HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-08 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes �
� BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE �
March 8, 2006
� Minutes
Councilor Attendance: Greene, D'Errico, Farrington, Hawes, Gratwick,
� Hawes, Palmer
Staff Attendance: McKay, Barrett, Heitmann, Ring
� CONSENT AGENDA
1. Subordination Request
� A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda.
� AGENDA
2. Review of Preliminary Plans for Larry Springer's proposed Development of a
� 25,000 SF, 2�h Story Multi-Use Building on Front Street
� � McKay indicated that City staff has been working with Springer for some time. The
� initial plan was for two buildings on Front Street contingent on the City providing parking
dedicated to the office use on the upper floors. Council did not wish to commit to
dedicated parking. Springer is now proposing one building (a model was provided).
� The lower levels would be retail space and the upper would be for Water�ront
Development Zone uses, which would most likely be office space. Springer is anxious to
commence construction this spring with a build-out period of 18 months. In speaking of
the model presented, Springer indicated it is to scale. Gratwick asked about the quality
,� of the project and about parking. Springer spoke about the square footage costs of the
various spaces within the proposed building. Heitmann said the WaterFront
� Development District does not require parking. McKay said the concept is that parking
�, particularly along Front Street will be owned and operated by the City and available to
those individuals using the waterfront. The parking lot next to the SeaDog is available
� as well as another parking lot along French Street /�iso Front Street and Raiiroad Streets
have been widened for additional parking on street. As further development occurs, the
City will have to program additional waterFront parking. Barrett said that staff has been
looking at waterfront parking and has identified relatively short-term potential solutions
� as well as longer term potential solutions. Ring provided a draft map outlining the
potential parking areas. Allen asked Springer about the restaurant location in the
. proposed building. Discussion focused on parking and the Folk Festival and the
�, . possibility of relocating some of the Festival venues. Allen talked about keeping the
children's area close to the Discovery Museum. Gratwick spoke about the loss of gr.een
� space. Barrett said the potential parking area is not designed just to serve developers
but to be an entry point to the green space down river. Gratwick spoke about the
previously discussed use of the service road. Ring said it is an option but stafF thought
it preferable to discourage vehicular traffic in the public open space. Responding to
MPalmer, Barrett said the site line for the condo project ends at Front Street. Springer
spoke of the exterior of the building, construction features. Palmer asked about snow
�
�
�
drops ofF the octagon roof. Palmer thinks that parking should be paid attention to and �
given a better look as opposed to the tarmac look. Greene talked about the proposed
roof color. It is a metal roof. Gratwick asked if the model could be placed in a more
public setting for viewing. �
3. Executive Session—Economic Development— Economic Development
Proposals— Negotiations of Proposed Development Agreement with Larry �
Springer for Front Street Development - 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C)
_ A motion was made and seconded to go into executive session for items 3 and 4. �
4. Executive Session— Economic Development— Negotiations for Proposed
Waterfront Hotel Development- 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C) �
�.
�
�
�
�
�
�
� � �
- �
�-
�
�.
�