CITY OF WORCESTER | Economic Development Committee Meeting | Monday, June 28, 2021 | Levi Lincoln (South) Chamber | Convened: 5:34 P.M. | Adjourned: 6:12 P.M. |
|
Mayor
Joseph M. Petty | 
www.worcesterma.gov |
Clerk of the City Council
Nikolin Vangjeli | Committee Members | | Chairperson Candy Mero-Carlson | | Vice Chairperson Sean M Rose | | Councilor Matthew E Wally |
|
City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | Chairperson Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson
Councilor Matthew E. Wally
Councilor Kathleen M, Toomey, who the Mayor temporarily appointed to the Standing Committee for this meeting
| | | | | Also: | Chief Development Officer Peter Dunn
Assistant Chief Development Officer Stephen Rolle
Director of Housing and Health Inspections Amanda Wilson
City Solicitor Michael Traynor
City Auditor Robert V. Stearns
Deputy City Clerk Stephen A.J. Pottle, clerk | | | |
| 1. | Approval of the Minutes | |
| | | | | |
| | | 1a. | Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Economic Development hereby approves the minutes of the Economic Development Committee meeting on April 21, 2021. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and moved to adopt the item. Order adopted. | |
| | | | | |
| | | 2a. | In order to ensure the continuation of active public engagement, the City of Worcester will now use a phone conference line for members of the public to participate in all public meetings. To participate during the public participation phase of City Council, you may call the direct line indicated: Levi Lincoln (North) Chamber - 415-655-0001 (Access Code: 172 967 3228) or enter the below URL into your web browser. If you would like to raise your hand when in the meeting as a call-in user during public participation you may dial *3
https://cow.webex.com/cow/onstage/g.php?MTID=ef17225552a00f90a86433ed23b387e2e | Attachments | | | | | | | No speakers were recognized during this portion of the meeting. | |
| 3. | Zone Change Hearing Item | |
| | | | | |
| | | 3a. | Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Clifford Rucker request the Worcester Zoning Map be amended by extending the RG-5 zoning district to fully encompass properties at 113-115 Elm St., 61 Cedar St., 65 Cedar St. and 67 Cedar St.
# 17a CC June 8, 2021 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the Assistant Chief Development Officer, who provided an overview of the proposed zone change to the Standing Committee, including the Planning Board’s favorable recommendation for the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized the following speakers:
1. Brian Falk, Milford resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Russell Haims, Wayland resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval | |
| 4. | Communications of the City Manager | |
| | | | | |
| | | 4a. | Transmitting informational communication relative to a report as to status and condition of 18 Palisades Street.
# 9.16A CM November 12, 2019
In Committee January 28, 2020 - Held
In Committee May 12, 2020 - Held
In Committee September 8, 202 - Held
In Committee October 27, 2020 - Held
In Committee March 9, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the Director of Housing and Health Inspections, who provided information relative to 18 Palisades St., including that the City was allowed by the Court to clean the property and place a lien for the work on the location.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor Wally, who spoke to the resolution of cleaning the property.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed the amount of debris removed from the property with the Director of Housing and Health Inspections.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend the item be placed on file.
Recommend File | |
| | | | | |
| | | 4b. | Transmitting informational communication relative to the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAM's) opinion regarding the deed restriction for Mt. Carmel properties.
# 9.13A CM September 12, 2018 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the City Solicitor, who discussed the information received by the City from DCAM.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend the item be placed on file.
Recommend File | |
| 5. | Communication of the City Auditor | |
| | | | | |
| | | 5a. | Transmitting communication relative to review of ballpark agreements and financial package.
# 12c CC September 12, 2018 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to recuse himself from the item and left the room.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized the City Auditor, who discussed the review of various agreements between the City and the Worcester Red Sox, including lease payments, parking plans and the overall scope of the project.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson discussed the city’s estimated timeline for the completion of projects within the Canal District around Polar Park and the Worcester Red Sox, as well as when the entrance to Polar Park from Green St. will be opened with the Chief Development Officer.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed planning to ensure the underground parking structures do not flood, as well as ridesharing options around the ballpark with the Chief Development Officer.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File | |
| | | | | |
| | | 6a. | Order Councilor Konsantina B. Lukes and Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson - Request City Manager make recommendations regarding energy efficiency and renewable energy goals, including but not limited to solar energy, green living roofs, electric motor vehicle charging stations, in the design of Polar Ball Park and the Madison Properties Project and as a condition of any TIF or other tax incentives.
# 9d CC October 16, 2018
In Committee June 25, 2019 - Held
In Committee October 15, 2019 - Held
In Committee March 9, 2021 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized Councilor Wally, who moved to recuse himself from the item and left the room.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized the Chief Development Officer, who discussed the various initiatives that have taken place at Polar Park to ensure the location is environmentally efficient.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recommend the item be placed on file.
Recommend File | |
|