Taunton to receive $50,000 grant for downtown master plan

November 17, 2017 : Taunton Daily Gazette

TAUNTON – The state is sending planning money Taunton’s way to help make sure the rebuilt City Hall is integrated into the rest of downtown.

The Baker-Polito administration announced Thursday that the city will receive a grant of up to $50,000 through MassDevelopment for a downtown district master plan.

In addition to the focus on the rebuilt City Hall at 15 Summer St., the study will also explore strategies for attracting private investment to vacant buildings along Main Street.

The master plan will build on previous state and federal investments in Taunton, including $6.1 million in infrastructure grants.

“The City of Taunton has made great strides to boost economic activity through recent industrial, housing and infrastructure developments,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash.

“This master planning effort compliments previous state investments and will further the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts, integrating key parts of the community’s downtown and working to attract commercial and residential activity.”

MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth.

“We have been proud to partner with the City of Taunton to capitalize on resources like the Myles Standish Industrial Park and we look forward to helping this community develop a downtown vision that leverages existing assets and identifies new opportunities for economic growth,” MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss said.

Mayor Tom Hoye thanked Ash and his office for their support in obtaining the grant.

“MassDevelopment has been a tremendous partner with the City of Taunton and we could not ask for a more qualified agency to assist in our Downtown revitalization efforts. We have made significant strides downtown, and this much needed technical assistance will allow us to take our efforts to the next level,” Hoye said.

State Rep. Shaunna O’Connell, R. Taunton, said, “fI am pleased that Taunton is a priority to this administration. This grant will be a good step in revitalizing downtown Taunton and reviving economic development in the area.”

“While Taunton has always had a diverse and active city center,” said State Rep. Patricia Haddad, D. Somerset. “This planning grant will aid the community’s efforts to expand the downtown as a vibrant cultural and commercial hub.”