Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates $250,000 in Real Estate Technical Assistance Grants through Community One Stop for Growth
Real Estate Services Technical Assistance Program to Support Eight Projects Across Massachusetts
December 13, 2023
BOSTON — Last week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration celebrated awards through the state’s Community One Stop for Growth, including $250,000 in grants from the Real Estate Services Technical Assistance Program.
In October, the Administration announced $164 million for 338 grant awards through the One Stop to support local economic development projects in 161 communities across the state.
“Massachusetts’s economy is strong, and more abundant housing and inclusive business corridors will add to our long-term competitiveness,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through this program administered by the team at MassDevelopment, our Administration is able to work on the ground with communities to develop strategic, thoughtful plans to build housing and encourage economic growth.”
“Municipalities are able to achieve their economic development goals faster when they have the right tools at their disposal,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “This funding connects municipal officials and their partners with the right experts and consultants to move the planning process along, and has tangible benefits for local economies.”
“MassDevelopment’s Real Estate Services Technical Assistance Program is effective because it provides cities and towns with the resources and expertise needed to engage stakeholders, explore development opportunities, and implement plans that increase housing and economic opportunity,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “Whether tackling challenging sites or seeking to revitalize entire districts, this is a resource that helps communities lay the groundwork for action.”
“Through this program, our staff and the expert consultants we contract with are able to empower municipalities looking to increase housing, revitalize commercial districts, and plan for long-term economic success,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera. “Economic development projects that once seemed out of reach become a lot more realistic when we’re able to connect local partners with resources that fit their specific needs.”
Through a combination of in-house expertise and contracts with consultants, under this program MassDevelopment works with municipal officials, planners, local stakeholders, and others to address priority planning and development projects through creative solutions and clear, implementable action steps. Awards support public surplus property reuse, including feasibility analyses and Requests for Proposals/Qualifications (RFP/Q) development, and the implementation of local district management tools such as Business Improvement Districts and District Improvement Financing. Since the program was created in 2017 through FY23, it has supported 46 awards for a total investment of more than $1.65 million.
“Investing in the development of our downtowns invigorates vibrant local economies and generates prosperous communities,” said Senator Jullian Cyr (D-Barnstable). “Funds awarded to the Town of Barnstable’s Real Estate Services program through the EOED’s Community One Stop Growth grants will allow the town to plan and develop a District Improvement Financing Program in downtown Hyannis. Encouraging economic development in the heart of the mid-Cape will boost the vitality of our region and encourage growth for years to come.”
“The Town of Barnstable is grateful for grant support from MassDevelopment’s Real Estate Services Technical Assistance Program. This award will provide us expertise to guide the Town as we explore the potential benefits of a District Improvement Financing Program,” said Barnstable Town Manager Mark Ells. “We also thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for supporting a vibrant future for Downtown Hyannis through the Community OneStop for Growth Program.”
Real Estate Services Technical Assistance Program Awards
Town of Acushnet – $25,000
The Town of Acushnet will use this grant to conduct community engagement and examine reuse scenarios for the former Russell Library.
Town of Athol – $40,000
The Town of Athol will use this grant to develop and implement an RFP process to attract a private-sector investor for a mid-scale hotel and conference facility at the North Quabbin Business Park abutting Exit 77 at the junction of state Routes 2 and 2A.
Town of Barnstable – $50,000
The Town of Barnstable will use this grant to study the feasibility of establishing a District Improvement Financing (DIF) program to benefit downtown Hyannis and develop a DIF development district plan.
Town of Chester – $30,000
The Town of Chester will use this grant to study reuse opportunities for a town-owned former elementary school building for commercial or residential uses.
Town of Dedham – $30,000
The Town of Dedham will use this grant to conduct community engagement and examine reuse scenarios for a 1.61-acre town-owned parcel that was formerly the town incinerator and transfer station.
City of Gloucester – $25,000
The City of Gloucester will use this grant to utilize technical assistance to complete a Business Improvement District (BID) implementation plan.
Town of Lunenberg – $25,000
The Town of Lunenberg will use this grant for a site concept plan, market feasibility study, and to develop an RFP to support the disposition of a long-vacant former gas station owned by the town.
Town of Middleton – $25,000
The Town of Middleton will use this grant for planning the disposition of its soon-to-be-vacant Town Hall for an affordable housing redevelopment project that will maintain the historic character of the building.
About the Community One Stop for Growth
The Community One Stop for Growth is an annual program overseen by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) that provides a streamlined process for cities and towns to apply for 13 state grant programs administered by EOED, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the quasi-public agency MassDevelopment. Programs in the One Stop fund economic development projects related to community capacity building, planning and zoning, site preparation, building construction, infrastructure, and housing development. To learn more about the One Stop, visit www.mass.gov/guides/community-one-stop-for-growth.
About MassDevelopment
MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2023, MassDevelopment financed or managed 545 projects generating investment of more than $2 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 10,522 jobs and build or preserve 1,583 housing units.
