Braintree Year in Review: The Top Business Stories of 2015

When it came to business stories in Braintree, 2015 seemed to set up 2016 and beyond.

While KMart left, two new stores were soon announced, the Planning Board gave their approval for the Landing redevelopment, and the town practically banned Uber and Lyft drivers from picking up passengers in Braintree before backing down.

Below are the top business stories on Braintree Patch for 2015.

1. Braintree KMart Closing Down - In November, Braintree’s Kmart announced their closer, but Mayor Joseph Sullivan said a Nordstrom Rack and a Sack’s Fifth Avenue outlet are planning to take over the space.
2. A Battle for an Uber Ban - What started as a request from Braintree Best Taxi became a month-long debate over the difference between a traditional taxi service and transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. In May, the Board of Licensing Commissioners voted to issue a cease and desist letter to any driver for a TNC who was picking up customers in Braintree without a hackney license. The vote drew praise from the taxi industry, but criticism from Uber and Lyft supporters. In July, Town Clerk Jim Casey admitted to never sending out a letter because he could not find a way to enforce the restriction. By September, the board voted to back away from the issue until the state passed regulations for TNCs.
3. Landing Restaurant Trio Announces Closure - In August, the restaurant announced their closure due to the redevelopment of the Braintree side of the Landing.
4. Braintree Planning Board Approves Landing Redevelopment - In August, the Planning Board unanimously voted to approve the proposal, giving the go-ahead for developer Joshua Katzen to pursue the construction of the $30 million mixed-use project designed to revitalize and bring transit-oriented development to East Braintree.
5. Jimmy Johns Subs Set to Open Braintree Location - In October, Illinois-based Jimmy John’s opened their seventh store in Massachusetts.