CITY OF WORCESTER | Economic Development Committee Meeting | Thursday, February 29, 2024 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 5:03 P.M. | Adjourned: 6:31 P.M. |
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Mayor
Joseph M. Petty | 
www.worcesterma.gov |
Clerk of the City Council
Nikolin Vangjeli | Committee Members | | Chairperson Candy Mero-Carlson | | Vice Chairperson Jenny Pacillo | | Councilor Kathleen M Toomey |
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City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | Chairperson Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson
Councilor Jenny Pacillo
Councilor Kathleen M. Toomey | | | | | Also: | Chief Development Officer Peter Dunn
Assistant Chief Development Officer of Special Projects Paul Morano
Deputy City Clerk I Stephen AJ Pottle, clerk | | | |
| 1. | Virtual Attendee Call-In Information | |
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| | | 1a. | Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 and in order to ensure active, public engagement, the City of Worcester currently allows for both in-person and remote participation at all City Council and Standing Committee meetings. To partake in the meeting, you may attend the meeting in-person within the meeting location, follow the below link to join via Zoom or dial the direct line as indicated.
Economic Development Committee Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/91026766826
Economic Development Committee Zoom Phone Number: (929) 205 6099
Economic Development Committee Zoom Access Code: 910 2676 6826 | Attachments |
| 2. | Approval of the Minutes | |
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| | | 2a. | Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Economic Development hereby approves the minutes of the Economic Development Committee meeting on November 29, 2023. | View Agenda | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item. Order adopted on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 3. | Communications of the City Manager | |
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| | | 3a. | Transmitting Informational Communication Relative to the Housing Development Certified Project Application/Tax Increment Exemption Plan for One Chestnut Place at 22 Elm Street.
# 9.4A CM February 6, 2024 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the following speakers:
1. Ryan Chamberlain, Newton resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Robert Bilotta, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Tim Murray, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
4. Craig Blais, Auburn resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized the Chief Development Officer, who provided an overview of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson then discussed the importance of new housing development and increasing employment for residents of the city.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized the Chief Development Officer, who discussed TIF ordinance relative to the project and the process concerning rectifying non-compliance issues relative to TIF agreements.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor Pacillo, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed the challenges relative to the project with the Chief Economic Development.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 3b. | Designation of an Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Program Zone and Approval of a UCH-TIF Plan for 16 and 52 Great Brook Valley Avenue.
# 8.4A CM December 19, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the following speaker:
1. Michael Lozano, Newton resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Tim Murray, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. David Minassian, Worcester resident given, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Chief Development Officer, who provided an overview of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor Pacillo and Councilor Toomey, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how the city can ensure Chapter 74-approved vocational technical education programs are best utilized in building projects throughout the city.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson recognized Councilor Toomey, who discussed the importance of the inclusion of Worcester Technical High School students in the apprentice ship program.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager provide City Council with a report concerning how the city can ensure Chapter 74-approved vocational technical education programs are best utilized in building projects throughout the city. | |
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| | | 3c. | Informational Communication Relative to an Update on Economic Development Initiatives.
# 11.4B CM September 12, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the Chief Development Officer, who provided an overview of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 3d. | Transmitting informational communication relative to an update on housing and neighborhood development.
# 11.4C CM September 12, 2023 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson read the item and recognized the Chief Development Officer, who provided an overview of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Mero-Carlson moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be filed.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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