A message to our members in Needham
A message to our members in Needham
A message to our members in Needham
Our businesses cannot afford to ‘wait and see’
Remember Taylor’s Stationery, Perennial Designs, Harvey’s Hardware, Stacey’s Juice Bar, RFK Kitchen, Abode, Lizzy’s Ice Cream, Lola Tortola, Not Your Average Joe’s, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Sweet Rue’s, Peacock Feathers, Lisa’s Boutique, Acorns Bakery, Friendly's, Joel's Gifts & Confections and You-Do-It Electronics?
Those are just some of the many locally-operated businesses that have closed in Needham in recent years.
It’s natural to lose some local businesses.
But a recent study by the Retailers Association of Massachusetts found that 70% of small businesses plan to sell or retire in the next decade.
Many of our current restauranteurs, shop owners and other merchants say a lack of foot traffic and staffing keeps them from having longer hours and leaves some questioning their longevity.
That’s one reason why dozens of local businesses have endorsed the Neighborhood Housing Plan, that was approved by Needham Town Meeting earlier this month.
Unless we do more to make Needham Center, The Heights and Highland Ave more enticing (businesses in walkable communities generate 80% more in sales on average than businesses in car-dependent neighborhoods), we risk losing more existing businesses.
In turn, we also lose the ability to attract the next generation of Needham’s restauranteurs and store owners.
Local businesses provide tax revenue that supports schools, police, fire, roads and other local services. Many also donate generously to our local nonprofits and youth leagues.
The Neighborhood Housing Plan unlocks the greatest opportunity to gradually add the small multi-family homes the town need to be successful. It provides a chance to energize Needham's downtown.
The Neighborhood Housing Plan also provides an opportunity to make Needham more welcoming while nurturing our small merchants and maintaining a healthy commercial tax base.
Our businesses cannot afford to "wait and see."
If you are approached by someone asking you to sign a petition that aims to undo Town Meeting’s vote, please do not sign it.
Please share this message with your Needham-based employees, friends and family.
President & CEO
Charles River Regional Chamber
617.244.1688
I value your feedback