Posted by Ed on December 22, 2007, 3:54 pm
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Tewksbury Advocate, 12/20/07
Taking steps toward economic growth
By Chloe Gotsis, Staff Writer
Wed Dec 19, 2007, 12:54 PM EST
Tewksbury
TEWKSBURY - Tewksbury took a step toward more business growth Tuesday when the Board of Selectmen unanimously passed a motion approving the formation of a preliminary Economic Development Committee.
Planning Board member Nancy Reed and Selectman and former Planning Board member David Gay presented to the board their recommendations, based on recent meetings with Community Development Director Steve Sadwick and the town’s representative from Northern Middlesex Council of Government Jay Donovan.
Since the formation of an Economic Development Committee does not rely on approval from Town Meeting Reed and Gay recommended that the town move forward and set up a committee in order to expedite the process.
“I’m very encouraged and enthusiastic about starting this so hopefully we can get some awareness out to the town,” said Reed, adding that on Monday night the Planning Board approved the formation of the Economic Development Committee as well. “It’s very encouraging to move forward with something like this.”
Due to recommendations by the Board of Selectmen, the committee will include Town Manager David Cressman, along with representatives from the selectmen — Anne Marie Stronach and Todd Johnson — the Planning Board, the Finance Committee, the Local Housing Partnership, and representatives to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen from a local financial community and local real estate.
The board agreed that Reed’s recommendation was a good move for the town in terms of business growth.
“The recommendation is a very good step in the right direction,” said Selectman Anne Marie Stronach. “My only concern is that we bridge the I-93 Tri-town Task Force with this group so that we have an agreement there and can further move forward.”
Reed reported to the board that she was informed by Sadwick that the three towns involved in the I-93 Task Force — Andover, Tewksbury and Wilmington — will receive some funding that could be equally shared.
“I think this is a huge step for the town of Tewksbury and I’m very excited and looking forward to what’s going to come out of this,” said Selectmen’s Chairman Jerry Selissen.
The committee will be created for a scope of two years and will review and provide long term recommendations for a more formal economic development organization in the future. The committee will also develop a charter for the future committee along with a mission statement and goals.
With the ultimate goal of attracting more businesses to the area, the committee will also develop a local marketing plan along with developing an outreach plan to local businesses
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Finances, power plants, and sewers
In other news Stronach, the representative to the Financial Planning Task Force, reported that the task force is working attentively to present recommendations to the selectmen, the School Committee and state delegates on Jan. 22.
Selectmen Todd Johnson reported concerns that were addressed at a recent meeting at the town library discussing the Billerica Power Plant.
Johnson said town residents expressed concerns about access roads leading to the power plant along with health concerns. While the plant’s location out of the town borders limits the selectmen’s involvement, Johnson said he is waiting for feedback from Fire Chief Richard Mackey on concerns he has expressed about the power plant.
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The town’s Water and Sewer Commission will be present at the Board of Selectmen’s next meeting on January 8, where the board will make a decision on the flat sewer rate.
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