ANSONIA – The city’s economic development commission met Wednesday (Feb. 11) for the first time in nearly six years.

The commission is responsible for promoting business initiatives and spurring economic growth under the city’s charter. It last met in May 2020, according to the city website, with only sporadic meetings in the years before.

Under former Mayor David Cassetti’s administration, the responsibilities of the commission were divided between the Board of Aldermen, the office of former economic development director Sheila O’Malley, and the mayor’s office.

However, new Mayor Frank Tyszka said while campaigning last year that he would re-form the commission and have it start holding regular meetings again.

The eight members of the commission, appointed by Tyszka in December and January, are:

  • Charlene Colucci
  • Tara Kolakowski (chair)
  • James Smith (vice chair)
  • James Prestiano
  • William Luneski
  • Nina Phipps
  • Maureen Wilkinson
  • Kevin Williams

Luneski said the new board is excited to get to work.

“It’s a great opportunity, it really is,” Luneski told The Valley Indy in comments after the meeting. “We’re tasked with something during times that are difficult, nationally and locally. The way the budget’s coming out, we’re in trouble here. So we have that kind of opportunity and seeing all the projects, the possibilities, it’s very special to be part of that.”

The Feb. 11 meeting featured a wide-ranging discussion – but no action – on topics ranging from the city’s storefront facade loan program, ideas for how the city can get involved advertising local businesses, and the future of the city’s vacant retail properties.

Members said they would try to get more concrete information to work with next month, including what the city’s proposed budget is looking like and how much money is currently in the city’s account for storefront loans.

A financial crunch is expected to come across city departments, but administration officials have not yet shared budget documents with the public.

The commission set their future meeting dates for 5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, at the Erlingheuser Room in city hall (253 Main St).