OBSERVER CORPS REPORT 2022
The Falmouth Economic Development & Industrial Corporation (EDIC) is the Town of Falmouth’s primary agency responsible for creating and developing increased economic opportunities for both the present and the future. Its stated mission is: To attract, advocate and support economic vitality and seek to constantly improve the business climate in Falmouth.
It is important to remember that EDIC is, technically, a public non-profit corporation and not a town committee. In some respects it functions as a committee, though with occasional aspects of an agency or department.
The major organizational change in EDIC this year has been the departure of Mike DiGiano as Executive Director, succeeded in September by Wayne Lingafelter, who was chosen from a field of 27 applicants. Mr. Lingafelter appears to have taken up Mr. DiGiano’s outstanding accomplishments with seamless continuity, partly due no doubt to the knowledgeable and efficient services of Lynne Broderick, administrative assistant.
The administrative staff prepares a packet for EDIC Board members before each meeting. Members appear to be well prepared, which allows routine business to proceed in a rapid, orderly fashion. Agenda, minutes, and a director’s report for each monthly meeting appear on the website, so thorough public records are available; however, Lingafelter appears to have discontinued DiGiano’s director’s reports. Probably due to cost, the EDIC website is very informative in some ways, and surprisingly out of date in others. A longstanding committee to examine EDIC’s bylaws has lain dormant for several years, with occasional reminders that it needs to happen.
There has also been turnover in the membership of the EDIC board. With the departure of Paul Burke, Patti Haney, and Chris Simmler, there were three openings. Kevin Holmes filled the treasurer role, but the other two vacancies had been advertised for several months. At the time of the board meeting, these two positions were open. Upon Select Board approval, the only two applicants, Mark Lowenstein and Adrian Merryman, filled these two positions. EDIC board member Michael Galasso has said repeatedly that he would gladly step aside for an applicant who brings additional diversity to the Board. Two years ago it included two women. Now there are none.
Not surprisingly, the Covid-19 pandemic has had substantial impact on EDIC’s activities. In support of small business survival, it has administered Community Development Block Grant funds, totaling nearly $200,000, to 13 businesses. In managing EDIC’s own internal finances, the budget has been held in tight rein, resulting in far smaller deficits than anticipated, and positive expectations going forward. Partly due to business slowdowns, some available subsidies for the OpenCape Main Street Gigabit Project remain unused. Redevelopment of the Technology Park has continued to stall. The small parcel there owned by EDIC has been approved for sale by Town Meeting, but the engineering studies necessary for easements, adequate access, and drainage have gone very slowly.
Despite those conditions, other projects proceed. Phase II of the Landfill Solar Array became operational in the fall, and began contributing monthly rent to the Town. Operations at the Falmouth Station on Depot Avenue evolve, requiring a chunk of staff time to manage maintenance as well as revenue sources. State funding supported creation of a master plan for the entire Station property and its relation to the surrounding area. The master plan proposes several development alternatives. Closer integration with the Shining Sea Bike Path and nearby parking have raised few questions to date, but the uses of the wooded parcel between the Station parking area and the adjacent neighborhoods are raising some controversy, especially the idea of building dense workforce housing in what is currently a shady, wooded glen. Managing upcoming change decisions, and the communications around it, will occupy some of EDIC’s attention in the coming two or three years.
EDIC members and staff continue to look outward toward opportunities for both new developments, and ways to coordinate with other Town operations and plans. They appear to be alert to funding opportunities from state and federal sources, especially in the areas of technology and housing. Despite racial and gender uniformity, members have diverse views, and sometimes express them strongly, but courteously. Informative presentations from other organizations are a common occurrence at monthly meetings, and time is allowed for a certain amount of brainstorming. Members and staff appear to follow up on subcommittee assignments. Executive sessions are held in matters of personnel and contract decisions. In summary, EDIC is very active, functions well, faces some significant challenges, and is reasonably well equipped to improve.
By Carol B. Chittenden, League Observer Corps, June, February, 2022
