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Otis revitalization committee forms six working groups, plans needs assessment
Summary
The Town of Otis Revitalization Committee on April 28 agreed to develop a Needs Assessment/Environmental Scan available in print and digital formats and formed six subcommittees to advance priorities including downtown beautification, business support, and infrastructure.
The Town of Otis Revitalization Committee on April 28 formed six working groups and agreed to produce a Needs Assessment/Environmental Scan to gather input from local businesses, residents and visitors.
Chair Stacey Shultz told members the survey will be accessible both digitally and in print to maximize participation, and the committee endorsed the approach. Members identified priorities to combine communications technology, volunteer recruitment and a communications pipeline and to pair business support services with related initiatives.
The group decided some items, such as the summer concert series, already fit within broader event categories. Committee members also recommended combining preservation and cultural activities with nostalgia and historic elements, and treating empty storefronts as part of a downtown beautification strategy.
The committee formed six working groups and named members for each: Needs Assessment Survey (Tim Wighting, Susan Ebitz, Stacey Shultz); Promotion & Community Events (Jackie Gentile, Cynthia Fletcher, Stacey Shultz); Business Growth & Support, Outdoor Recreation, Culture and Historical (Glenn Steinberg, Celeste Watman, Susan E., Hal Kobrin, Stacey Shultz); Downtown (Sue Brofman, Tim Wighting, Cynthia Fletcher, Stacey Shultz); Infrastructure (Hal Kobrin, Stacey Shultz, all members); Services & Population Retention/Growth (Stacey Shultz, Tim Wighting). Shultz committed to joining each subcommittee initially.
The committee approved two procedural motions at the start of the meeting: approval of the March 24 meeting minutes (motion by Celeste Watman, seconded by Stacey Shultz) and approval of the April 2 special meeting minutes (motion by Tim Wighting, seconded by Celeste Watman); both were recorded as unanimously approved.
Members said the Needs Assessment will inform prioritization and help the working groups define deliverables and outreach strategies. The committee will report to the Selectboard at its May 13 meeting and posted future meeting dates through January 2026.
