A major focus of the meeting was the introduction of a new business evaluation process designed to expedite recommendations for potential new businesses. This process aims to assess quickly whether a proposed business aligns with Southwick’s interests, preventing long-term proposals that may not be suitable. The commission used the case of Dollar General, which had been turned down previously but is returning with legal claims, to establish a template for future evaluations. The evaluation document is divided into three key components: assessing alignment with the town’s master plan, evaluating the broader impact on the local economy, and examining financial implications for the town. A scoring system was proposed, ranging from zero to plus two for positive impacts, with negative scores for adverse effects. This objective framework aims to facilitate informed recommendations while mitigating legal challenges arising from subjective judgments.

In addition to the new business evaluation process, the commission dedicated a portion of the meeting to a proposal aimed at upgrading the Town Center to enhance walkability and safety. The proposed speed reduction aligns with the town’s master plan, which envisions a livable and walkable downtown by 2040. The proposal also includes plans for new crosswalks, with an example given of pedestrian crossing signs used in another town that are designed to be less hazardous if struck by a vehicle. After thorough discussion, the commission unanimously approved a motion to support the minimum proposal, which includes lowering the speed limit and adding two to three crosswalks.

The meeting also featured discussions on promoting Southwick as a recreational destination. A proposal for signage to promote the town was introduced, stemming from a survey indicating that town promotion is a high priority. Plans include permanent signs at key locations such as bike trails and parks, featuring QR codes that direct users to a website detailing local attractions. The “Shop Southwick” initiative was mentioned, with around 775 unique users and 3,500 page views reported, though there is a desire to increase these numbers significantly. The commission plans to develop a proposal for the select board’s approval.

In another update, a representative from the local library spoke about initiatives aimed at supporting community entrepreneurship and job-seeking efforts. The library offers a collection of materials related to writing resumes and starting businesses, which has become increasingly relevant as many individuals consider entrepreneurship. The representative suggested a partnership with the Economic Development Commission to enhance resources available to residents. This collaboration could include housing additional physical resources at the library and promoting initiatives through social media and email outreach. The commission acknowledged the library’s efforts and expressed a willingness to assist in this endeavor.

The meeting also addressed business vacancies tracked since June. A preliminary report listed properties available for lease or sale, noting that most properties had not changed in status. Notably, the retail location on College Highway, formerly a Family Dollar Store, was currently off the market, with speculation that a cannabis business might be interested in renting or purchasing it. The commission discussed the necessity of ongoing tracking of business vacancies and proposed steps when a business changes hands, such as reaching out to new tenants to assist them.

Additionally, the commission examined the current state of the town’s website, discussing proposals to simplify content and improve navigation for business assistance resources. Suggestions included creating a user-friendly interface with straightforward tabs and incorporating the library as a resource. The need for clear labeling and organization was emphasized, with a member advocating for captions under images to enhance understanding and navigation.

The commission also touched on logistical matters, such as the placement of promotional signs during a local softball game between the fire and police departments. There were discussions on how to manage setup and takedown of the signs, with suggestions to contact the fire department for guidance. Goals for the commission’s future work were postponed to a later meeting to allow members time to review proposed documents before further discussion.