When arts advocate Chuck Lathrop says the open studio weekend at Rockland’s Codman Building artists’ colony used to draw 3,000 people, the first thought of every town official, local business owner and taxpayer in Hanson should be:

How do we get those people here?

Although it’s only in the planning stages now, the idea for an artists’ colony along Main Street sounds like a great idea for Hanson.  It’s a business that would draw tourism and tax revenue to the town, but it would also be aesthetically pleasing.  Large manufacturing plants and big commercial developments bring money into the town, but they’re a tough sell to residents.  But who can argue that a bunch of studios and artsy boutiques are a detriment to the town?

But examining the waste disposal issue reveals a cruel irony: the Title V issues that limit residential growth to a manageable rate drive away businesses, forcing the burden of the town’s finances onto personal property taxes.

Residents will get to hear more details about the proposed studio buildings at the April 8 ZBA meeting.  Hopefully the town will seize this opportunity, and will think creatively about incentives to draw more businesses in.  Other shops tend to congregate around artists studios, and people coming to visit and purchase artwork will patronize other stores in Hanson, eat at local restaurants, etc.

But here’s something that scares off businesses large and small: when water and sewage becomes major issues.  The water issues in Hanson are what they are, although the plans to develop a second source should alleviate some of that.  But examining the waste disposal issue reveals a cruel irony: the Title V issues that limit residential growth to a manageable rate drive away businesses, forcing the burden of the town’s finances onto personal property taxes.

What the town should investigate to promote growth on Main Street is a limited sewer district.  That way, businesses looking to move to the area around the train station would be able to move in, hook up to sewage and be done with it.  No messy septic systems and no fighting with town boards.  Let’s face it, Hanson has a bit of an anti-business reputation.  If a commercial area is set up beforehand and businesses are invited in, the process will be easier for all involved.