Town of Bennington
                      Planning Commission
                  Wednesday, November 10, 2004
                           5:00 p.m.
                         Fire Facility
            River Street, Bennington, Vermont 05201
                            MINUTES
Present:  Barry Horst - Chair, Michael McDonough, Sharon Yorke, Charles Copp, Bob           Burgess
Also Present   Dan Monks - Zoning Administrator, Jim Sullivan - BCRC, Mike Devens, Peter                Odierna - BCIC, Jennifer Beal, Renny Beal, Kevin Bissachio - BCIC, Bob Howe 
Meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m.
Town Plan Update - Public Input - Re: Economic Development - The Planning Commission and citizens discussed several topics regarding economic development.
Mike Devens wants to encourage retail in the UMU District. 
Renny Beal wants to maintain independent small businesses downtown - avoid formula- businesses.
Peter Odierna noted that housing is a critical need.  Good housing is essential to attracting quality jobs to the area. 
Mike McDonough noted that the Economic Development Section of the Town Plan should: 1) assess existing conditions; 2) Formulate a vision; and 3) Outline a strategy for implementation of the vision.
Others Noted the Following:
*    Town Plan should: recognize importance of work force education; identify and encourage      opportunities to retain educated young people; recognize importance of first rate      education system; focus on the quality of jobs.  
*    Town Plan should identify the characteristics of Bennington that comprises its quality of      life and identify strategies for improving and maintaining that quality of life. 
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
Daniel W. Monks
Planning Director
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