Commission on the City Plan

MINUTES COMMISSION ON THE CITY PLAN NOVEMBER 30TH, 2017 -12:00 P.M. 23 UNION STREET NORWICH CONNECTICUT LOWER LEVEL MEETING ROOM SPECIAL MEETING A. CALL TO ORDER: Art Sharron, Chairman called the meeting to order at 12:05 P.M. B. ROLL CALL AND SEATING OF ALTERNATES: Present: Art Sharron, Chairman, Frank Manfredi, Vice Chairman, Les King, and Michael Lahan. A quorum was present. Absent: Kathy Warzecha, alternates Swarnjit Singh Bhatia, Dan Daniska & Jason Arndt. Others Present: Deanna Rhodes, City Planner, and Debra Delaporta, recording secretary C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None D. COMMUNICATIONS: None E. OLD BUSINESS: None F. NEW BUSINESS: None G. CITY COUNCIL REFERRALS: A Resolution by the Council of the City Of Norwich that it tentatively accepts the proposal of the LeWitt Group with respect to 68 and 80 Broadway subject to reaching a satisfactory agreement with it with respect to the development and transfer of the properties. Deanna Rhodes gave a brief synopsis of the RFP process. She stated that she was on the team that reviewed the two RFP proposals that were submitted. While both bids were lower than what the City had anticipated, the LeWitt Group bid was higher. Both proposals included repair of the retaining wall located at 68 Broadway. The proposed use of the building by the LeWitt Group is for a food hall, which is similar to a food court. It would include dine-in and take-out orders, fresh foods and a variety of vendors selling both food and retail products. She shared that the owners of the LeWitt Group also own and operate two successful restaurants and are the organizers of a farmers market in Chester, CT. They have also purchased and renovated several properties throughout the City. Ms. Rhodes explained that there is support in the Plan of Conservation and Development relative to promoting economic development. Specifically, she noted the strategies to actively market Norwich for business; development and re-development of the Chelsea Central district node area; and to guide businesses and economic development to downtown. Frank Manfredi then asked about the other proposal received. Ms. Rhodes stated it was for a brewery business. She stated that their purchase price was less and that their application was not as strong. Deanna Rhodes further explained that the LeWitt Group had been investigating the purchase of 206 Main Street, but had concerns because it was in the Special Flood Hazard Area. When the RFP for the property at 68 and 80 Broadway was advertised, they decided that this property would better suit their needs. Theirs is a cash offer and they hope to begin work soon and be open by the spring. Being no further discussion, Frank Manfredi made a motion to send a FAVORABLE recommendation to the City Council, as the proposal conforms to the economic development strategies in Plan of Conservation and Development. Les King seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. H. EXTENSION REQUESTS: None I. BOND RELEASES: None J. OTHER BUSINESS: Approval of 2018 Meeting Calendar A question was asked about why there was no September meeting. Ms. Rhodes stated she was unsure and that Linda Lee-Smith had prepared the calendar. Frank Manfredi then made a motion of approve the 2018 Meeting Calendar, seconded by Les King, with all members in favor. K. STAFF REPORT: None L. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Les King to adjourn at 12:21 p.m. The motion was seconded by Frank Manfredi. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Debra Delaporta