Two Positions Open on Warren Economic Development Board

Warren's Economic Development Board  currently has two openings to be filled. Those interested in the volunteer positions can fill out an application at the or on the town website up until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3. Subsequent interviews will be conducted on Dec. 14, at the Town Council meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Unlike the Planning Board or the Zoning Board, the EDB, established in 2008, is not a decision-making body, but rather an advisory committee. According to Chairperson Sara Volino, the board serves at the discretion of the Council.

The board's goals, as established by the Town Council, are to "promote orderly growth and diversification of development, promote an economic climate which increases the quality and quantity of job opportunities, and support local businesses by promoting revitalization and development of Warren's downtown economy."

According to their 2009-2010 Annual Report, some of the EDB's accomplishments include creating a signage system for visitors to Warren that includes parking signs and welcome banners, creating a business services brochure for new businesses, and rewriting the Economic Development section of the Warren Comprehensive Plan. Other accomplishments noted in the report include encouraging the Hope & Main kitchen incubator project and facilitating an incentive program for Main Street storefront improvement. The board has also made recommendations on streamlining the town's website, the use of the Town Hall lobby for ongoing art and cultural exhibitions, improving parking on Main Street and Water Street and assessing vacant buildings.

People who are interested in the work of the EDB, but without the desire to be on the board, can attend any of their public meetings held every third Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

In addition to the vacancies on the EDB, the Town of Warren also has positions open on the Zoning Board, the Harbor Commission, the Conservation Commission and the Voluntary Historic District Committee. For more information about any of the boards visit the town website here.