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Sharon EDC discusses town-center beautification, business events and networking options
Summary
At its March 2 meeting the Town of Sharon Economic Development Committee reviewed a potential MAPC grant for town-center beautification, discussed expanding Chalk Fest and other ways to support more than 300 local businesses, and weighed whether to coordinate with local chambers.
The Town of Sharon Economic Development Committee on March 2 discussed options to beautify the town center and ways to support and organize local businesses around events, while asking an absent member to supply more information before any formal initiative proceeds.
The discussion centered on a potential grant through the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) that member Rob Maidman had been expected to follow up on. "If the Town does receive a grant, the EDC could spearhead use with SB approval," Cheryl Rosenfeld said, urging the committee to be prepared to lead implementation pending Select Board sign-off. Committee members asked Mr. Maidman to provide details of his discussion with property owner Alice Hui so the group can evaluate landlord partnerships.
Committee members debated how the EDC should support local businesses around events. Shana Seidenberg recalled a prior suggestion to expand Chalk Fest and said the event "could be used as an opportunity for small businesses to have tables." Chair Hy Waxman said pedestrian-focused events tend to draw customers, adding, "things in a walking environment tend to happen where it is easy to walk." David Straus said the EDC should first clarify "what role we want to play" and warned against formally joining existing events such as Porch Fest; instead he suggested producing materials to educate businesses about opportunities to promote themselves.
Members discussed leveraging existing events rather than creating entirely new ones. Rosenfeld noted there are "over 300 businesses in town including home based business" and suggested piggybacking on established gatherings. The committee also considered outreach and networking options: Waxman and Seidenberg described attending networking luncheons, while Rosenfeld said the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce can be expensive to join and Brockton's chamber might be more affordable for small firms.
On the regional-sports front, members said the FIFA-related activity offered limited direct benefit to Sharon businesses. "There is nothing for the EDC to leverage for Sharon businesses," Waxman said. Alan Lury reported he was following concerns about a lack of funding for Foxboro security, and Straus noted transportation plans sending 14 trains directly to the stadium meant little visitor traffic would pass through Sharon.
What happens next: the EDC will await the requested details from Mr. Maidman about the MAPC grant discussions and any landlord conversations with Alice Hui, and members discussed preparing a short presentation to explain the committee’s role to local businesses. The committee set its next meeting for Monday, April 6, 2026.
