A central point of discussion was the potential implementation of regulations mandating a percentage of market rate housing by developers. This concept, inspired by Connecticut’s practices, could influence the type and scope of development in Southwick. The creation of a subcommittee was proposed to meet with the assessment board to develop tools for analyzing the potential of new businesses in Southwick. The subcommittee would focus on the overall economic impact and business assessment, placing emphasis on the long-term impact of businesses, infrastructure demands, and social services. The EDC underlined the importance of controlled growth and infill in the Town Center, as opposed to unchecked expansion.

The EDC also grappled with the need for a comprehensive approach to assess the economic impact of new businesses. Some members expressed uncertainty about whether the town manager’s office had a formula to calculate this impact. A discussion ensued about creating a subcommittee focused on business assessment and the potential benefits of having a part-time Economic Development coordinator. Concerns were raised regarding the impact of raising the business tax rate, particularly on small businesses and the overall tax revenue from businesses. The conversation extended to the impact of different types of businesses on the town’s infrastructure and whether there could be a way to incorporate that into tax assessment.

The Commission discussed the specific example of a proposed Dollar General store, debating its potential impact on property values and safety concerns due to its location. The need for an objective evaluation of the store’s net impact was called for, as well as the development of a set of tools for analyzing the benefits of a business in terms of maximizing tax revenue per acre.

In terms of promoting local businesses, the EDC considered the distribution of promotional materials and the use of modern technologies such as QR codes. The possibility of employing social media platforms like Facebook for targeted advertising was discussed, with a proposal to allocate a budget of $300 for boosting Facebook posts. However, there was debate over the reimbursement process for advertising expenses, with concerns about the town’s approval process.

Another point of discussion revolved around the town’s real estate and business spaces. The EDC plans to create a tab on its website dedicated to this topic, understanding that a full grasp of the property appraisal process is essential before proceeding with business solicitation. The importance of bringing the right type of businesses to Southwick to foster a business-friendly community was another key issue. The use of the LoopNet platform for identifying available properties in town, specifically vacant retail spaces, was also addressed.

The EDC meeting further touched upon housekeeping matters, such as preparing for the upcoming Open Farm Day event and recruiting volunteers. The idea of creating a Facebook page for the EDC was revisited with little enthusiasm, as members preferred to focus on enhancing the EDC website instead. Additionally, the Commission considered the filling of a vacant seat, with potential outreach to identified candidates.

A change in leadership was also on the agenda, with the announcement of a member’s resignation due to health reasons. Subsequently, a new chair was nominated, and discussions about appointing a vice chair took place. The EDC planned to reach out to potential new commission members as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the team.