Harding Development. Buds and Blossoms are looking to place and plant the week of June 24th. Kelly/Josh from Buds and Blossoms will coordinate with Patrick from Harding Development on the installation.  Patrick is checking into different ideas for white window clings/signs for our vacant downtown store fronts with Young’s Printing, Sign Mart and Minuteman Press. Update next month.  Marie/Commissioners would like to donate the 42 old style planters to the City of Middletown. Gene Thazhampallath will look into this option and or others ideas.  Marie reports the next Website design meeting at Kidcity on Monday, July 1st at 9:00a.m. Website committee meeting at DBD Office on Tuesday, July 9th at 8:30a.m.  Diane reports the gift cards are continuing to sell and going well. The 1st annual Thomas J. Serra memorial golf tournament will be held on Friday, July 26, 2019. The DBD will donate 2 gift cards.  Motion to approve special exception by Marc Levin  2nd by Mary Ann Perrotti  Donation accepted New Business –  Motion to adjourn by Marc Levin  2nd by Mike DiPiro  Adjourn accepted