Editor’s Note: This article updates the print edition, which had erroneously mentioned proposals of a future Herb Chambers auto dealership and a Best Western hotel. This updated story removes the mention of the Herb Chambers dealership, which already exists on Route 1. It also clarifies that there are plans to renovate the Best Western. The Talon regrets this error.
By Brendon Wen and Henry Chen, Class of 2025
Sharon welcomed a retail giant into its quiet suburban landscape over a month ago. Now, the parking lot is packed, lines are spilling out of Old Post Road, and membership applications are piling.
With its location along Route 95 and recent accessibility renovations, Costco has become more convenient for Sharonites and nearby towns. As a result, the increased traffic has contributed to economic development.
“Through the long Sharon Gallery development process, the town had several goals: expanding the local economy, diversifying the tax base, and attracting new businesses while supporting existing ones,” said Xander Shapiro, member of the Select Board.
Since its opening, Costco has created over 200 new jobs and a potential of increased spending from the influx of non-residential customers. Shapiro noted that many people have come in from surrounding communities—including Rhode Island, which is Costco-less.
Local businesses have gotten creative and grown their customer base with Costco’s proximity. “Ward’s [has offered] discounts to anyone who shows a Costco receipt,” said Shapiro. “One restaurant owner told me their business was up over the weekends since Costco opened, especially from Rhode Islanders coming to town.”
But perhaps the most significant benefit of this development addresses Sharon’s long-standing issue of dependence on residential property taxes.
During the planning process, town officials noted that “93.5% of the town’s revenue is from home taxes. Homeowners are the largest taxpayers,” according to the minutes from the Economic Development Committee meeting on December 12, 2024. This is a drastic difference from nearby towns’ reliance on home taxes: Walpole, 79%; Canton, 76%; and Stoughton, 64%.
Shapiro commented that the new Costco hopefully encourages other retail businesses, large and small, to open doors in the Sharon Gallery: “a more robust commercial tax base means we reduce our dependence on residential real estate taxes as percent of town revenue, as is true in all our surrounding towns.”
The shift could also have implications for the Sharon Public School system. The School Committee is facing its second year of a budget deficit, making sacrificial cuts and continuing tuition-based kindergarten. With increased commercial tax revenue through the introduction of more businesses, officials say the town could reduce financial burden on parents.
Beyond Costco, new commercial activity is already in motion. “Shaw’s Plaza is adding a new building, which will bring a new Taco Bell restaurant to town,” Shapiro said. This expansion reflects the growing interest from developers who view Sharon as a potential commercial hub.
Similarly, the Economic Development Board met with the Select Board on April 10 and hinted at future development along Route 1: new office buildings and renovations for the Best Western hotel and Applebee’s.
SHS students are also hopeful for more franchises to join the few existing chains like Dunkin’, Crescent Ridge, and CVS.
“I love Chipotle—I hope all this attention brings a store to Sharon. Having one local would make it so much more convenient,” said Sydney Sekuler, ‘25.
For now, the arrival of Costco has created much livelihood within the community, especially for Sharon High School students.