Business Climate Warming, Officials Believe

The town has taken steps to make Grafton more appealing to businesses, but more work must be done.

That was the message delivered tonight at a small business forum held at the . The forum was hosted by the Economic Development Commission in an effort to work toward improving the perception some have that the town does not welcome business.

This forum is an offshoot of a meeting held in December 2010 where business owners and other residents expressed frustrations about what some described as a cumbersome permitting process.

Others expressed concerns about how they were treated by some town employees.

Improvements have been made in these areas, said Charles Bolack, a town stalwart who encouraged Town Administrator Timothy McInerney to host the first forum.

He said that the town’s approach has shifted from “What can we do to hinder you?’’ to “What can we do to help you?’’

“They smile in a lot of departments now,’’ he said.

Another change has been the formation of a “development cabinet’’ that meets weekly to keep an eye on all ongoing developments and permits. Group members include McInerney, the town planner, the building inspector and representatives from the Board of Health and Conservation Commission.

But work remains, commission members and other town officials said. Economic development commission member David Robbins said it takes time to develop a negative reputation, and it takes time to change it.

He encouraged officials to be more flexible when interpreting town bylaws. “Use the bylaws wisely to protect the town and the homeowner,’’ he said. “Use common sense. Just because you can apply a bylaw a certain way doesn’t mean you should.’’

Richard MacKoul, owner of on 220 Worcester St., expressed frustration that his request for an electronic sign has been rejected, while other businesses in town have been allowed to have them.

A committee is currently studying whether to allow electronic signs. As the statute stands, they are not allowed now, said assistant Town Administrator Kevin Mizikar.

He said he would attempt to find out why businesses that have them were allowed to proceed with the signs.

The next meeting will be held Feb. 22 and will focus on town departments. All members of the development cabinet will be invited.