There has been public commentary about the launch of the Commerce Cottages, and while we value the passion behind these perspectives, we feel it’s important to clarify a few things. The Commerce Cottages are a completely new initiative—built from the ground up by the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce. This is not a rebranded version of a prior program. It has a new mission, a new location, new pricing, and a broader, more inclusive vision. Any comparison to the previous Arts & Culture Shanty Program misses the fact that this is a fundamentally different offering, designed to serve not only artists, but also students, nonprofits, small businesses, and community-makers of all types.
The application timeline reflected the reality of building something from scratch. Legal, logistical, and strategic considerations—including insurance, permitting, and partnership development—take time. Rushing the rollout would have compromised the quality and stability of the program. Our goal was not just to fill vendor space, but to build a foundation for something sustainable and meaningful for years to come.
Regarding the transition period last fall, the Chamber stepped up when the previous program’s future was uncertain. We worked with the City to secure permits, absorbed insurance liability, and opened access to the remaining vendors free of charge. This was not a takeover. It was a lifeline. While many artists advocated for the program’s continuation—and their voices were important—the Chamber provided the operational backbone that made that continuation possible. To suggest that the Chamber’s support amounted to abandonment disregards the time, cost, and responsibility we assumed to keep the opportunity alive.
We’ve also seen criticism about lighting delays, lack of holiday decorations, and reduced marketing during the winter extension. That extension was never marketed as a fully programmed holiday season. It was a transitional offering, shared in good faith, at no cost to the vendors. While we understand that expectations may have been higher, it’s important to recognize what was provided: a platform to vend, during a time when the program could have disappeared entirely.
Some have pointed to changes in layout and setup as points of frustration. Event logistics often involve difficult decisions. The spacing adjustments and tent placement in question were made to accommodate a large-scale downtown event meant to drive traffic and energy into the downtown altogether. While not every setup was ideal, the decisions were made with broader public benefit in mind—and always within the bounds of safety and fairness.
Concerns have also been raised about the reduction from five cottages to three. This was intentional. We are starting small to ensure the quality of experience, proper oversight, and a manageable scope as we refine and grow. We will continue to assess demand and community response, but our focus is on long-term success—not a short-term numbers game. Similarly, we’ve seen complaints about the move away from the waterfront location. The decision to relocate was made after a careful review of the city’s plans for Waterfront Park Phase III. Rather than risk being displaced mid-season, we proactively created a new home—one we can grow into and improve over time. The partnership with the Unitarian Church on Pleasant Street offers historic significance, pedestrian traffic, and long-term security.
There’s also been pushback about expanding the program beyond artists. We reject the notion that inclusion dilutes value. If anything, it strengthens it. The creative economy includes more than just traditional visual artists. Makers, students, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs all bring color, creativity, and energy to the downtown community. This evolution doesn’t exclude artists—it welcomes more voices to the table.
Lastly, there has been criticism of the pricing model. The claim that the program is now unaffordable doesn’t stand up to comparison. Previously, vendors paid over $60 per weekend—or roughly $240/month—for limited access and premiums during downtown events. The new model offers a full month of vending, 7 days a week, in a visible downtown space, for $500/month. For those who want a real opportunity to test their concept in a retail environment, the value is clear. It’s an equitable and competitive rate for what is being offered.
We welcome dialogue, and we hear the emotion behind the feedback. But we stand firmly behind the work we’ve done to create something lasting and impactful. Commerce Cottages are a new chapter—designed not to recreate the past, but to build the future. We are focused on positivity only and anyone with hate in their hearts can go elsewhere.
Nate Allard
President, Newburyport Chamber of Commerce
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