Select Board appoints Sean Cunny to EDC; commission outlines business outreach and 'vacant‑to‑vibrant' ideas

The Wrentham Select Board confirmed the appointment of Sean Cunny to the Economic Development Commission on Nov. 4, voting 5‑0 to fill a vacancy through June 30, 2030. The board received a recommendation letter from EDC Chair Rebecca Zitomemer and was told Cunny must be sworn in before participating in EDC votes.

After the appointment, EDC Chair Rebecca Zitomemer and Joanna McFarland presented an update on commission work since March 2025. Zitomemer said the commission has focused on recruiting a diverse membership and rebuilding relationships with town committees and businesses. The EDC reported results of resident and business surveys: downtown development, Route 1 and the outlet area ranked highest for town development focus, and residents prioritized food‑related businesses — full‑service restaurants, specialty food shops and grocery stores — over hotels and retail clothing.

The EDC discussed initiatives including a DECA youth advisory partnership, event planning to attract visitors, and a 'vacant‑to‑vibrant' concept adapted from larger towns’ pop‑up programs. Rather than buying sheds, the EDC proposes creating a guidebook for landlords and prospective pop‑up tenants covering short‑term leases, insurance, outfitting and promotion — a lower‑cost strategy to activate vacant storefronts. Zitomemer said the commission will pursue outreach, collaborate with town staff, and consider opportunities tied to Foxborough’s 2026 World Cup to draw visitors.

Select Board members praised the EDC’s work and encouraged continued coordination with town staff and regional partners.