Minutes: Sept. 2015 meeting

[Christel Manning]

The Economic Development group met on Monday, Sept. 14, 2015, from 6 – 7  pm at 20 Grand Avenue. Present: Christel Manning, Diane Panasci, Kathleen Flynn, Yvette Oliveras, Don Harvey, Nathalie Bonafe, Robert Pentel, David Hunter, Natalie Coe, Robert Roberts, Sally Esposito.

1. Fighting housing blight: Special guest Karen Dubois Walton from city Housing Dept. was unable to attend due to pipe break at her house. She will join us next month.
2. Quinnipiac Marina: Don Harvey presented an emergent proposal to bring together partners to purchase the marina. He envisions it as a kind of anchor development, combining the restaurant and perhaps other food/drink venues, the marina, and other businesses and allowing for some community uses of the big grey building. The marina is currently for sale, and there is the possibility that it could be parceled up, which may result in uses that may not be as beneficial to the neighborhood. There was much discussion, with both suggestions and concerns. Maybe get Vespoli involved? Perhaps a portion of ownership could be reserved for neighbors to purchase shares? Perhaps a benefit corporation could be created? What about flood insurance? Etc. Anyone interested, please call Don 203-589-1061.
3. Dining out night: We will try a new place that specializes in fresh fruit juice, they also have Mexican food. Date is Thursday, Sept. 24. Lee will post.