Given the upcoming September 22 discussion regarding amendment of the grocery store bylaw, the following issues also warrant consideration.
- Although a grocery store in Harvard would be convenient for existing residents, grocery retailing is a difficult, low-margin business which is still in the process of consolidation. How would Harvard deal with a large-footprint vacancy? Would such space be easy to repurpose?
- Retailing is a tricky business and is subject to several current paradigm shifts including e-commerce and online competition and the success of “big boxes” over small, local businesses. Commercial development should be flexible in anticipation of ongoing change.
- Maximizing the viability of commercial real estate in Harvard should include examination of all of the major property types in addition to Retail [including grocery]: Office (including medical), Industrial, Multifamily, Hospitality, and Mixed use (i.e. all of the above). If we are to diversify our sources of tax revenue, we should consider which of these property types are growing, are the most viable, and are acceptable.
- Consumers continue to face mixed conditions despite general economic progress. “Build it and they will come” strategies are more challenging than ever.
Harvard shines for so many reasons. Opening the door to certain forms of commercial development will help diversify and increase our tax revenues, lightening the load on current residents. It could also give us the financial flexibility to make Harvard even more of a destination town over the long term.
Robin Foley
West Bare Hill Road
