CEDA Committee Meeting

The CEDA Committee of Fitchburg met on June 25, 2026, to approve minutes, hear a public presentation on housing issues, and consider three resolutions related to economic development and housing affordability. The meeting was chaired by Mark Hamilton and included reports from staff on the Forward Fitchburg update, development projects, and housing initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the minutes from the May 28, 2026 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nura Said, a regulatory specialist and Fitchburg resident, presented four critical insights from a preliminary audit on rental trends:
  1. Urged the city to lead on rental pricing transparency by leveraging tools like the Apartments.com cost calculator, ahead of impending FTC regulations.
  2. Highlighted that lease specials create a "rent cliff" after the first year, forcing annual relocation and disrupting families; called for a sustainable approach balancing specials with stability.
  3. Recommended scaling the Efficiency Navigator program beyond preservation to expand the supply of NOAAs through new development.
  4. Proposed replacing the term "missing middle housing" with "neighborhood housing" and suggesting "squeezed middle" for residents who earn too much for subsidies but struggle with market rates, to center the narrative on people.
• Committee members asked clarifying questions; Ms. Said elaborated on her language recommendations.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 144-26: Budget Amendment for Marketing Insert – Mike Boucher requested a $25,000 budget amendment from undesignated funds for a public information and education marketing piece promoting Fitchburg after the Forward Fitchburg strategic plan update. The piece will be completely revamped from a prior example. Approved and forwarded to Finance Committee.
• Resolution: Efficiency Navigator Program Implementation Agreement – Lorene presented the contract with Sustained Dane for the second phase. Claire and John from Sustained Dane provided a presentation via Zoom, showing progress on 14 assessments, 237 residents impacted, and $185,000 in recommended measures for initial six buildings. Weatherization was prioritized. Committee members Dan and Micah raised questions about cost-effectiveness and heat pump versus furnace replacements. Dan expressed concern that $50,000 investment saves only $1,050 annually ($10/month per unit), but acknowledged non-energy benefits like comfort and affordability preservation. Micah asked about timing and requested future cost/efficiency comparisons for heating systems. The resolution passed after discussion.
• Resolution 127-26: Land Use Restriction Agreement (LURA) for Affordable Housing – Lorene explained that this agreement ensures properties remain affordable per HUD guidelines for five years, even if sold. Dan helped draft it. Approved and forwarded to Finance Committee.
• Hotel Room Tax Report – Joyce reported on placing an advertisement in Business Expansion magazine for July.
• Economic Development Director Report – Mike Boucher provided updates:
  • Forward Fitchburg (City in Motion) update: Three roundtables completed (Centers & Identity, Innovation & Emerging Economies, AI & New Economy); a developer roundtable tentatively scheduled for July 16. A summary of roundtable input will be shared.
  • Development updates: TID #17 amendment approved for Jamestown quarry retail center (69,500 sq ft with specialty grocer); Chase Bank, Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s progressing; second apartment building (270 units) planned; UPS store demolition starting July 6; Bowman Plaza demolition July; Syncopation clean fill site moving forward; Spring Hill Suites ribbon cutting June 25 evening; Los Perez Hispanic grocery store approved for former Mad Power location; dry bean site reused as grocery and taqueria.
  • Budget process begins for 2027; draft due July 21.
  • Highlighted need for more industrial land to retain existing businesses and attract prospects; noted lack of vacant buildings and acreage for business parks.
• Housing Update – Lorene reported on CDBG contract finalization, down payment assistance program development, and housing dashboard work by intern Miranda. Jenny noted the Housing Advisory Committee meeting on June 8 covered similar Efficiency Navigator presentation and ABC questions.
• Upcoming Events – Ribbon cuttings for GG’s Playhouse (August) and UPS store groundbreaking (~July 22); business lunch in planning; regional housing strategies meeting on June 30.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes from May 28, 2026 (unanimous).
• Approved Resolution 144-26 (budget amendment for marketing insert) – forwarded to Finance Committee.
• Approved the Efficiency Navigator Program implementation agreement with Sustained Dane – forwarded to Finance Committee.
• Approved Resolution 127-26 (LURA for affordable housing) – forwarded to Finance Committee.
• Next meeting scheduled for July 23, 2026.
• Committee encouraged attendance at ribbon cuttings and events.