MANSFIELD DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION COMMITTEE

Mansfield Downtown Partnership Offices

May 27, 2009

5:00 PM

MINUTES

Present:          Chair: Mike Gergler, Curt Hirsch, Marty Hirschorn, Girish Punj, Steve Rogers, Rene Schein, Brian Wells

Staff:               Cynthia van Zelm

1. Call to Order

Michael Gergler called the meeting to order at 5:05 pm. 

2.                     Public Comment

There was no public comment.

3. Comments on Minutes

The minutes were approved by consensus.

4. Update on Storrs Center Project

Ms. van Zelm noted that the Vanilla Bean has signed the first letter of intent for Phase 1A of Storrs Center.

The Committee reviewed the preliminary layout and tenanting of Phase 1A.

Steve Rogers and Mr. Gergler reiterated that there will be some tenants who will relocate to Phase 1A.

Ms. van Zelm said that the only remaining pre-construction permit is the permit from the State Traffic Commission for improvements on Storrs Road.  Ms. van Zelm said she hopes a decision will be forthcoming this summer.

5.                     Update on Relocation

Ms. van Zelm followed up from the last Committee meeting and reiterated that the concept of percentage rent will not be part of the relocated tenants’ lease unless they want to negotiate that piece.

Rene Schein asked if the Town would delay or phase in personal property tax assessment on relocated businesses that move into the new building.  Mr. Gergler said he did not know what was possible from an administrative or legal perspective.

Ms. Schein asked about the timeframe regarding relocation.  Mr. Gergler said he expected it would be about two years before any relocation would need to occur for most of the affected buildings, as Phase 1A will need to be up and operational first.

6.         Update on Casting and Leasing Process

Ms. van Zelm said that Cushman & Wakefield continue to work on the tenanting of Phase 1A.  Marty Hirschorn asked if representatives from Cushman & Wakefield and Live Work Learn Play could meet with the Committee.  Mr. Gergler said he was working on scheduling them for a fall meeting of the Committee.

7.         Other

Ms. van Zelm said the Town was updating the Town website and including an economic development section.  She suggested that the Committee review the site as it gets more developed.

8.         Future Meetings

The Committee agreed to meet in about a month and not meet in July or August, unless necessary.

9.         Adjourn

The meeting adjourned at 6:20 pm.

Minutes taken by Cynthia van Zelm.