Glenville’s Small Business and Economic Development Advisory Committee is attempting to start off the new year right by building relationships with small-business owners in the Freeman’s Bridge Road area.
On Thursday, Jan. 15, the committee met with business owners to discuss the future of the town’s development along the highly desirable commercial area.
Councilmen Chris Koetzle, who serves on the committee, said this is part of a proactive plan to build better relationships with the town’s small-business owners.
We essentially want the owners to know that Glenville is open for business, but we have to be smart about our development, said Koetzle.
Part of the Small Business and Economic Development Committee’s efforts include launching a new Web site that will show the progress of the committee as well as development in Glenville. Koetzle said it will also be a communication tool for small business owners, and he encourages them to make use of it.
`The Web site is designed to help small-business owners more easily interact with the town, beautification efforts in the Town Center, and the securing of two facade improvement grants worth about $50,000,` said Koetzle.
At the Jan. 15 meeting, business owners heard from town Administrator Tony Germano on the current development process within the town, including an overview of development projects currently in the works.
The committee also discussed zoning laws with business owners and used the meeting as an opportunity to give a refresher on code issues as well, a misunderstanding of which recently made headlines when displaced used-car dealer Rick DeCresce fought to remain in business at his new location. DeCresce originally moved his dealership to make way for a Lowe’s store, but he was cited by the town for moving into an area not zoned for used car sales.
According to Koetzle, that zoning issue has since been worked out with the adoption of an amendment that makes an exception for displaced business owners. Koetzle said a new site plan should be expected within a month, and DeCresce should be able to reopen his business at that time.
The meeting with the business owners was the first in a series of events that the town will hold, with other commercial areas to be discussed in the future.
`Overall, this is a great relationship-building opportunity. We want to be sure that the lines of communications are open between business owners and town officials,` said Koetzle.
In other news, the Glenville Town Board will meet Wednesday, Jan. 28, where they will continue to discuss a new contract for the Highway Department. Town Supervisor Frank Quinn said the town is hoping to finalize a contract soon. Issues regarding overtime and sick pay are among some of the items holding up ratification.
`While there is no major item that we are disagreeing on, there a number a smaller ones that we need to sit at the table and work through,` said Quinn.
“