Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes September 28, 2022 363 Main Street, Suite 404 Middletown, CT 06457 Attendees: Jen Alexander (Chair) Chief Erik Costa (MPD) Patrick Harding (Commissioner) Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Coordinator) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Chris Holden (Director Public Works) Mike DiPiro (Commissioner) Rich Davis (Dep. Chief PD) Marie Kalita (Commissioner) Kevin Elak (Health Director) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Capt. Brian Hubbs (MPD) Matt Lefebvre (Commissioner) Maryellen Shukrow (Dir. St. Vincent’s) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) Sara Menello (Chamber) Trevor Davis (363 Main LLC) Cassandra Day (Middletown Press) Call to Order- Meeting was called to order by Chair, Jen Alexander at 8:31 a.m. CITY PARTNERS Mayor- Not Present Police- Chief Costa noted and improvement in activity and response in downtown. Increased patrols and working with North End group on issues. Making good progress. Will continue to initiate practices that make sense to address issues. He mentioned the Halloween event on Saturday, Oct. 22 which will close the block between Court and Dingwall Dr. Notice did go out to businesses notifying them of the event. Public Works- Chris Holden reported we have held meetings regarding replacing the garbage receptacles in the downtown and it most likely will have to be done in phases due to funding. The trees will be trimmed in the downtown soon. Power pole removed from lower Washington St finally, and now the sidewalk can be fixed in that area. He stated the lights out at Washington and Main are due to a power issue. May need new conduit per our contract wit Eversource. They will be conducting tests to determine the issue and what needs to be done. The department has hired a new Deputy Director and will be hired in October. Once he is on board items will move along much more quickly. Jen requested to bring the garbage & recycling container designs to a meeting before purchasing. Chief mention the timing on the rainbow crosswalk was fixed by Everett however, the emergency vehicles thows the timing off when it turns the lights to red to go thru the intersection.  DBD Minutes Pg. 2 Economic Development/Parking- Not present Health Department- Kevin reported he is very busy with distribution of the new Covid boosters. Focusing on high risk areas. Working with Stop and Shop to provide flue clinics for all vaccines including flu, Covid, shingles, and pneumonia. There will be a clinic at S. Fire Sat. from 10-3. There will also be a flu clinic at the Chamber on Nov. 4th. Chis Holden asked about the Bird bikes and scooter. Discussion followed. COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s- Maryellen gave a big shout out to Chief Costa and team for their outstanding response and initiative in the North End. The new team formed to address N. End issues has been very productive. -The park at Green and Main will be open this week with staff thanks to donations from Malloves, Sicily, Jeff Filter (owner NORA building). She has placed furniture there and hoping to keep open through November. -She announced she received funding from ARPA of $1m to move forward with her project for the building. Next step is Dept. of Housing application for most of the remaining funding and Community Investment Fund, if they qualify for that. Hired NE Collaborative, a Middletown architect to begin designing the building. -Working on warming center with Kevin and Health Dept. for the winter. -Soup Supper in November at AME Zion is planned. -She has interns from UCONN School of Social Services to have more help for positive outreach. -Working with DBD and Ken on extending the cleaning crew and keep Main St looking good. -Uptick of 20% at Amazing Grace. -Seeing new people from New Britain, East Hartford, and as far away as Bridgeport. Chamber- Sara announced Business After Work from 5-7 at Powder Ridge on Oct. 6. Also the next breakfast meeting with UCONN Coach Dan Hurley would be on Oct. 7 at the Sheraton in Rocky Hill. Also having a Cyber Ready Workshop today at 9:15-10. Tuesday, Oct. 11 is a Time Management Workshop. Nov. 4 is the Vaccine Clinic from 10a-2p, Monday, Nov. 7 Veteran’s Breakfast 7:30-9a. Cathy mentioned the next CBB would be Thursday, Oct. 6 th both in person and hybrid. Maryellen announced a Health Fair on Oct. 15th at Macdonough School. Open to the community with health screenings, food and nutrition information, 22 providers will be present and hoping to do more of these in the community. Trevor asked about the Amistad visit to Middletown. Sara mentioned the Amistad will be in town on Saturday, Oct. 8th from 12p-6p with events on the river, including African dance presentations.  DBD Minutes Pg. 3 Minutes  Motion made by Tom to approve August minutes.  2nd by Marie  August minutes approved. Treasurer’s Report  Motion to approve made by Mike  2nd by Marie  All in Favor. Treasurer’s report accepted. Jen noted there will be elections this March of 2023 and we should start thinking about new commissioners. DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES Advertising/Promotion- No report Gift Cards- No report Maintenance & Beautification- Ken reported he is working on the garbage receptacles and container project with Sandra and the city and we will continue to work on a better process for what is in place. Special Projects- No report Jen noted 2 major items of note: 1. $12m was awarded for remediation of the riverfront, and 2. The developer was chosen for the Arcade site. Asked Sandra to follow up on any information and projects as they move along. Sandra gave update on the Spotlight Event and described the agenda. Discussion followed. Mike mentioned looking into investing the money in the money market fund. Sandra said she would inquire about rates and discuss with Mike for options and suggestions. 925 Report- Trevor reported he has a new tenant, an Artist in the 363 building. Also, the old Roadside Academy on Broad St. has a new 4-5 person office going in. Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn at 9:30 am by Mike  2nd by Marie  All in Favor. Meeting Adjourned.