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Sharon EDC pushes landlord investment, digital tools to help local businesses
Summary
At its Feb. 9 meeting the Economic Development Committee reviewed Shop Sharon survey feedback, encouraged landlord investment in town‑center storefronts, and heard a volunteer offer from a Sharon High School student to build a business website and help with social media.
The Town of Sharon Economic Development Committee on Feb. 9 discussed ways to turn Shop Sharon survey feedback into sustained support for local merchants, stressing landlord investment and low-cost digital tools as priorities.
Cheryl Rosenfeld, vice chair of the committee, said Small Business Saturday succeeded as a community event but warned that "If landlords don’t update spaces, we cannot help." Xander Shapiro urged merchants and the community to take part, saying "the community needs to include businesses" and that "businesses need to boost themselves." Hy Waxman added that business owners should lead promotional efforts and that the EDC should act as a support group.
David Straus questioned the committee’s goals—whether it aims to increase sales, exposure or community building—and cautioned that Sharon lacks a large retail base, which could limit foot-traffic strategies. Members suggested concentrating efforts on the town center where foot traffic is highest and pursuing low-barrier digital outreach such as a consolidated Google Maps list or QR-code promotions.
Sharon High School student William Guo volunteered to help the EDC with a website and social media work, saying he would "try to include other SHS students." The committee also noted the MAPC TAP application for center improvements was submitted in December 2025 and agreed to narrow reachable goals to two items for the next agenda and to pursue direct outreach with merchants.
Rob Maidman said he will speak with large town‑center landowner Andy Nebenzhal to discuss potential property improvements and will share a local land‑use table with the committee. The EDC agreed to continue the conversation at a future meeting and to explore requests to the Select Board for funding support if needed.
