HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-04 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 @ 5:15 PM
Penobscot Room, Lower Floor of Penquis CAP
MEETING MINUTES
City Councilors Present: Dean, Fish, Fournier, Hawes, Schaefer, Tremble.
City Staff Present: Hernandez-Smith, Krieg, Saavedra, Wall.
Chair Hawes called the meeting to order at 7:25 P.M.
1. HOUSING PRODUCTION PLAN — REVIEW OF DRAFT PLAN
Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item.
Sarah Kirk and Sophie Danish, HR&A Advisors, presented to the Committee via
Zoom and gave slideshow presentation on preliminary recommendations and
findings.
Councilor Tremble asked for inclusion of cost figures for changes in rent — Kirk
responded that these would be included.
Councilor Tremble expressed a lack of support for the recommendation to allow
homes on the ground floor downtown; seconded by Councilor Schaefer. Kirk
provided clarification that recommendation was to maintain retail on street-facing
side of buildings but allow for residential in the rear of buildings.
Councilor Schaefer asked if the pre-approved plans project would apply to the
recommendation to build developer capacity — Kirk and Development Director
Krieg confirmed that it would.
Kirk asked about dedicating local funding— Development Director Krieg responded
that primary funding source has been ARPA funds. Kirk recommended discussing
ongoing funding moving forward; Committee members in agreement.
Councilor Dean asked if there is a nationwide trend towards rental, or if this is just
reflective of lack of affordability of home ownership — Kirk responded that it is a
combination of both of these factors.
Councilor Fish brought up trends that she has seen in the real estate field.
2. CITY-OWNED PROPERTIES PORTFOLIO AND BANAIR UPDATE
Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item.
Economic Development Officer Biguita Hernandez-Smith and Business
Development Specialist Brad Wall presented to the Committee and gave
slideshow presentation on City-owned and -managed properties.
Councilor Tremble noted that the Maine Business Enterprise Park was originally
developed with a healthcare focus.
Airport Director Jose Saavedra presented on the BIA Industrial Park.
3. PRE-APP WORK WITH EASTERN MAINE DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION (EMDC) AND THE NORTHERN BORDER REGIONAL
COMMISSION (NBRC) ON THE CENTRAL KITCHEN PROJECT
Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item.
Economic Development Officer Biguita Hernandez-Smith gave an update on the
pre-application work for the central kitchen project.
4. COMMUNITY CHALLENGE GRANT FOR PRENTISS WOODS
IMPROVEMENTS
Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item and gave overview
of proposal to pursue grant.
Councilor Schaefer moved staff recommendation to pursue grant, seconded by
Councilor Fish. Vote unless doubted, no doubt. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:28 P.M.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted,
Sarah Maquillan
Admin. Asst.
C&ED