Business owners and EDC press Select Board for careful analysis before any split tax move

Select Board members heard extensive public comment from downtown small-business owners and commercial-property holders about a possible split in Natick’s tax classification. Dozens of speakers outlined how triple‑net leases and rising operating costs already squeeze margins and warned that a large commercial reallocation could be passed through to tenants or drive businesses out of town.

"We're living paycheck to paycheck," said Stu Grant, a downtown business owner, describing rising rents and operating costs. Warren Cross, who identified himself as a large commercial owner, said, "I already pay over 300,000 in taxes," and warned that a proposed 40% shift would be "a major mistake." Paul Joseph, chair of the Economic Development Committee, told the board tax rate is only one variable in business attraction and recommended the EDC present comparable towns with context on commercial mix, transit access and economic-development capacity before the board considers a decision.