Opportunities and challenges
What are the critical challenges facing Duxbury’s economic growth and development?
Christine Stickney, TOWN PLANNERThe major challenge facing Duxbury is the housing market, since we are a trade-and-service economy. Many of our residents are self-employed. Only 3 percent of Duxbury’s tax base is derived from commercial property values. We have had no new applications for subdivision development in more than four years. In economic terms, there is a trickle-down effect with housing construction that benefits other aspects of our economy, such as other trades, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, etc., and when they have local work they tend to spend locally.
Donna Wood, MACDONALD & WOOD, SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
There isn’t a lot of land that is zoned NB (neighborhood business). Any development of NB land requires a very lengthy approval process. This can take up to a year. I don’t understand why it takes so long.
Charles Krahmer, NEW ENGLAND FINANCIAL/ METLIFE
Zoning and the lack of commercial space.
Philip Markella, Esq., VICE PRESIDENT, DUXBURY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
A lack of commercial zoning makes economic growth difficult.
What are the most promising economic opportunities for Duxbury?
Stickney We have seen an increased interest in aquaculture (harvesting of oysters, razor clams, quahogs, etc). In addition, Duxbury has been an active partner in the preservation of farms and cranberry bogs that provide opportunities in the agriculture sector. The cranberry industry is making a profitable return and the town leases cranberry bogs to farmers.I also think given the current economy and need for convenience, we will start to see and an increase in home occupations – people working from their homes via the Internet – however, the fiber optic accessibility and dependability is an adverse issue in Duxbury.
Recreational maritime uses and waterfront uses in the Snug Harbor area may see encouragement from seasonal tourists. There is a real interest to provide places for the public to enjoy Duxbury’s harbor and beach.
Krahmer The arrival of Foodie’s, Hall’s Corner development and Duxbury Bay Maritime school.
Markella The aquaculture industry currently is enjoying great amount of growth; also, the arrival of a grocery store has served as a stimulus – not as much as the town needs, but a start.
Paula Harris, WH CORNERSTONE INVESTMENTS
They are agricultural in nature. Duxbury has a long tradition of farming, from dairy to poultry to cranberries. Now, one of the most interesting industries is aquaculture, especially oyster farming. Also, the maritime industry has been a big part of Duxbury’s history and businesses like Bayside Marina, Baymen Outfitters and the Duxbury Bay Maritime School all play an important part in our future.
How is the population of Duxbury changing?
Krahmer It is becoming more professional and less blue collar.Harris Duxbury had a large second-home community mainly until access to town was improved. Now there is a mix of old-time Yankees who have long-term roots to the community and young families who moved here for the schools first and the beach second. The latter get involved in issues that relate to their children, but a good majority move out of town once the kids are grown. They can tend to have a limited view of the town.
Wood Back in the 1950s and ‘60s there was a significant summer population. We got away from that until the late ‘90s when people began to again buy second homes.
Markella The town is bursting with young families who have moved here, in no small part based on the reputation of the school district. The ‘empty-nest’ population is beginning to relocate to places like The Pine Hills and Linden Village.
How is development surrounding Duxbury helping or hurting its local economy?
Stickney Neighboring towns have drawn many residents to shop outside of Duxbury, which is hurting the local businessmen. It is no secret Duxbury prefers its small neighborhood business areas to larger retail areas, so nearby towns with larger commercial areas provide a point of designation to shop within a reasonable distance – good for our neighbors but disheartening for small businesses in Duxbury.In addition, with such a small sector of business, many residents must work out of town. This is difficult for young employees and part-time employees who may work in commercial retail due to commuting expenses consuming much of their salaries.
Wood The malls have taken some business away from the local economy. However, with the high cost of gas, we may find people shopping more locally.
Harris The lack of town planning along commercial corridors such as routes 139, 53 and 3A stand in stark contrast to how Duxbury has carefully managed the growth and maintained the scenescape along our major roads. Our lack of industry and development makes all parts of Duxbury a desirable place to live.
Where do people shop in Duxbury?
Wood People shop locally for gifts and now food with the new grocery store. They use the local drugstore and they buy ice cream here. They also buy beer and wine both at small shops and at Foodie’s. Paper goods and laundry detergent in large containers are bought at places like BJs. Some people do some grocery shopping at places like Stop & Shop or Roche Brothers, but still use Foodie’s.Harris Despite the nickname ‘Deluxebury,’ and people assuming everyone here has lots of money to throw around, residents still know the value of a buck and want to get the most from it.
What are the reasons a new business should locate in Duxbury?
Stickney Residents in Duxbury have a high educational attainment. Sixty percent of our residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher. They are very well-informed customers and many times can afford the extras in life. In addition, the population expands in the summer months bringing seasonal residents and visitors to the town.Markella Location, location, location. This is a unique town because it has direct highway access as well as the natural beauty that the town is known for.
How well does town government work with economic leadership and the business association to address Duxbury’s economic growth and development?
Stickney The town is trying to improve the relationship between government and local businesses. An economic advisory committee was established in 2004 to improve communication and work with businesses on activities that would help improve and retain our small businesses.Krahmer Seven out of 10.
Wood There is the Duxbury Business Association that emphasizes networking among businesses. The town has pulled together economic committees from time to time to focus on issues. The town is fairly unique compared to surrounding communities when it comes to economic development. We look more like Carver or Plympton than Hingham or Marshfield.
Markella As VP of the Duxbury Business Association, it has been my experience that town has been willing to listen. There is more cooperation in store for the future. This town is fortunate to have some very smart, capable, forward-thinking people in the town’s leadership, but this is a Town Meeting government.
What are some of the countywide economic forces that will have a significant impact on Duxbury’s future?
Stickney The continued decline of the housing industry will adversely affect many of our self-employed residents that are in the housing trades. Countywide, improved regional transportation should prove beneficial to home sales if the market changes.The Cordage Seaport project in Plymouth will have impact on the maritime uses in Duxbury Bay – positive uses for recreational boating but the environmental impacts are still being investigated.
Any historic and tourism enhancements in Plymouth are always beneficial to Duxbury. Many tourists enjoy the historical sites in Duxbury as well as in Plymouth.
Harris Transportation issues that focus less on getting people in and out of Boston (those have been essentially completed), but more on improving infrastructure so that people can travel east and west to get to work. I think you will see more business opportunities on the South Shore in the years to come.
What is the importance of Boston to Duxbury?
Stickney With the improved train accessibility of Kingston and Greenbush, a commuter or visitor can be in Boston in less than hour. The city of Boston offers regional connections via air and rail, plus the best hospitals and institutions of higher learning. Cultural and sporting events are always an attraction. For existing and future residents, the “quietness” of Duxbury doesn’t mean they are far from what they may need.Wood I think it is quite important. We have cultural activities on the South Shore, but the Boston theaters, museums and wonderful resources aren’t too far away.
Harris The impact is getting less all the time, as great shopping is local, along with terrific restaurants and world-class cultural activities. Many more white-collar jobs are moving to the area and home-based businesses are growing rapidly.
Looking ahead five years, what changes do you envision for and in Duxbury?
Stickney Taxpayers will be faced with tough decisions as to the town’s available revenues and needs, particularly with the school budget. Many of the town employees are residents, cutbacks and layoffs may force many into longer commutes for jobs out of town, if not total relocation. Town government is the third largest employer in the town.Harris Controlled housing development, especially if the number of Chapter 40B units stay under control. A continued emphasis on land and water conservation. All this will make Duxbury a very desirable place to live, work and play.
Markella Well, infrastructure for one. Currently the town is struggling with building new police and fire stations. Also, I hope to see some rezoning that will allow for more commercial enterprises. ■
Published in Plymouth County Business August/September 2008
