Revitalization of a small town square can be a precarious endeavor in any economic climate. In the case of Newton’s downtown, Chamber of Commerce Executive director Darrell Sarmento believes the key is to give locals the incentives to rediscover the central business district.

“Our downtown has a lot of potential, but I think that everyone agrees it needs a makeover, it needs some work and some consistency and some housekeeping,” Sarmento said. “The more we can do to make it an attractive and consistent area will be very helpful.”

In 2012, the Chamber and many in the downtown business community have been moving forward with steps to improve the look of the square and keep shopping local.