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11/23/2016 08:00 AMAfter several attempts, the Economic Development Commission (EDC) and small business owners prevailed in securing the use of outdoor display items. At a Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) meeting on Nov. 16, commission members voted to approve the amendment, which will allow businesses to maintain merchandise displays outside their stores year-round.
The amendment for use of an outdoor display item is heavily regulated. The item must be something customarily sold in the store, must keep with the natural aesthetic of the zone, must not obstruct sidewalks, and must be moved inside at the close of business each day, among other requirements.
The original amendment was voted down in June after members of the commission determined there were too many variables in the amendment and cited concerns over enforcement and appearance of the displays. With a revised version of the amendment on the table at the Nov. 16 meeting, alternate commissioner Allyn Brown said this amendment is a good way to help small businesses.
“This is designed for a small business so that the little guy who has a small store can put some merchandise out front and attract people into the store,” he said.
Business owners in town attended the meeting and spoke out in support of the amendment.
In a statement, Andrew Page, owner of Page Hardware said, “I truly believe the retailers in Guilford need the flexibility to merchandise their products that this proposal offers…Guilford benefits from a vibrant local economy, we need to embrace this and make it easier to be successful in our town.”
Steve Kaye, owner of Ballou’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, said being able to draw people into the store with visuals is key to success.
“Their success is my success and vice versa,” he said. “Mainly we shop with our eyes. We want to see what is going to attract us, what we are going to go for. As merchants, we want to make our businesses appealing.”
Despite voting to approve the amendment, some commissioners still expressed doubts over the ability of the amendment to help small businesses. Commissioner Richard Meier, who has previously expressed concerns about this type of amendment, said he is concerned with how this amendment might change the look of Guilford.
“Our brand really is a Colonial town and I am not sure this is in keeping with that,” he said.
Meier also took issue with a letter sent by the Board of Selectmen (BOS), voicing its support for the amendment. The letter from the BOS stated, “We would recommend that the Planning & Zoning commission adopt these changes at your next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board of Selectmen feels that these changes would enhance the marketing opportunities for our businesses. In addition there are enough safeguards within the proposal that it would not diminish Guilford’s character and unique quality of life.”
Meier said that since commissioners are appointed, he felt uncomfortable going against the opinion of the BOS. Ultimately, the amendment passed unanimously. Economic Development Commission Chair Mark Wasserman said outdoor displays are an asset to businesses in town.
“We are thrilled that the merchants of Guilford will finally have the opportunity to compete a little better in an online world,” he said.