Community Research and Development

Research

Main Street conducted town wide resident and business surveys to identify what our community likes about our town and what concerns and improvements needed to be addressed. This was a collaborative project conducted through Topsfield Main Street funding and a consultant grant from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.  Assistance with compiling the results was provided by a student from Endicott College under the direction of Topsfield resident and Endicott Professor Margaret Ake. Among the results was an overwhelming desire for the availability of beer and wine in the Downtown. This research led, ultimately, to the granting of two liquor licenses to businesses in Topsfield, beautification efforts, and a FedEx box at the Post Office.

Strengthening Communications

Main Street helped establish the Topsfield Chamber of Commerce to encourage communication and networking among businesses. When that model for a business organization lapsed, members of the Main Street Board of Directors helped launch the Topsfield-Boxford Business Association. Main Street assisted the Town in negotiations with the MBTA for lease of the rail bed for future use as a Rail Trail. This action led to the sale of the old MBTA propery at the corner of Main Street and Grove Street to a private owner who has committed to improving the property and guaranteeing an easement for the Rail Trail through his property.

We have worked with some of the new property owners on Main Street to discuss the needs and desires of the Town and design concepts. One property has been rennovated and three new structures have been built.

We have met with new business owners to offer our help and share the results of our research.