Northborough,
MAssachusetts
Industrial Development Commission
December, 1996
In 1996, the Industrial Development Commission endorsed I three Annual Town Meeting warrant articles in line with the Commission's charge to promote the re-occupation of available industrial properties. One article dealt with the creation of the Town's first Economic Opportunity Area encompassing four parcels on Bearfoot Road which included the two properties commonly known as 30 and 40 Bearfoot Road. Two major facilities were encompassed by this proposed EOA, the former EcoScience and Raytheon manufacturing sites, respectively. 40 Bearfoot Road was the subject of a second warrant article, that which would create a Tax Incremental Financing agreement with the new owner and occupant of the site, Peterson Spring Company. Commissioner Mark Donahue joined the Town Administrator, Assistant Town Administrator, Board of Selectmen Chair and Principal Assessor in negotiating a successful TIF agreement with the CFO of Peterson Corporation which provided for an incremental assessment (over a period of six years) of any new value at 40 Bearfoot as a result of Peterson's investment in the site. Peterson, in return, promised to renovate and occupy 40 Bearfoot and augment its workforce by ten additional persons, giving hiring priority to those job applicants residing in the Northborough area. The Commission also endorsed a warrant article brought forth by Selectmen Stephen Kellicker proposing that the Town join the Central Massachusetts Economic Development Authority, an organization created by a unique legislation enabling communities to invest in the clean-up and re-occupation of commercial and industrial properties classified as having "21E" (hazardous waste) contamination.
On June 18, the Commission sponsored a reception at the Massachusetts Electric Customer Service Center at 55 Bearfoot Road to honor Massachusetts Electric for capital expansion and job creation in the Town of Northborough. Mass Electric made a significant capital investment in the Town by thoroughly renovating and re-occupying an abandoned industrial site and creating an employment base of over 400.
Additionally, Commissioners endorsed the concept of having Northborough's 1997 Master Plan Update devote serious analysis to the impact that the Solomon Pond Mall and subsequent spinoff development may have on the Town.
The IDC was again represented at the annual Northborough -Westborough Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours in March and the Greater Worcester New England Business Expo in October.
In 1997, the Commission looks forward to bringing a second EOA/TIF to the voters at Town Meeting on behalf of Granger Nursing Home, 112 West Main Street. Granger plans to construct a new facility with capacity to accommodate approximately 63 beds and 50 staff persons; total new investment at the Granger site will represent approximately $4 million.
The Industrial Development Commission meets regularly the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room.
Respectfully submitted Mark Donahue Chair;
Peter Chandler, ArthurDuffy, John Oakes,
Edward Randall, Richard Sweeney, Steven Wales
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