HomeMy Public PortalAbout02-22-2011 Enonomic Dev Report - CorbettCommittee on Economic Development and Planning
January 25, 2011
Meeting Minutes
The Committee on Economic Development and Planning met on Tuesday, January 25,
2011 at 11:00 AM in the Council Office. Present at the meeting were Councilors Corbett (chair),
Falkoff, Piccirilli and Lenk. Also present were Steve Magoon, Director of Planning, and Charlie
Breitrose from the Watertown Patch.
The subject of the meeting was the reuse of the former police station. Mr. Magoon
presented the results of a survey he conducted regarding departmental space needs. Of 16
responding departments, 9 indicated that they had some type of space needs. The problems
range from the need for additional space to availability of private meeting areas to improved
functional layouts. Numerous departments also noted the need for additional or more
functional storage space.
It was noted that an additional town space need involves permanent record storage
currently located at the former east branch library. The basement level of the former police
station might be suitable for this. DPW, Recreation, and the Fire Departments also indicated a
desire for storage space in this area.
Councilor Corbett indicated that he and Mr. Magoon toured the building and took some
rough measurements. It's important to note that the useable space for office areas on the 15t
and 2nd floors total approximately 7,500 square feet. Earlier reports identifying a 2 -story
building totaling 13,500 square feet are not accurate and must have included the unfinished
basement area.
As previously discussed, the most recent facility assessment study indicated a need for
approximately $550,000 in improvements in the building. While this has been listed in the
Capital Improvement Plan, a funding source has not been identified. It was mentioned that
some of the improvements relate to energy conservation and it may be viable to look to the
ESCO for some help with financing.
Another important issue to consider is the impact the reuse of the building will have on
the parking situation in the area. The move of the police department had greatly helped to
alleviate the historical parking problem. However, if we chose to lease or sell the building to a
3rd party we'd be right back where we started.
While there is a need for additional information and further analysis, the Committee
voted to recommend that the Town maintain the building for municipal use at this time.
The committee requested Mr. Magoon gather some additional information in order to
arrive at more definitive recommendations, including: office rental market rates, floor plans for
the building, a more specific assessment of space needs based on both department head
requests as well as published industry standards, and the availability and cost of professional
assistance for the assessment and design of space.
The next meeting will be scheduled as soon as Mr. Magoon has an opportunity to
compile this information.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stephen Corbett