Heritage Hub plan cleared by planning bodies; RDC to consider declaratory resolution in August

Denise provided an update at the Redevelopment Commission meeting on July 2, saying the Heritage Hub Economic Development Agreement and related plan have moved through key local reviews and are progressing toward formal RDC action.

The update outlined a sequence of approvals: on June 3 the Planning Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2601, which Denise said found the RDC’s declaratory resolution and plan to be in line with the town’s comprehensive plan, unified development ordinance and zoning map. Town Council then affirmed that finding at its June 18 meeting, she said, and the package will be presented to the Economic Development Commission for further review.

Why it matters: the approvals clear regulatory and zoning questions that the RDC needed to resolve before the commission can adopt a declaratory resolution and move to bond steps. Denise said the Economic Development Commission will review a report, a form of a bond ordinance and financial documents including loan agreements and a trust indenture, and that the RDC is scheduled to consider a declaratory resolution on Aug. 6.

Denise described the approvals as confirming the plan’s consistency with the town’s planning documents and said the project is "moving along." She added that following the Economic Development Commission’s review, the town council is expected to receive an introduction of the bond ordinance and then a formal review and approval at a subsequent council meeting.

Procedural next steps: Denise said the Economic Development Commission may need additional meetings to review financial details before the RDC takes formal action; the RDC’s declaratory resolution hearing is set for the commission’s August 6 meeting. No formal RDC action on the declaratory resolution occurred at the July 2 meeting.

The commission did not take a formal vote on the Heritage Hub plan at this meeting; members were updated on schedule and next steps.