The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm on April 4, 2023.
Members present: Scott McCaskill, Chair, Libby Curtis Webb, Kris Foss, Jim Bibbo
Absent: Joe Torro, Matt Monahan, Mel Pfeifle
Minutes & Members/Officers: The committee voted to approve the previous meeting’s minutes. Motioned by Kris Foss, seconded by Libby Webb.
CEDS Project and Application Review:
The committee reviewed the projects listed on the previous CEDS along with the EDC 2023/24 project list to decide which projects to submit for the upcoming CEDS process. Project applications to be submitted before the 4/21/23 deadline include Bradford Town Hall 2nd Floor renovation (to be submitted by Jim Bibbo), assessment and planning (Feasibility Study) for the Naughton property use and sidewalk project (Scott McCaskill to submit both), Signage project (to be submitted by Libby Webb) and town website redesign project (to be submitted by Kris Foss). Blank applications will be forwarded to Kathleen Bigford for the Energy Committee to consider submitting for a solar panel project, and to Chief Ed Shaughnessy for any projects related to the police station. Creating a town business incubator and reclaiming the sand pit on Jones Road projects will remain on the CEDS list for consideration without new applications.
2023/24 Project List Review:
Kris Foss reached out to Mike James to discuss the foundation’s proposal for the Naughton property. The foundation’s proposal includes purchasing the Naughton property from the Town of Bradford. The property is adjacent to 30 acres already owned by the foundation. It also includes purchasing the Brown-Shattuck property/ball fields across the street. The fields are adjacent to the property the foundation already owns which includes the community garden. The vision is that the Brown-Shattuck park and ball fields would be upgraded and made adjacent to a children’s natural playscape being built behind the community gardens. Across the street the Naughton property would be developed to include parking to support current and future main street businesses and town events, walking track or trails, pavillions for picnic tables, ball courts, and other recreational activities. The Bradford Historic Society would be able to have a long-term lease, allowing them to plan long-term and increase fundraising activities. This project is estimated to be a five-ten year plan to be completed in phases. The committee agreed that this would be a positive use case and should be pursued further. Kris Foss will follow up and come back to the committee with the next steps.
Libby Webb is meeting with the Garden Club to hear their ideas and plans for landscaping and other beautification projects and to determine where and how the EDC can collaborate with them. Libby has also followed up on the Tall Pines project and reported that signage should bring foot traffic along the main trail to preserve wetlands. Kris Foss to connect Libby with Tracey Quigley of the Historic Society about collaborating on consistent kiosks around town to promote sites and trails.
The meeting Adjourned 7:12 pm
Next Meeting: May 2, 2023 6-7 pm
Respectfully submitted by Kris Foss