Downtown Business District

Downtown Business District Meeting Minutes-Annual and Special Meetings June 28, 2023 363 Main Street, Suite 404 Middletown, CT 06457 Attendees: Jen Alexander (Chair) Dep Chief Rich Davis (MPD) Chris Conley (Commissioner) Sara Mendillo (Chamber) Diane Gervais (Commissioner) Cassandra Day (Press) Matt Lefebvre (Commissioner) Cathy Duncan (Chamber) Tom Ford (Commissioner) Kevin Elak (Health Director) Ken Ahnell (DBD Beautification Mgr) Sandra Russo-Driska (DBD Manager) Trevor Davis (363 Main LLC) Rani Arbo (Wesleyan) Howard Weissberg (Dep. Dir. Pub. Works) Rob Lucheme (Tschudin Choc) Capt Brian Hubbs (MPD) Emily Ford (Hajjar Management) Chief Erik Costa CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order by Chair, Jen Alexander at 8:33 am CITY PARTNERS Mayor- Not Present Police- Dep. Chief Davis reported that all events downtown have been successful without incidents. Taking great initiatives to handle narcotics in the downtown area, and plans in place will come to fruition over next few months. Capt. Hubbs reported they are working on planning for the fireworks event. Also, Chief Costa noted hate crimes reported are under investigation and working hard to identify individuals. Jen asked about more road closures for events because we have had so many. Capt. Davis noted nothing really coming up after the fireworks. Health Department- Kevin did a recap of events and noted that the vaccine clinics at Juneteenth and Pride were very successful. He advised of a vaccine clinic at the Emergency Mgt Center on Mile Land today from 1-4 pm. Jen inquired about any new restaurants opening or closing. Keving noted Weigh Stationary closing and has someone interested in the space. Fresh Greens & Proteins closed and will keep us posted when he hears of any interest in that space. Public Works Howard Weissberg reported there is a concrete pilot program with grinding underway. Also piloting concrete patch to repair sidewalks quickly. There is a meeting planned later today to discuss the ARPA grant with the DBD and hoping to have a plan in place to move forward next Spring. Still waiting on the DOT for Rte 9 project specs to be sure they positively impact downtown, especially the north end. (Continued on pg. 2)  DBD Minutes Pg. 2 Discussion on graffiti ensued, especially at Hartford Ave. Howard had suggestions for preventing future hits, and he will look into removal. Chief Costa noted he will reinstall cameras if needed and check any symbolism. Economic Development/Parking Not present COMMUNITY PARTNERS St. Vincent’s- Not preset Wesleyan- Rani reported WESU campus is in construction and planning modes over the summer. She noted the July 10th collaborative with the City on the CFA lawn was a great event and she is hoping to do more With Kisha at the City in the future to bring these types of programs to the public. Chamber- Sara noted the new EDC Director position is on the July agenda for the Council. She reported that Haven Hot Chicken is going into the Whey Station spot. She informed the commission the permit for the hookah lounge was revoked by Planning. She listed several upcoming Chamber events and thanked everyone for a great car cruise event. Cathy noted CBB will be held virtually on July 6th. She sent out the fireworks agenda and road closures to members with the wrong date so will be sending out again. Approval of April Minutes  Motion made by Diane  2nd by Chris  All in favor Sandra noted nothing out of normal monthly expenses to report with financials and the large bill went to Winterberry Farm for planters. Treasurer’s Report-April  Motion to approve made by Diane  2nd by Tom  All in favor DBD COMMITTEE UPDATES: Promotion- Sandra reported working on the Summer on Main button for the website to be up and running for July 1. Planning a large Family Fun Night on the Holy Trinity stage with several events for July 25th. Will have posters printed for both and posted downtown and on all social media for both items. AV Studios has been hired to do promotional content for the website. A social media person is working with Sandra to do M-W-F regular postings for Instagram and Facebook. Gift Cards- Sandra reported gift card needed to be ordered off bulk ordering due to the high demand. Several large orders have come in from the City, Board of Ed, and the STEM program  DBD Minutes Pg.3 Maintenance & Beautification- Discussions ongoing with Public Works to address issues. Ken Ahnell monitors and reports items. There is regular follow-up on all items. Special Projects- Jen reported we have finished up the first $100k for the Storefront Grant, and just received the second $100k. This will be dedicated to the Mosaics on Main project. The mural at the roller rink will be getting painted in July. 925 Report- Trevor updated the commission on the closing of O’Rourke’s. Also noted 425 Main (church) sold and will provide Sandra with contact information. Chris Conley reported that Lan Chi’s has officially closed, and they have tenant interested in the space. Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn at 9:19 am by Chris  2nd by Diane  All in Favor. Meeting Adjourned Respetfully Submitted By: Sandra Russo-Driska Manager, Middletown DBD