Community Maintenance and Development

Research

We 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.

Strengthening Communications

We helped re-establish the Topsfield Chamber of Commerce to encourage communication and networking among businesses. We 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 more are in process.

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