have been against it,” Siry admits.“But now I realize you need the people in here to bring more businesses “The shift is working.“Once we started talking about bringing in development, we started getting a lot of interest from restaurants and stores --wanting to come here.You’re not getting one without the other.” The Chamber of Commerce amplifies these efforts through events such as the July 3rd celebration, which Maureen Pecorella, Chamber President, calls “one of a village is to have a good relationship with the Chamber,” he adds. Mixed-use developments are key to this growth. A former movie theater now houses a ground-floor restaurant with 33 apartments above, blending commerce and residential living. This “feet on the street” approach, initially met with resistance from some long-time residents, has proven essential. “Years ago when I was on the Zoning Board, I might 22 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06
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