Dighton Economic Development Committee debates shift to commercial recruitment strategy

DIGHTON — July 28, 2025 — Dighton's Economic Development Committee debated shifting from local business advocacy to active commercial recruitment at its July 28 meeting. The committee, which sent welcome note cards to eight newly registered home-based businesses since December, acknowledged that none of the new arrivals are expected to generate meaningful commercial tax revenue for the town. Member Dan reported that Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School's marketing program has agreed to produce a short town promotional video at no cost, freeing up committee funds for other uses such as a proposed networking event tentatively planned for October. The committee discussed three currently vacant commercial properties: a small retail space adjacent to Dunkin' Donuts listed at $1,000 per month, the former 1712 restaurant on County Street now listed for sale, and the town's old mill property believed to be in or near repossession. Member Laura reported that a prior proposal to lease town-owned land for agriculture was abandoned after an agricultural committee review found the identified parcels too wooded, too wet, or too inaccessible. The committee's online business directory now lists approximately 52 Dighton businesses.