Downtown Revitalization

Strategic Planning Working Group

Goal:

To develop a Strategic Plan for the revitalization of Topsfield's Downtown. This plan will evaluate the opportunities of Topsfield's downtown in a holistic manner that will guide the Town's goals and priorities for the next 5-10 years. Strong community participation is critical to ensure that the plan developed will be used and adhered to by the Town.

With funding provided through a grant from the Technical Assistance Program, Ms. Betsy Cowan, Chief of Economic Development with the Massachusetts Area Planning Council (MAPC) will lead development of the plan. She and her team, working with the Strategic Planning Working Group, will build upon the work the Town has done to date, as well as work currently in progress, including a parking study to be completed in 2019. MAPC will conduct a market assessment of the downtown to identify competitive advantages for Topsfield, and will engage the community to establish a vision for the downtown.

The Members listed below have volunteered to serve as the Topsfield working group for the development of this plan. Its membership is comprised of members of the business community, Town boards, and residents. MAPC and the working group will seek input throughout the process from key stakeholders such as developers, property owners and residents, with a business/developer roundtable meeting to be held this summer and a community visioning session to be held in September.

Presentation of the completed plan is expected in February, 2020.

Stragegic Planning Working Group Members:

  • Lynne Bermudez - Board of Selectmen
  • Tim Collins - President, EBSCO
  • Sara Guido - Resident
  • Nicole Manseau - Owner, Luxe, Inc.
  • Andrea O'Reilly - Realtor
  • Alex Qirjazi - Owner, Lela's Variety
  • Josh Rownd - Planning Board
  • John Spencer - Board of Selectmen
  • Brian Woodland - Developer