Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 28, 2019 330 Main Street, Suite 200 Middletown, CT. Attendees: Marie Kalita-Leary (Chair) Rich Davis (Police Department) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Tom Marano (Economic Development) Marc Levin (Commissioner) Cathy Duncan (Chamber of Commerce) Mike DiPiro (Commissioner) Geen Thazhampallath (Director of Parking) Mary Ann Perrotti (Commissioner) Kevin Elak (Health Department) Jennifer Alexander (Commissioner) Lisa Melaven (DBD Office) Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Police Report – Rich Davis Rich reports pan handling and homeless people on the streets are on the rise. The police department is acting aggressively in addressing these situations. Parking Report – Geen Thazhampallath Geen reports the new staircase(s) are being installed at Riverview Center and Court Street. They will be open for service within the next couple of weeks. The parking department will be removing the kiosk in the north end and going back to all metered parking. An additional kiosk is going into the Dingwall parking lot. Dingwall Drive is now open to two way traffic. There are now 18 parking meters going down Dingwall Drive and 92 parking spaces in the Dingwall lot. Planning- Tom Marano Tom reports the following:  Opportunity Zone – Showing groups around which are actively looking to invest in smaller communities/negotiating terms.  Middletown Works grant – Outreach to single parents & employers in working together.  MEWS – The program is doing great! Have been working collectively with entrepreneurs on events in getting people into jobs. Middletown’s Pitch Event - Collision where Food vs. Tourism at LaBoca restaurant; Wednesday, August 28th from 5:30-9:00pm.  First & Last – People are continuing to look at the potential of renting the space. Public Works – None Health Department – Kevin Elak Kevin reports the following:  Ethiopian restaurant has most approvals from City departments to open for business.  Pokemoto restaurant in Main Street Market is eager to open within the next couple of weeks.  Dominick DeMartino doing a phenomenal job renovating 412 Main Street, moving along quickly.  “Steamed” - Dumpling restaurant on lower Washington Street, close to opening early next week. Chamber of Commerce – Cathy Duncan Cathy reports the following:  Thursday, September 5th - Monthly CBB Meeting at the Chamber of Commerce, from 8:00-9:00a.m. The Buttonwood Tree will be hosting.  Monday, September 16th - Business After Work, hosted by Lady Katherine Cruises in Middletown from 5:00-7:00p.m.  Thursday, October 10th – Middlesex Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, guest speaker Dan Hurley, UCONN Men’s Head Basketball Coach at the Red Lion Hotel in Cromwell at 7:00a.m.  Wednesday, October 23rd - Middlesex County’s Premier Business Expo, at the Red Lion in Cromwell from 11:00a.m. – 7:00p.m. Minutes –  Motion to approve monthly meeting minutes made by Marc Levin  2nd by Mary Ann Perrotti  Minutes accepted. Treasurer’s report – Mike DiPiro  Motion to approve by Marc Levin  2nd by Mary Ann Perrotti  Financials accepted Board Member Update –  Tom reports via email – Construction has begun in the retail area of Midd-Town for the Nutrition Spot (smoothie shop) and Edward Jones Financial. We have just a small 540sf retail suite available. On the down note, Tuscany Grill has closed.  Mary Ann reports the planters are looking amazing.  Jen and Diane will be moving forward with the website committee, update in September.  Marc and Diane will meet on marketing campaign, update between September and October.  Patrick reports he is still working on getting the right business for purchasing and installing “window clings”.  Marie will ask the City of Middletown if they would like to purchase the 42 old style planters. New Business – A donation to the Organ Fund at First Church on behalf of Fred Carroll, for cleaning downtown Kiosks  Motion to approve by Marie Kalita-Leary  2nd by – Marc Levin  Donation accepted “Welcome Back College Posters” went out to retail and restaurants on Friday, August 23 rd.  Motion to adjourn by Marie Kalita-Leary  2nd by Mike DiPiro  Adjourn accepted