My thinking at the candidate's Forum was based on the current market for commercial real estate in Attleboro. The development of the Ides Hill property as industrial or as general business may not result in a difference in traffic count. But it could result in a shorter time line for Attleboro residents to find jobs in the city. If non-industrial companies could populate the hill such as a dance studio or gym we might generate some ecconomic activity where there is now ledge. Additionally, the rezoning would increase the value of the land, perhaps to the level where it is appraised.
In my opinion the Tiffany Street neighborhood was "unpreserved" in a Council rezoning of the land on Commerce Way at Tiffany from single residence into a multi-family zone last year. While the area across the street at Tiffany was zoned multi-family, it was predominately improved as single family units.I did not vote for the change.
It was the best I could come up wth on the spot with a television camera aimed at me and I am happpy to rethink the matter as conditions evolve.

Ellen Parker is way off base on this ....I seriously doubt Dunkin D or McD's would even remotely consider a location in the woods! They need high visibility on busy roads. The topography at Ide's Hill does not allow for low cost development. I know of two cases of interested companies that determined the cost of land preperation at the IBP to be too costly.....as I publicly stated in the beginning of the project.
A study by professionals in commercial development would be a good investment in moving this project in a positive direction.

I feel that the City is fighting battles on too many fronts. We have a down economy, half empty industrial park (Old T.I.), a struggling downtown, and a near bankrupt ARA. It appears to me that there has been a loss of creativity in the City. At the turn of last century Attleboro grew because of cooperation, ingenuity and sharing and flowing of ideas. Attleboro is ripe for regrowth, the demographic of the city has changed in the last decade, so many new families have settled in the area and have made Attleboro their home town. I like that Rick threw some ideas out there to breath life into the Industrial Park. I also appreciate the thoughts from Doug about bringing in commercial development professionals. I am not sure if either one is a good idea or not, but it creates discussion and provokes thoughts and new ideas. I would like to cirlce the wagons as a community, pick a problem area and lets go solve it, ARA, Downtown Business Growth, filling TI Park or a number of any of the challenges facing the city. My involvement with the farmers market this year has opened my eyes to how many talented and compassionate people we have in this City, Our City!Time to rally and get this city going again, let the creativity start flowing. Don't be afraid to throw an idea out there and see what sticks! Instead of being critical of an idea come up with one. To the leaders of our City, empower all of us to make a difference. Time to get to work A-town. Let's get this place rocking!

Take a drive by the small park off Pond street. In it you will see landscapers, engineering firms, a dog training business and a plumbing company. These are businesses that are not in need of the large commercial buildings the IDP was designed for. Rezoning to allow this type of business would most certainly make the park more marketable.

@Bert thanks for the shout out, shout out an idea Brother!
@ Reason, That is what I am talking about, throw something out there. Let's get that Gray Matter Fired UP!!
I know I am fired up, here are somethings banging around my head for downtown:
BIG BOX X-PRESS:
Solicit, encourage, incentivise big box retail to open up small boutique shops downtown i.e.- Target x-press, staples x-press, pet smart x-press, old navy downtown, footwear. Perhaps the top 10 A-list items could be showcased at these stores, or closeouts and clearance items, perhaps coupons could be given to customers to encourage a visit to the Parent store on Route 1 to keep foot traffic there too.
Have you ever been to a model condo/house. the place is furnished and decorated with items from local businesses, i.e. Cardi's, lighting showroom, window treatments, flooring, attleboro kitchen and bath, lamco, art gallery. Check out www.dallasmarketcenter.com . It is a wholesale mall of home furnishing under one roof, perhaps a smaller scale for downtown or a way to fill the industrial parks. How about "What is old is new again" a local grocer or a Public Market. A single location for Local Meat, Fish, Veggie, Bake Goods...Dare I say a year round cooperative farmers market. Come on A-town, we are full of talented people with great ideas, let them flow!!

Rick, Thank You for your reply. I appreciate the chance to discuss this with you at some point. I did call you in regards to this matter but your choice was to assume why I was calling-
I have agreed with you on a lot of issues, and hope in the future we can have once again an open dialog.
To Doug Gobins point. If you look at the zoning, those business could go in as a matter of right. It is not off base to asume that a piece of land once rezoned will take on the character that you want, but what the market will bare. If the area begins to look like Plesant Street, I can easily see a Mc Donalds wishing to locate there. Just my opinion

If someone was interested in starting a business, what are some of the best resources to get information about the 101s? How to write a business plan, how to find a suitable location, how to get zoning info, what grants are available, how to apply for a SBL... Gosh... and what questions to even ask and what risks to consider.

A Whole Food's store would be a great addition to the city! It would be great to not have to travel to Bellingham or Providence.

Eddie - you're on fire, and I love the suggestions. I see all of the ideas with what we "can" do, I just think we need to change "how" we do it. Being business friendly, and to advocate for business - means to CHANGE the way government works with business in this community. I love the idea Deb - and my wife would agree with you.

Shannon, the community development office at City Hall would be my first stop - see what they have in regards to "help". Also, the Small Business Association can give you some ideas - google them - and last, but not least - our own Chamber of Commerce on Union Street will help. They've always been helpful to me with my business - and I am sure they could steer you in the right direction. If not, contact me, I will help. www.buckleyforcouncil.com

Bert Buckley
Candidate for Council at Large