New Saugus board discusses how to take advantage of Route 1

SAUGUS – Making Route 1 more economically diverse is among the priorities of the town’s new Economic Development Committee.”This isn’t about liquor licenses or sign bylaws ?” said Town Manager Scott Crabtree, who appointed the committee. “What we really have to look at from a financial standpoint is generating higher recurring revenues ? and trying to diversify what’s up on Route 1.”Crabtree convened the committee Monday night to lay the groundwork for ways to improve business prospects in Saugus.The committee consists of Town Meeting members Joe Attubato, Peter Rossetti, Wayne Brooks, Betty Sullivan, Paul Allan and Peter Manoogian.One of the biggest issues discussed Monday was how to take advantage of Route 1.Crabtree noted restaurants and retail stores generate the lowest amount of revenue among businesses, and said a potential casino at Suffolk Downs could have a “negative impact of tables and chairs on Route 1.”It’s this reason Crabtree said he wants to bring in office buildings, hotels and high rises.Committee members also took turns proposing their own ideas and saying what issues were important to them. Brooks said he wants to enhance the town’s tax base, while Attubato said he wants to bring in heavy industry on Route 1. Sullivan, Manoogian and Allan said they would like to see multi-use space in Saugus.”I really think there’s a benefit to mixed-use zoning, and I think there’s a sensible way to do it,” said Manoogian.Members also discussed the purpose of the committee, which is to look at the big picture for Saugus.”We have to be very aware where we tend to be very parochial and just see our four borders,” said Manoogian. “The committee can help us see where we are in a regional setting. What’s the potential? Is it industrial manufacturing? Is it the biotech? Is there potential for Saugus to be the home for emerging technology? I think technology and transportation play into it.”Crabtree also said he’s in the process of hiring an economic development specialist for the town who would sit on the committee. Crabtree said he hopes the committee can serve as a liaison between his office and Town Meeting.”Town Meeting is the gatekeeper for a lot of these issues,” said Crabtree. “You have developers come in with these great ideas and there’s a disconnect ? Without the proper vetting and discussion with the key people on Town Meeting, it could be hard to have success.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].