The town of Wellesley is partnering with Babson College graduate students in an experiential learning program in which students will aim to help the town come up with ideas to revitalize its downtown.
The Select Board and students have crafted a survey for residents that puts things gingerly: “Wellesley is currently experiencing several commercial vacancies in our business districts.” (Our emphasis on several.)
Questions include:
- How often do you shop online?
- What is your most frequented store in Wellesley?
- Which improvements would encourage you to visit Wellesley Square?
- Why is it that you’d prefer a Peet’s over a Chase Bank? (OK, that last one is ours.)
The survey also seeks to learn why you go to other communities for your shopping or dining pleasure. It includes multiple choice and open-ended questions, so you’ll have a chance to make a plug for a candy store, pub, or whatever you’d like to see.
The students will be surveying retailers, restaurants, and business property owners to get their perspectives as well.
The research could help guide the town in planning future downtown and business developments. Students may present their findings at an upcoming Select Board meeting if the timing works out.
Questions or comments about the survey (such as, you might want to have a few higher household income choices than “$100,000 or more” given the median income in town…) may be emailed to student coordinator Maxine Fergie at mfergie1@babson.edu or to Wellesley Assistant Executive Director Amy Frigulietti at afrigulietti@wellesleyma.gov
Hi, this is a great project and thank you to the Babson students. Is there any plan to survey employees at major employers in town? (Full disclosure, I am a Babson staffer and live in a close-by town. Given how many times a week I am in Wellesley in non-Covid times, I am in a position to patronize restaurants, retail and services.)
Hi Bob. Will residents and or interested third parties have the opportunity to interface with the students / others in structuring the study, its recommendations etc…? If so, I’d be most interested in participating on a pro-bono basis. Thx, Al.
Hi Al, not sure, you might try emailing the student contact at end of post, Bob
Right on Al. Merchant and resident participation is essential.
Hi Al. Thank you for taking an interest in our mission to improve the conditions of Wellesley’s local businesses. My name is William Mountzoures, I grew up right here in Wellesley, and I am on the team of Babson students working with the Board of Selectmen on this project. We would greatly appreciate the feedback you, or anyone else is willing to offer to bring new and diverse businesses to the community and support the existing ones! We are so excited to be working with this community and hope to help the voice of Wellesley residents be heard. We would be more than happy to get in contact with you; feel free to reach out to Maxine at mfergie1@babson.edu, or myself at wmountzoures1@babson.edu.