Architecture Commons^™

Municipal Economic Analysis Forces That Drive The Local Economy, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This project examines the economies of 13 municipalities in Southeast Massachusetts. Seven of the towns are located in Bristol County: Acushnet, Berkley, Dighton, Freetown, Raynham, Rehoboth and Westport. Five are located in Plymouth County: Carver, Lakeville, Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. And one, Plainville, is located in Norfolk County.

The Southeast Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) has asked the Center for Economic Development to look at the forces which drive the local economies. SRPEDD has asked for some of the data to be shown over time so as to illustrate changes in the local marketplace. Examples of the data …

Inventory Of Industrial Property Executive Summary Franklin County, Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

It is not uncommon for cities and towns to actively seek economic and industrial development in times of economic stress. However, the desire to promote industrial activity and broaden the tax base is often left to the government or the town leaders. Town residents do not necessarily share this vision of development with town government. Industry, especially in rural Massachusetts, is still perceived as belching smokestacks creating myriad environmental problems.

Although a large number of towns wish to broaden the tax base and share the tax burden with new development, few have positioned themselves well to gain from or proactively …

Socio Economic Profile A Comparative Report Holliston, Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report contains a Socio Economic Profile for the Town of Holliston, Massachusetts. It includes profiles for population, housing, income, labor force, occupation, industry, and commuting.

Greenways As Vehicles For Social Expression, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

Traditionally, the recognized functions of greenways include water resource protection and pollution abatement, riparian habitat enhancement and biodiversity, flood hazard reduction, recreation, environmental education, noise attenuation, microclimate enhancement (cooling and pollution abatement), and the reduction of bank erosion and downstream sedimentation (Platt, 1992). Phil Lewis simply prefers to think of greenways as environmental corridors, which he dubs "E-ways," for the four main purposes of environment, ecology, education, and exercise (1990). In this paper a fifth "e" purpose of expression will be suggested.

As a beginning four different ways of promoting expression will be illustrated with examples. These means will include …

Mill Reuse Potential The Draper Mill Complex Hopedale, Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this study was to determine the reuse potential of the 1. 7 million square foot Draper Mill in Hopedale, Massachusetts. The study was undertaken at the request of the Hopedale Industrial Development Committee. Their goal was to develop a means of diversifying the community's tax base. When the Draper Mill was in full operation approximately sixty percent (60%) of the Town's taxes were paid by the Mill. Today, with the Mill empty, ninety percent (90%) of the Town's taxes come from residential uses. The Committee sought to develop a means to diversify Hopedale's tax base and thus …

A Comparative Analysis Fire, Police, And Public Works Departments Pelham, Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

In an ongoing effort to evaluate the effectiveness of its operations, the Town of Pelham engaged the services of the Center for Economic Development (CED) at the University of Massachusetts to examine the Highway (DPW), Police and Fire departments.

To that end, CED produced a detailed matrix comparing Pelham's three departments with those of three other communities; contacted professional and government organizations for potentially useful trends and researched additional information requested by the town. Herewith are the results of these efforts.

It was agreed that a comparative analysis of an extensive list of descriptive characteristics between Pelham's and three other …

Impacts Of Decreased Military Spending In Western Massachusetts Communities: Some Preliminary Considerations, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The following report addresses how the current changes in defense spending will impact communities in Western Massachusetts. It is evident that military spending will continue to decrease. This decrease, combined with the overall decrease in manufacturing industries is having an adverse impact on many communities. The degree of impact and how to offset, or respond to these changes is a concern of many community planners, and is the subject of this report. The information contained in this report is useful for local planners and citizens who may not necessarily have a background in regional economics or industrial development or military …

Developing A Local Organizational Structure For Industrial Development, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

Many communities in Massachusetts currently utilize a variety of publicly-funded economic development organizations that help to generate and maintain economic activity and growth. Given the importance of economic development to cities and towns that are currently facing high unemployment rates, eroding tax bases and vacant space, it is crucial that these organizations operate effectively and receive the support necessary to continue their operations.

To date, however, the performance of many of these organizations has not been evaluated in a systematic manner, and the extent of their effectiveness is unknown. Only through a formal evaluation process can it be determined if …

Business Matchmaking Feasibility Study - Just Find The Right Fit: Western Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This study explores the feasibility of a business matchmaking program for Western Massachusetts focusing on import substitution. Business matchmaking programs currently operate throughout the U.S.A. and Canada. Their goal is to retain capital in the area and develop the area's economy by linking local businesses to each other, and with national and global markets. Twelve operating programs were investigated and assessed for their adaptability to the Western Massachusetts context. Area businesses and economic experts were interviewed to determine if a similar program would work here.

From the twelve program models examined, four were selected as being the most applicable, and …

A Revitalization Study Main Street Returns For The Future Gardner, Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This Regional Planning studio project was undertaken for the Gardner Industrial Foundation ("the Foundation"). The Foundation requested that we make development recommendations for a 20 acre site along Main Street, adjacent to the "Central Business District" of Gardner, Massachusetts. The Site, containing mostly vacant manufacturing facilities, is a large and visually significant part of the downtown area. It is visible from Route 2, the main transportation highway in the region and is the "gateway property" to Main Street and the Central Business District after exiting Route 2 and heading downtown. The Site is fast becoming an eyesore given the recent …

Proposed Relocation Feasibility Of The Steamship Authority Terminal: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This studio project conducted by second year Regional Planning students from the University of Massachusetts examined the potential impacts of moving the Steamship Authority Ferry Terminal from its current location in downtown Tisbury to town owned land on Beach Road, just west of the Oak Bluffs draw bridge (See Figure 1). The Steamship Authority acts as the life line which connects Martha's Vineyard to the mainland. After a preliminary evaluation of limited data, safety emerged as the predominant concern associated with the relocation site. With the other impact categories essentially balancing each other out, is the additional risk associated with …

Inventory Of Industrial Property For Franklin County, Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The inventory is presented in table format to facilitate easy reference. The towns are presented in alphabetical order and each parcel within the town by map and lot number.

A description of table categories is as follows:

• Map/Lot: Each parcel in town has a map and lot number for purposes of assessment. This reference to map and lot number may be used to locate a particular site on an assessor's map. This reference is also key in accessing any site or·owner information.

• Address: This field indicated the address for the site in question.

• Owner: This field provided …

When The Mall Comes To A Small Town: How To Shape Development With Carrots And Sticks, John Mullin, Zenia Kotval

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Faculty Publication Series

Across the United States there is a continuous expansion of population away from our traditional urban center cities. As people have occupied housing in these former open spaces, industrial parks and commercial centers have soon followed. While local planning boards have been able, in most cases, to handle residential and industrial growth, they are rarely able to handle extensive retail growth. Indeed, when a mall developer - complete with a multitalented staff and reams of plans - comes before a small town planning board, there is inevitable shock and a great deal of fear. In our experience, few small towns …

Reuse Of The Waverly Mill Potential For A Retail Outlet Center, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report was designed to explore the prospect of reusing the Waverly Mill to establish an outlet retail center in the town of Adams, Massachusetts. The report also examines the impacts and benefits of an outlet center in respect to jobs and local businesses.

What To Do With Scrap Tires In The 1990'S Technology, Market And Policy Considerations, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this report was to look at the issue of what to do with the millions of scrap tires in surplus, and those added to the waste stream each year. The report goes on to identify and evaluate the options with regards to the reusing and disposing of scrap tires, discuses and evaluate the recycling of tires as a tool to generate economics development in Western Massachusetts, and explores the current options for disposal of existing tire stockpile.

Indsutrial Revitalization Plan Liberty Taylor Corridor, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report was designed to begin the community renewal program for Liberty-Taylor Industrial Corridor located in Springfield, Massachusetts. The objectives of the report was to describe current conditions the Liberty-Taylor Corridor; to analyze and update previous planning studies of the Corridor; to identify key roadblocks to investment in the Corridor, and to present possible solutions in order to stimulate reinvestment.

Using Water For Local Economic Development, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report was meant to evaluate the quality and the quantity of water available to the city of Springfield, Massachusetts. The report looks at the demand for clean water, and how the city provides it to the residents of the city.

Manual Of Build-Out Analysis, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this report is to be an introduction to Building-Out Analysis. Build-Out Analysis is a planning tool that results in mapped and tabular information that shows, visually, what a landscape could look like, and numerically what the resulting population could be with respect to zoning ordinances and subdivision control regulations in place at the time of the analysis

Highest And Best Use Analysis Athol Industrial Mall, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report was made to explore the possible uses of the Athol Mall located in Athol, Massachusetts. The report explores the possible advantages and disadvantages of the location and accessibility of the mall, and the floor lay out of the building.

Feasibility Assessment Study Proposed Industrial Park, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This study was conducted to determine the strengths and weaknesses of land use for industrial purposes in Athol, Massachusetts. The study goes on to review planning documents, consulting the Town Administrator and the site finding committee, interviewing the town officials, developers, realtors and Chamber of Commerce official and local newspaper editor.

Springfield Business Retention And Visitation Program, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this report was to create a data-base through which Springfield could identify the needs and concerns of local businesses in an effort to enhance the business climate. This system would be used by the greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce to assemble and analyze specific types of business-related information, develop company profiles, develop an early warning program, and in general generate a greater understanding of how the Springfield, Massachusetts, area is perceived as a place to do business.

Overall Economic Development Plan An Annual Update, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report’s purpose was to analyze the economic conditions of Rutland County, Vermont. It covers Employment, Labor Force, Unemployment, and Housing.

Range And River An Open Space And Recreation Plan, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report purpose was to build a plan for the town of South Hadley, Massachusetts. The five year plan will serve to improve the existing efforts and establish a long and short term goal for the Holyoke Range and the Connecticut River with the idea of making it more accessible to the public.

Corridor Study-Route 32 West Street And Palmer Road, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this report was to help analyze the current and future uses along Route 32, which is located in Ware, Massachusetts, and the impact of those uses in terms of fiscal and infrastructure impacts to the town.

Corridor Study Alvord Street Corridor, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report aims to update the Master Plan for the town of South Hadley, Massachusetts. The report goes on to examine Alvord Street, which is located in the south west area of town next to the Connecticut River, and has historically been used as agricultural land for the past eight years.

Economic Development Policies Industrial Development Commissions State Of Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report explores the potential economic policies the state of Massachusetts can put into place to grow its industrial development. The report examines the geography and economy of the region, the labor market, demographic shifts, the size of the community, and the structure of the local government.

Data Collection And Analysis Master Planning Process, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The focus of the report was to help develop a Master Plan for the town of Orange, Massachusetts. The Plan details a land inventory, a housing condition survey, real-estate data collection, demographic data, and an infrastructure capacity assessment.

Design And Feasibility Study Affordable Housing, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The study examines three neighborhoods: Highland Street, Old Belchertown Road, and Cummings Road in the town of Ware, Massachusetts. It explores the physical characteristics and determines the sustainability, and then goes on to provide a buildout scenario of each of the three sites.

Industrial Feasibility Studies Three Scattered Sites Springfield, Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of developing industrial sites at three locations in the City if Springfield. Due to a shortage of industrial land the City is extremely interested in identifying parcels of land upon which industry can be sited.

The study was undertaken by the Springfield Economic Development Corporation in conjunction with the Center For Economic Development at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. The objective of the effort was to encourage the development of new or existing industry at sites whose development would be in keeping with the planning goals and objectives of …

The Mall Comes To Town: Planning For Its Development, John Mullin, Zenia Kotval, Edward Murray

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Faculty Publication Series

This article analyzes the impacts of malls on the character and economic base of a community. Based on both applied planning and academic research, it is clear that malls stimulate major changes in the community fabric. It is also apparent that community leaders who have a clear perception that their cities and towns have the potential to attract malls, and prepare for them, will be able to gain far more from their development than those that simply wait and see. The theme of this article, in short, is that a community either plans for a mall or it is planned …