A Writer’s Observation: Is Downtown Holliston Becoming a Ghost Town?
To the casual observer, the quantity of For Sale and For Lease signs displayed downtown is obvious. Could it be the town’s high rental fees and/or high tax rates keep companies from doing business downtown?
A recent Patch article ranking Massachusetts’ towns’ tax rates from low to high listed Holliston’s tax rate as 290th out of 351 cities and towns. Other area towns were ranked as follows: Sherborn 305th, Millis 289th, Hopedale 254th, Milford 212th, Medway 226th, Hopkinton 237th, and Ashland at 197th. (For the entire state list click here: https://patch.com/massachusetts/boston/ma-residential-property-tax-rates-each-community.)
At one time, Yankee Magazine noted that Holliston had one of the most beautiful main streets and downtown areas–comparable only to Newburyport. Newcomers often cite Holliston’s quaint New England village-like downtown as one of the reasons they moved here.
Holliston’s image is not far removed from 1890’s photos with a few subtle changes over the past century. Perhaps the lack of significant change is due to the lack of municipal sewage, although the town had envisioned completing such a system not so many years ago.
The lack of sewage treatment on small lots limits expansion/tear down/rebuilding possibilities. Additionally impactful, newer regulations such as Title 5 dictates septic disposal.
Local officials have various opinions about downtown issues. Select Board member Tina Hein said there has been an increase in the number of trucks through downtown streets. She hopes town boards and committees can create a united effort to solve downtown problems.
Assessor Mary Greendale told the Reporter she believes empty storefronts are a cyclical issue. “To create a viable retail climate, merchants must provide services and products not found elsewhere,” Greendale explained. “More people are shopping online.”
Select Board Chair Mark Ahronian said that while the town has done a good job preserving open space, more expensive available and buildable land results. Ahronian believes some downtown landlords take advantage of the times, and charge exorbitant rents for downtown locations. “Its just too much.”
Select Board member John Cronin said, “We have a group working to resolve the eyesore at 9 Green Street. We just signed a contract with a firm to perform environmental work to allow us to take the next steps to redevelop the property: these could include razing the building and providing new and convenient downtown parking for folks to easily navigate the park, playground, Fiskes, Superette, the Library and other downtown locations.” Cronin also mentioned the new parking spaces that will be created behind Casey’s on Railroad Street.
Additionally, the Town will redevelop the stretch of land behind Casey’s this year due to a state grant received to improve the space and parking. And we expect to hear from the Blair Square Committee on the redevelopment of Blair Square.
The Gulf station vacancy continues to be a challenge. Its owner (as well as the owner of the space next to Cumberland Farms across from Bertucci’s) appears content to leave vacant property unchanged. Of note, some members of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) have contacted both owners.
Peter Barbieri, in one of his many roles in serving the town as an assessor, member of the Blair Square Study Group, and Chairman of the EDC (Economic Development Committee), sees no rationale explaining empty storefronts downtown. Barbieri underscored the rail trail location and its [previously mentioned] parking space creation behind Casey’s and at 9 Green Street as way to help business owners attract customers.
What are your thoughts about downtown issues?
17 Comments
Comments about avoiding downtown, and spending less money leads to closures. And then everyone will be sad as you say, “oh too bad, I wonder what happened? I thought they were doing SO well.” Downtown businesses all struggle to make it to our bottom line. I am talking about new businesses and the ones that have supported this town forever and a day. We all need YOU. If navigating downtown is not worth your time, then stop complaining about all this.
So I ask everyone, isn’t it better to invest in your town’s health by parking less than one block and walking to the center to shop? (behind the fire station) Town centers that are in everyone’s archetypal romantic description, only survive with people’s interacting. We employ your kids. Heck, we might even employ your best friend. By complaining that you have to spend all sorts of time sitting at lights, and then racing the rest of the way to Target, you are the ones who are contributing to the downturn. How about adopting a bit of slowness in your life and take the time to meander? You will meet up with really cool people and nourish your soul by stepping out of the rat race for a bit.
And to all of the faithful, regardless of obstacles, customers to downtown, on behalf of all the merchants, THANK YOU!
Kate Lamontagne, owner Kamala Boutique
ps: We have our own ample parking lot for our shoppers. While it is not a public lot and never has been, we are lenient for those who truly want to shop all the merchants downtown.
WELL said, Kate. Thank you.
Our downtown is in real danger of having more vacant storefronts in the future. Too much road congestion, lack of parking and the new traffic controls are all factors. I believe we have a pretty good mix of different stores right now. The biggest thing the town can do at this time, to slow down and hopefully reverse the problem, is to make a public parking lot at 9 Green Street while we have the opportunity. This will breathe life into the square and Goodwill Park. Additionally, the town should explore other available parking lots in the greater downtown area. Holliston businesses will thrive only if those people who seek shopping or recreation can conveniently access them. If we fail, the square and downtown areas are going to look a lot different in a just few years.
I wholeheartedly and completely echo Kate’s comments above. And we at Gracefully Restore Home (next to Kate’s Kamala) also have parking behind our store.
If you want to see what a successful downtown looks like, look at Medfield – and there’s three set of lights through their downtown
The rail trail is amazing but sadly most of us have to drive to a trail head just to access it. The trail is a few hundred feet from my house but it’s inaccessible unless I want to slide down the side of Phipps’ tunnel to get to it; otherwise I’m driving to it. I think easier access would entice folks to make DT Holliston a destination instead of something to be avoided. Easier access would allow more kids to walk and bike to school and take a few thousand round trips by car off the road each month. Imagine sidewalks leading to a rail trail. That shouldn’t be too hard, right?