So glad to read this. I only wish that someday someone will buy the old Funworld. I wish they would re-do it all over. It was a nice place to go as a kid with your family or friends, from arcade games, to mini golf, batting cages and go karts. It would be so nice to have some of these old things back in our town that I used to have as a child, that I could share with my children. We had Mini golf, drive in movie theatres, bowling..always something for kids to do without leaving town. It is ashame we have lost all that and gained more shopping plazas.

HOORAY for repaving Main Street!!! It is so bad and looks so very bad it would be so nice to see no patchwork as one is driving from Wilmington to Lowell. I for one hope it happens...

Mary, I agree with you that all the 'fun' businesses have closed in Tewksbuy and I would love to see places return that are children and familiy oriented. I will bring this up for discussion at our next Route 38 Corridor Study Committee meeting. Thank you for your interest.

Funworld? Never heard of Funworld. I've heard of Fun Land, on rte 38, across from Livingston Street. I'm guessing that is what you meant.

I just hope these new developers are not MINI-MALL developers. Any new mini-mall project should be shot down by the planning board.

This is welcome news David....keep up the good work! :)

Great news....What about the old police station???

Great start for the Economic Development Committee....slowly, but surely, lets get Route 38 to become a place other towns talk about in a good way. Keep up the great work!

It's great that some new types of businesses are coming to town. Like Mary, I would love to see a business that would give our children and teens something to do close to home. The old Purity Supreme would be a great location for a bowling alley/indoor arcade - something like Good Time Billiards that was in Somerville. The outdoor mini-golf, batting cages, go karts would be great too.

This is great news and all but it doesn't warrant the "showing signs of life" heading. IMHO.
There is the big plaza where Osco drug was. What is it just 3 stores running that whole place?
Then there are all the store fronts as everybody knows.

And like someone mention, Fun Land, that place would be great to get it going too but that's going to cost someone BIG bucks just to update it. And BTW can someone send a letter to the landowner to clean it up a bit. Maybe just the front so it doesn't look bad when you drive by there.

This is great news. Route 38 is beginning to look like Route 66. The key word in any negotiation is reasonable (Win/Win),empty weed fields on Main St. benefits no one. We need to think long term knowing the cost of business start-up prior to growth. I realize the committee know this, but it is something we all must think about. We must also consider the benefits of new employees, happily paying their taxes. I think I may have just gone to far. Keep the towns interest high and the hardship that all taxpayers are hurting from. Every little bit helps. At times the benefits from small businesses are superior to large. Fewer demands and with growth more people are working and we will all sleep better at night. Don Ordway

I am really glad to see some of the POSITIVE comments that this has stirred up. Seems that all one ever hears are the negatives rather than encouragement. David and this committee (as well as our Planning Board) are working hard to improve this situation in our Town which is no easy task during a down economy. People need to understand it's a series of steps which require time to achieve the ultimate goal which doesn't just happen 'overnight'. I believe we are finally on the right path...it is a work in progress so be patient and stay tuned.

Tewksbury has positioned itself in a manner that requires all of us to attract more businesses to town. Our town meeting votes have run up our debt in spite of all the free money the Fed. & State governments provide. They will have that money back in no time.There is no where else to go other than the business sector. Town employees have nothing left to give and senior citizens have no where else to go when the money runs out. We must learn to live together. Certain groups have turned people agaist businesses. This is an act of insanity. Without them we are in trouble and our taxes will go up, up, up. We must not only attract new business we must maintain existing businesses. Once they move out they take jobs, and tax revenues with them. Not to mention the taxes paid by the employees. Without buyers the sales tax is useless. Big business supports senior citizens 401K's, I say bring them on we need them. Tewksbury is about location and we all must work together to make certain that we don't fail. Should this effort fail we all fail unless your extremely wealthy. There are few options remaining on the table. Right now we have a winning hand and we must keep it. There are not many bussinesses on the parts of Route 66 that I have traveled. It's time to move forward. We can't wait for the perfect deal we must arrange it.

I think the gentlemen who owns the strip of stores next to the old Fun Land owns Fun Land too. (The strip mall that now has Domino's in it. There used to be Rain Tree Cleaners there too). I also agree, something should be done with that property. It sure is an eyesore. Does anyone know the status of the building across the street from Brodreau's? It looks like it is ready to fall down..what a shame!

I think building an indoor skate and bmx park would be great for the kids and parents in town. As it is now most parents drive all the way to Rye NH so their children can have a fun and safe place to skate and ride their bmx bikes. They have safe overnights and vacation weeks and camp progams at the Rye Air Field Skate Park

Rumor has it that Ocean State Job Lots is going into the old Purity Supreme spot.

Wow, Jake, that is a great store! I went to the one in Danvers and they had some real good deals. I just hope it doesn't put a strain the the other stores that sell equivalent items in Tewksbury. It would just be a domino effect. One in, one out. By doing this is really isn't accomplishing a thing. We are looking to keep all of our existing stores open too.

Ocean State Job Lots? Sorry to hear that rumor. It seems a shame to have another discount store hit the town. Job Lot, Walmart, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree all have their place, but it would be nice to see something of a higher quality come to town rather than have us become a mecca for cheap goods.

I'm afraid that the days of picking and choosing who can open a business in Tewksbury are behind us. Not that we have to open the door to the scum of the earth, but on the other hand we must not level the playing field for those in business either. Competition makes them competitive. WE NEED REVENUES IF WE ARE TO PAY OUR BILLS. Just because we have a Wal Mart it doesn't mean that I have to shop there, infact I try to by in my neighborhood even though the price may be slightly higher. I prefer convenience as I park at the front door. Time is important to me as well. It's nice to see some of my neighbors able to walk to work. On the other hand Wal Mart is a beautiful gift for those that say to hell with convenience I need the extra money to pay my rent. We are living in a new world that most voted for the rest of us must make certain adjustments to comply. We can't compare hardships we have to do our best and sometimes that requires speaking out as you have. More should follow your lead.

Jane, what would you like to see in that spot?? it has been vacant since 1997. I dont know much about Ocean State but I know that low price may not always mean low quality. I recently went to the new Harbor Frieght tool store in Danvers, I found quality tools about 60% cheaper than Sears. That is called competition. I understand your point about quality but we may need to realize that this is not Andover center, it is Rte 38 in Tewksbury

I'd like to see some landscaping done to Rt 38. I'm also of the same opinion that it's not in dire need of paving, but some plants, trees, mulch or something would really lighten the look of open, bare, run-down lots. It's quite nice driving through towns that have many shops/stores surrounded by flowers, GRASS, trees, and other things. We can't rip down abandoned buildings or fill empty stores overnight, but adding eye appeal to Rt 38 (the most in need in my opinion) would certainly help. Maybe it might draw in more business as well. A Novel Cafe is a beautiful building inside and out. If you were looking specifically at it, you'd think it was VERY inviting and charming, but it looks so out of place because of the surroundings. Some businesses like Boutiettes Autobody don't even have pictures of their own shop or of Tewksbury on their website. They have an image of a beautiful field of inviting yellow flowers. I'd just like to state that I stand behind both businesses, but both are doing what they can to add appeal. How shocking it must be for an out-of-towner to drive 38 and think, "this is not what I saw online" for either of these businesses. Add vegetation and life to a stretch of businesses dying as a first step.

I miss the old days of Tewksbury! When you would go to Macs Dairy Farm for ice cream and watch the planes. Play mini golf and arcade games. The old drive-in theatre. I think Tewksbury needs some family friendly attractions to keep familes spending money in the town. Nearby towns have amazing venues for familes from mini-golf, to indoor climbing adventures, arcades and bumper boats. I would love to see Main Street restored to what it once was. I know it will take time, money and commitment but I know we can do it.

Kirsten, you are so right there many things property owners can do to show that they care. We cannot look for the government to solve all of our problwems. Cleaning our own property screams out that we are Americans and, we care. The government is not good at mowing lawns weed whacking and organizing JUNK. That does not mean we have to drag down the community. Property owners need to restore personal responsibnility and priide in themselves and the community. Man your Shovels!!!

Jennifer, We the people demand so much from our government that they must climb all over us in order to deliver. Release the government from the bondage they love and help them get off our backs. The private sector would be able to respond and would love to do all of the things you mentioned. We the people must demand more of ourselves and less from our government and everyone would be fine because that's the way our government is supposed to work. Our freedoms will begin to return and we would all live with happily ever after. Nanny government does not work as Margaret thathcher said, they soon run out of other peoples money to spend. The good ole days weren't great but the people were. No one was worrying about their self esteem they earned it.

OK, I've said it before, I'll say it again... why not hold the property owners responsible for their own properties? Saugus had the same problem with their Town Center... the Town voted to instill a penalty to the "defunct business property owners" that, if after 30 days from the date of passing the bill, the property was not properly maintained, a fee would be payable to the town on a weekly basis. It was amazing how many either cleaned up or rented to new businesses to avoid this fee. The Town, I believe, was able to attach this fee to their property taxes if not paid. The monies the Town obtained by this "penalty" was held in a seperate allocation fund for the upkeep of unsightly areas in Town. I don't have all the details, but can get in touch with a friend on the BOS in Saugus to get the nitty gritty if it may be an option to this Town... drive through Saugus center today and compare it to 10 years ago.. a world of difference! JMO

Hi Jennifer,

I would be interested in seeing how Saugus implemented this penalty. You can email me directly at dgay@draper.com.

Thanks,

David

Jennifer, all options should be on the table before the gloves come off. (kidding) Unfortunatately sometimes broke means broke. If your plan should work even once in a while that would be a major improvement. Some people just don't see the mess. They could look at a pile of trash 20 feet high and walk into it. Begin with the most gentle approach, asking them if they have considered cleaning their property and explain how Tewksbury is trying to improve the towns image by attracting companies that will hire people and help support our tax base as we grow. You may end up a real estate salesperson if removing some trash sells their property. A little Saturday morning back work could change their lives. They look at the pile and say it's not hurting anyone; maybe tomorrow. If it is an extrme hardship bring in the Boy Scouts with owners permission. "People helping people."

David, I will get in touch with you by e-mail as soon as I can. Hopefully by the end of the week. Don, I agree that you get more bees with honey... but some "bees" just don't like honey and stubbornly refuse... then you must look for a new option. I was under the assumption that we as a Town have already tried the "how can we help you help yourself?" approach for a while now. I hope I'm not wrong? If I am, I agree that maybe this fee would be a bit harsh and we should try a little bit of coaxing first.

I think with the help of Bill Gilman and Tewksbury Patch.com we may have peope thinking already. Most of the clean-up would take very little time and does not require a lot of money. It's about town pride and "Our Town". If plan "A" .fails go to plan "B".

I would be interested in how Saugus implements this policy as well. The empty fields with "for sale" signs have been there for years. Main Street is a facade of a "Main Street". The traffic is unbearable most afternoons, dodging potholes is a game. I have been contacting my state rep and the high way department trying to get the crosswalks painted. The center of town which used to be used and such an inviting locale is now empty and uninviting.
I think we should do more as a community it look better and more livable, and maybe that will encourage more businesses to open up here and help all of us.

I'm wondering if it is Ocean State Job Lot coming to the old Purity Space. This site link appears to think they are already a tenant.

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/17261661/553-Main-Street-Tewksbury-MA/

The Town just started making businesses get permits for their dumpters, recycle bins, drop off boxes for donations etc. I would never expected to pay a permit to have a dumpster and any sort of bin on my property. I pay a private company monthly. Now I have to worry about getting Permits for my 3 recycle bins every year.
What's next for the local businesses?? A permit for my customers to park in my property?

Hi Chuck, my question is what useful purpose does the permit provide? In addition what is the cost of the permit, and who paid for your dumpster? It is important to have the facts. Trash removal is critical and governments too strict sometimes means user abuses, such as refridgeratrors dumped by the side of the road. Like most services fairness is the answer, not just another hidden tax increase. At times it appears that I am against taxes. I'm not, I am against wasteful spending of other peoples money forcing increased taxes or fees on innoccent people. Some useful service should be provided to collect fees such as this one. Governments must learn to live within their means and we must be careful at town Meetings on how we spend money that we don't have.

Hi Don, The letter I got was from the BOH. On April 7, 2011 the Tewksbury BOH adopted Dumpster Regulations. So any dumpter, compactors, grease drums, cloths donation boxes etc within the town of Tewksbury must be permited through the BOH.
I pay monthly for 3 bins, dumpster, grease and recycle. So now I will have to pay for permits. $40 and $20 for each additional container including my regular monthly service. Then you got your usual permits to run a business, that keep going up every year, Commercial property tax that has been going up for some reason too.
Like I said, what's next for the local business?

I hope that you have opened some minds and just because governments get away with someting, it doesn't make it right. If I don't pay my taxes they quickly call me on it. It's never happened but today everyone is playing hardball out of necessity. I have no idea what the right answer is but we have seen what happens to towns that treat businesses as though they were the bad guys. In my opinion bussinesses are the risk takers and should be treated fairly. Businesses complain as taxes climb without mercy and then we all wonder where have all the jobs gone. They are our partners trying to survive in the most difficult of times. We are all partners and should find a fair solution, whatever that might be. The least we should hope for expect is for everyone to be civil with each other and stop the bashing.

Chuck, in these hard times towns will do anything to bring a few extra dollars. My answer to you is.. VOTE during town election time and maybe someone will get on these boards and vote down these proposals. I know I would have voted no if I was a sitting BOH member when this vote was taken. I feel terrible for the business owners of the town who have many expenses and I feel bad also for property owners who have high taxes to pay and get taxed extra for every little thing someone on a board can think up. To answer your question of what is next? Who knows!!!!!

Southie, i understand I'm not the only one. It's just a damn shame it has to come down to nick nackin. Every day, not just me, but every business is hit with some sort of "extra" surcharge. Delivery Companies are charging $5 or more extra on fuel charge, That adds up if you got 2 or 3 deliveries every day. The credit card companies are charging more per transaction, People don't realize when they charge a cup of coffee how much the credit card company takes from that one sale. See what i'm getting at? That's why the small businesses in town are closing.
I'll deal with it. What else can i do?. I thought i let some steam out hear. Thanks for listening all

Chuck, You don't sound evil or rich to me. Over the past two years this Administration paints all bussinesses with a single brush. You're not successful because some people are not, you are successful because you worry about the details and the risk that you take day in and day out. It's time that someone debated the otherside of a oneway debate and informed the people of the hazzards of running your own business. I'm sure you have years where it is hard to balance you budget our government does not have to worry about that, if they run out of money they simpy raise the taxes or create new taxes or fees. Hang in there keep speaking out and we will all get through this trip to the bottom of the barrel were nearing bottom.Thank God some people are willing to take the risk that you take otherwise where would we all be today. As I have said many times before I've been to Town Meetings before and we the people are pretty good at spending money that we don't have, so new revenues have to be created. we need to reassess the way we live. Things are about to get very, very tough from sea to shining sea I am afraid. However, the spending continues. If we max out the credit card we simply order a new one, just like the Feds. Hard lessons are on the horizon.

Suggestion to the Community development Team:
Make the Rte 38 corridor from Wilmington into Lowell differentiable from
it's bookend neighbors, ie Wilmington --> Tewksbury --> Lowell. To do this
correctly -- repaving and widening is only a cosmetic replacement at only 40 to 45%
of visual appeal. My suggestion is to also take on the task of burying the electrical and phones lines along the rte 38 corridor in Tewksbury. This will greatly enhance the visual impact and appeal of the repaving and widening sections. For more information -- check out the section in front of the Tewksbury Country Club. Here, the developer, knew that the potential to build a bigger clientele and pull in more business is to appeal to the public's sense of visual differentiation. People are visual thinkers and discriminators -- as such, the owner took it upon his own to bury the lines in front of the country club. This spectacular view differentiates this business from its surroundings and the entire rte 38 corridor. In fact, I submit to all of the community development team: Take a ride into Wilmington along their corridor. Although it may be quite be quite nice and new; the eye is drawn to the power lines strewn across the roadways and along the corridor limiting the visual appeal.

Excellent suggestion, Rich. Many of the new developments in Wilmington have their electrical and phone underground, and you are right... it makes the visual impact greater when you drive in. All you see are trees. Very inviiting! I am all for making route 38 in "our" town visually pleasing.

Ocean state is coming, if you dont believe it call them for yourself.
Told us next year they will be opening there