West Concord Village Committee Plans Business Outreach for Parking Solutions

The West Concord Advisory Committee convened on January 8, 2025, to discuss strategies for enhancing business engagement and improving parking visibility in West Concord Village. The meeting focused on the potential for signage to direct visitors to available public parking, particularly at the commuter rail lot, and the importance of fostering communication with local business owners.

Committee members expressed the need for a professional approach to signage that could inform visitors about parking options. There was a consensus that individual businesses might be open to displaying placards if they were well-designed. The discussion highlighted the necessity of reaching out to business owners to gauge their willingness to participate in this initiative.

To facilitate this outreach, members considered various methods, including attending economic vitality meetings or conducting informal visits to businesses. The committee agreed that personal interactions would be the most effective way to gather insights and support from local business owners.

Additionally, the committee is planning to conduct a business survey aimed at understanding the needs of the community and addressing vacancies in the business district. Although parking was initially included in the survey, it was later removed to maintain focus on the primary objectives.

As the meeting concluded, members discussed dividing responsibilities for engaging with local businesses. They proposed assigning each member a few businesses to contact before the next meeting, ensuring a consistent approach to the questions asked. The committee aims to gather valuable feedback that could inform future decisions and enhance the overall business climate in West Concord Village.

The committee's proactive stance on communication and collaboration with local businesses reflects a commitment to improving the economic vitality of the area, with next steps focused on outreach and data collection to better understand community needs.