Formula Business Bylaw Discussion Today

Interested in learning more about the proposed Formula Business Bylaw articles for Town Meeting?  Drop in and join Matt Johnson for a conversation about Articles 46 & 47 at the Concord Cheese Shop, 29 Walden Street, between 3:30 and 4:30 pm.

Matt has been following Article 46 closely since its origin with the West Concord Task Force, who recommended that the Planning Board put it on the Town Warrant for April Town Meeting, which they have.

Article 46 (focused solely on West Concord Village Center) was the source for Matt's Petition Article 47 which would apply to all four of Concord's village centers (West Concord, Concord Center, Thoreau Depot District, and Nine Acre Corner).

The purpose of both Articles 46 & 47 is to preserve the unique small-town village character of Concord's village center(s) through a Formula Business Bylaw.  To safeguard against the gradual encroachment and over-proliferation of formula businesses, a formula business bylaw would 1) maintain formula businesses at the current numbers for each village center, 2) cap their size, and 3) require them to meet special permit criteria.

A formula business is any business with standardized, generic features (logo, products, services, etc.) in seven or more locations interstate, intrastate, regionally, or anywhere.  While often referred to as "chains" in casual conversation, the terms are not interchangeable for various reasons that Matt will be happy to discuss with you, along with other aspects of the bylaw.  Come and drop in, if you're in town between 3:30-4:30pm!