Old Town Residents' Association (OTRA) Meeting Minutes, February 13, 2008 Location: Victory Tower Before the Focus on Old Town meeting, OTRA held a brief business meeting. Convening at 7:15 pm -- OTRA attendees for business meeting: Roz Grigsby, Chantal Worzala, Seth Grimes, Josh Wright The group elected 2008 officers: Seth Grimes, President; Chantal Worzala, Vice President; Dean Hoge, Secretary; Dick O'Conner continues as Treasurer. The group also approved joining OTBA as a full member. The Focus on Old Town meeting started shortly after 7:30 pm. The following notes were recorded by Chantal Worzala with minor additions by Seth Grimes -- On Wednesday, February 13, the Old Town Resident's Association, Westmoreland Area Community Organization, and the Victory Tower Resident's Association co-sponsored a forum to talk with local landowners, city officials, Main Street Takoma staff, and other residents about the business situation in Old Town. About 40 people attended the event. Local landowners gave updates on expected changes in their properties. Some highlights: John Urciolo will soon be building a retaining wall and ramp as part of the parking lot behind his properties on Laurel Ave. (from S&A beads to Pizza Movers). The parking lot will be extended to exit onto Eastern Ave. The entrance on Laurel will become one way (entry only). In addition, he has final approvals to put a new building with a restaurant and retail space next to the post office, where the "deck" currently exists. Given the current state of the economy, he is uncertain when he will proceed with the development. John Mangan owns that property that now houses Amano and reported the his company has purchased the House of Musical Traditions building next door, which is currently being leased back to HMT. Bruce Levin, who owns the property with the old Taliano's space, as well as the strip along Westmoreland Ave., reported that he has 3 vacancies. Several restaurants have looked at the Taliano's space, and Levin reported being in preliminary negotiations with one of them now. There is a ballet facility opening in the former Sangha space, next to a new retail business, Tranquil Soul. He also reported that House of Musical Traditions will soon be moving into the house next to curves on Westmoreland. Mayor Williams discussed the need for the city and residents to develop a vision and strategic plan for Old Town and other commercial areas in the city to ensure that we can help bring businesses into the city and help them succeed. Sabrina Baron of Historic Takoma noted that Douglas Development has received final approval for its development of two 40-unit apartment buildings behind CVS (currently a field). Given the current economy, it is uncertain when the development will happen. Roz Grigsby of the Old Town Business Association (OTBA) noted that a number of new businesses are opening this spring, including Bikram Yoga and a retail store in Takoma Junction. Seth Grimes reported on a converation with Sassan Gharai of SGA. Construction of Ecco Park condos on the corner of Maple and Carroll is stalled because the developer is having trouble securing construction financing. The developer says his company will not be working on filling the ground-floor commercial space until they are close to construction start. Seth reported that the Laurel & Carroll property owner, Bill Kirchiro, said that he has no plans to alter his property. A general concern was the high rate of commercial vacancies in Old Town, particularly in light of the current, difficult economy. During Q&A, the group discussed ideas for supporting business in the area, including proposals for an art market, possibilities for increasing parking in Old Town, getting more Takoma residents to shop in town, and ways to increase marketing. During the discussion, it was noted that signage throughout the City, including Old Town, should be coming later this spring. There was some discussion of possibilities for development of the city-owned lot in Takoma Junction.