EDC head sees bright future for Canton businesses
By Mike BergerGene Manning, interim town planner, chair of the Board of Assessors, and head of the town’s Economic Development Committee (EDC), was pleased to report recently that Canton is maintaining strong economic growth despite financial headwinds nationally.
Topgolf is slated to open later this year in Canton.
Manning delivered his annual economic report at the start of this year’s Annual Town Meeting, which was held May 8 in the Canton High School auditorium.
Headlining the new growth in Canton is the impending launch of Topgolf, with an opening pegged for late 2023 at the former Cumberland Farms headquarters site on Dedham Street. The sports entertainment complex will feature a three-level, technologically advanced golf driving range, a full-service restaurant and bar, and event space to accommodate corporate outings, birthday parties, and other group activities. It will be the first Topgolf location in the New England region.
Manning also announced that Amazon wants to build a second Canton office at 250 Royall Street for human resources and training and will be launching its first all-electric vehicle fleet at its Canton distribution facility at 300 Dan Road.
Additionally, 88 Acres, makers of allergen-free snack bars, is moving its manufacturing operations from Boston to 85 John Road. Co-owned by spouses Nicole Ledoux and Rob Dalton, the company makes a variety of craft seed bars and butters using simple and healthy ingredients.
During his presentation, Manning noted that a strong commercial tax base helps keep residential taxes lower. This again proved to be the case in FY23, when the residential tax rate dropped to $10.57 per thousand dollars of assessed value and the commercial rate dropped to $21.57 per thousand (although tax bills still increased due to a rise in property values).
Manning reported that in 2022, the Canton business community paid over $31 million in commercial and industrial taxes, which represents 39 percent of the total tax levy. According to the state Division of Local Services, that put Canton in the lead among the nearby Norfolk County communities of Braintree (35.52 percent), Dedham (29.74 percent), Stoughton (28.39 percent), Quincy (24.44 percent), Sharon (7.79 percent), and Milton (6.27 percent).
Manning said Canton’s economic development goals are to maintain and grow a strong and vibrant business community; ensure stable commercial tax revenue for town services; increase property values of residences and businesses by ensuring a growth-oriented economic development plan; and maintain Canton’s reputation as a pro-active business friendly community.
Manning presented the report on behalf of the EDC members, which includes Emilio Mauro, Dr. Alan Rapoport, Tera Kull, Hamilton Rodrigues, Manny Montrond, Herb Cohen and Ryan Oscalwitz.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=112623
Posted by Mike Berger
on May 26 2023. Filed under Business.
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