Southwick Center Revitalization Committee
Minutes
January 16, 2008
Members in Attendance: Sam Santaniello, Chairman, Roz Terry, Vice Chairman, Karen Legace, Marcy Pickard and Jean McGivney-Burelle, Lori Rindels
Others: Fred Arnold, Ken Harr, Nancy (owner Subway)
The meeting came to order at 7:00 p.m and all of those present were introduced.
1. Fred Arnold, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen gave a review of the status of the Mass Highway progress towards the beginning of construction of College Hwy. Phase I will be the area from Town Hall north to Tannery Rd. He noted that construction of this phase is tentatively scheduled for Sept/Oct 2009. Phase II will be the southern portion from CT line to Town Hall. Phase III will be the northern section from Tannery Rd to the Westfield line. Mr. Arnold also noted that there will be a maintenance coat placed on the Phase III section this summer to hold it together for it's reconstruction in the future. Ideas for assistance to local business were discussed. The members asked Mr. Arnold to keep them posted on progress. Many of the grants of interest are time sensitive to when we can use them. The
Committee will continue to raise awareness around their purpose and recognition of businesses that put out a special effort to make Downtown more appealing. It was noted that then next 5 years will be tough with construction, but well worth it. We are finally getting where we need to be.
2. Ken Harr, representative of the Economic Development Committee, reviewed with the members some of the past efforts to revitalize the center. The issue of signs was discussed. It was noted that during construction many of the signs will have to be taken down. Mr. Harr will go back to his committee members, Craig Samuelson and Dave Recoulle who have done a great deal of research towards a new bylaw, to try to revive that effort.
3. Sam Santaniello opened a new discussion about Town wide festivals. Ideas for different seasonal festivals brought up. Noting that such an event would take a lot of planning. Ideas for a summer '09 festival were discussed, including timing, themes and activities. Focus moved to a Winter '09 Festival, being a follow-up to our Holiday decorating contest. The goal of these Town wide events is to increase Town Spirit.
4. Mr. Tynan, the owner of the building on College Hwy which houses Subway north to Auto parts store was nominated for the next Recognition Award. The entire building, , has new siding and roof. It looks great and all agreed he should be recognized.
5. Other discussions included:
• Future recognition award nominees
• Awards to be given quarterly, instead of monthly
• Decided to hold meetings every third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
| 
