10/25/1994 ECONOMIC DEV AND INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE Minutes

Home Browse Search

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 25, 1994 Members Present: Sid Stern, Steven Innis, Paul Reynolds, Ted Lewis arrived at 7: 12 p.m. Bob Govani was absent. The meeting was called to order at 7: 10 p.m. The Minutes of October 11 , 1994 were accepted. OLD BUSINESS: Paul gave a report on the Cape Cod HSMA Program with Sandra Hillman for a tourism agenda and marketing strategy. Many Cape groups were represented at this seminar with the purpose of pulling together to develop a comprehensive plan for tourism on the Cape. At 7 : 30 p.m. , representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gave a presentation re: the proposal for a Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge. Selectman George Costa gave an overview of the "green tourism" concept which is being promoted in Mashpee, and he stated that the Wildlife representatives were here at the invitation of the Selectmen. There are eight parcels of land ( 950 acres ) that are key to making this Refuge work and will hopefully be purchased over the short term. This will also protect the watershed. It was noted that 4,261 acres involve Mashpee ( 2 , 000 acres are already protected) leaving 2 , 500 to acquire. Paul asked about the tourism numbers, and it was noted that large numbers of bird watchers would be expected. Steve asked what mechanism would be used to make decisions, and it was answered that cooperative management agreements and memo of understandings would be established, and a "partnership" approach would prevail. Networking coordination would be used in determining whether we build a visitors ' center, build trails,- use guides , etc. Congressman Studds would start the funding thrust, and only willing sellers would be .considered acceptable. In addressing Sid' s concern about overall acreage, Mr. Costa stated that they are not going to buy everything within the boundary. Mr. Costa emphasized that town zoning would not be restricted nor would there be a defacto taking. There would not be any interference with economic development. Mashpee has a good land base already, and there would be an immediate effect. The "Refuge" would put Mashpee on the map. Sid asked about the "fallout" effect, and Tom Fudala stated that there would be low impact on the environment, and it would attract clean business to Mashpee. Selectman Jim Vaccaro stated that fact gathering is going- on re: the impact and several reports from other areas are expected shortly. Sid expressed concern that Mashpee does not have a retail support system such as family and fast food restaurants and mass merchandisers as well as services to capture the tourist dollar, and that Falmouth will be the beneficiary rather _1