|
"The success of every business depends on the ability to attract and retain qualified employees. The lack of adequate housing is a growing challenge to our economic well-being and we’re proud to support the Chamber’s efforts in bringing all the stakeholders together to resolve this issue.” |
"At Conway we know deep in our hearts that we don't assist people in buying or selling a house. It's much, much more than that. We assist people and families, when going through a transition in their lives, find their landing place, their happy place, their home and most of all their community. These communities on the South Shore are rich with roots and character and in order to protect this character and make sure future generations have can experience these communities, we need to address some of the key challenges in the region. The Chamber and the South Shore Economic Development Corp. are taking the lead to strike a balance between preserving the way of life and helping our businesses and communities to grow. At Conway, we believe in the South Shore because we live here and we want to help people build lives here." |
|
|
"Our firm is in the business of helping individuals and companies plan for growth, risks, and remedies. The core of our work is planning to minimize problems or strategizing an exit after problems happen. The biggest risk, however, is lack of planning. Our economy depends on a wide range of income earners to operate cohesively. It is important that we create housing options suitable for everyone in that range. If people need to pay a burdensome amount to afford a livable home, they are less able to contribute to the economy and community. It is not a question of finding everyone their dream home. That’s not feasible. It’s a question of whether there are options available for people to downsize, upsize, or simply find a livable home within a reasonable distance of their career. If we can plan to develop housing in locations that make sense – near highways or transit for example – we can support growth and still maintain the charm of our fabulous South Shore communities. We cannot create new land, but we can plan for appropriate use of the land we have available." |
“I live and work in Braintree, so housing and business opportunities are always top of mind for me. A few years ago, I went to hear a report from Barry Bluestone, a Sociologist at Northeastern University. The report was about the demographics in Braintree, projections and contained specific recommendations. The zoning and housing initiatives coming out of Town Hall, recently, seem to be following the course of action in the report, similar to efforts of the South Shore Chambers' 2030 Committee, all good for Braintree and the South Shore. What I have heard from local business owners and companies, '... we cannot find individuals to work in our stores, our offices. We cannot fill entry level and trade positions.' |
|
