Would a dollar store bring traffic downtown?

By GAIL LOWE

WAKEFIELD — If the rumor proves true and, according to Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio rumors sometimes are true, then a Dollar Store will occupy the old CVS building on Main Street.

The acknowledgment was made toward the end of a Breakfast Before Work meeting held yesterday morning in The Savings Bank Main Street conference room. The event was sponsored by the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce and drew members of the business community and state and town officials, including Ninth Essex District State Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus), Beebe Library Director Sharon Gilley, former Selectman Albert Turco and Farmers Market Manager Wendy Dennis.

Later today, Maio will meet with Robert Santonelli, owner of the old CVS building at 376-378 Main St., to talk about the restoration of the original facade to help keep Wakefield’s history alive as it relates to the revitalization of downtown and the business that will occupy the space.

Wakefield’s town administrator mentioned at the breakfast meeting that in years past, J.J. Newbury and Woolworth’s had a downtown presence and he would welcome a Dollar Store.

“We need to bring traffic to downtown,” he said.

The meeting opened with a video presentation that Maio often listens to while seated at his desk in Town Hall. Among the comments made on the video that encourages town leaders to reinvent their downtowns are:

“If you’re open to new ideas, come on in.”

“Escape the sea of retail sameness.”

“Shop Main Street.”

Following the video presentation, the meeting continued with the focus on what can be done to make downtown Wakefield stronger and better.

“Because we are local, we experience day-to-day life,” said Maio. “Our finger is on the pulse.”

Maio said he goes downtown every day to see what’s going on and to listen to business owners’ struggles and frustrations. Doing so, he said, helps him stay in tune.

“There is instant feedback, so we are pragmatic,” said Maio. “Here in Wakefield we don’t have a lot of time for (political) ideology. Other surrounding towns are split and you can see it. There’s no ‘aisle’ in Wakefield.”

Measures Maio suggested to boost downtown business include cross-selling, a business technique he learned some years ago when he worked for the Salem 5 Savings Bank. He also said a business’ hours of operation should coincide with times when restaurants are open and that a focus should be placed on increasing Main Street walkability, celebrating visual art, installing electric charging stations and making WiFi available. Walkability could be strengthened by narrowing Main Street and extending center islands beyond the area of the library, he said.

Maio also talked about receiving a call from a woman who said that Wakefield is “unique like a seaside town,” citing Lake Quannapowitt and multiple green spaces in the downtown area. In contrast, he also hears from people who do not want a bike trail or benches, since they believe doing so could result in attracting undesirables.

Heavy mention was given to signage at businesses, but Maio stressed that it was not his and other Main Street Program team members to have every sign look alike.

“We’re looking for aesthetically pleasing signs,” he said. “And we need to be welcoming to all new businesses. Let’s bring them in to the Chamber of Commerce during their first year.”

He mentioned a $995,000 bond bill for improvements to the downtown but cautioned that the passing of the bill was “not written in stone.”

New Sign Compliance Officer Bob Sardella, owner of Sardella Signs on North Avenue, spoke in addition to Maio and acknowledged Maio and John Roberto for giving him their “vote of confidence” as it applies to business signs being brought into uniformity in the Square.

“I’m hoping to do my part with the revitalization of downtown through working with town officials,” Sardella said. “I’m very passionate about my role.”

During a question and answer period, Al Turco said he would like to see Sardella’s role expanded to one that offers education about signage to business owners. In response, Sardella said he hopes to be an ‘idea man.”

On the topic of the proposed Brightview Assisted Living facility on Main Street, Maio said he has full confidence in the project “playing out,” adding that the corporation has bought more land.

“But we want ‘active’ senior living,” he said.

The Main Street Program itself is awaiting the release of funding from Gov. Deval Patrick but with a change in administration pending there’s a question about the governor signing off on the project, Maio said.

When the Galvin Middle School work is finally completed, there will be another gateway to downtown, he further commented. “I see the property across from the school as very valuable.”

Other topics included upgrading lighting on Albion Street (and yes, Maio said new lighting is definitely part of the Main Street Program) and adding portable restrooms in the downtown area.

“Europe is way ahead of us (in regard to restrooms),” Maio said. “I know that Wendy Dennis would like them at the Farmers Market.”