Urban Studies and Planning Commons^™

Evaluating Main Street An Economic And Spatial Analysis Holden, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this study was to assist the town of Holden in assessing further development potential along a 1.6 mile stretch of Main Street. Holden’s History is similar to many small New England towns, as it has evolved into a suburb in the post WWII period. The socioeconomic analysis shows a growing community where a large proportion of the residents are professionals and financially well off. There is a strong sense of community and the citizens are concerned about the future of their town.

Chicopee River Watershed Study Chicopee, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The goal of this studio is to provide our client with an assessment of conditions and attitudes within the Chicopee Watershed, which is located in Chicopee, Massachusetts. This information can then be used by the client in its effort to increase participation in watershed protection. To achieve this goal, the studio has set out four objectives. The first is to give an overview of land uses, social and economic trends in the watershed. The second is to review existing town regulations and compare them with model bylaws and regulations. The third is to gather opinions from the various people in …

Creating A Strong Image For The Economic Enhancement Of Downtown Ayer, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The recent closure of Fort Devens has had an undeniable impact on business in downtown Ayer, Massachusetts, deflating both the town's population level and its economy. Downtown business in Ayer has traditionally served several surrounding communities, and it is fundamental to the survival of Ayer' s economy that this business continue to thrive. Facing a future that will lack the economic boost formerly associated with Fort activity, business owners and the town must make a greater effort to attract downtown commerce. In the midst of these changes, residents and business owners have participated with town officials in planning for the …

Final Report On The Measurable Indicators Of Economic Success, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

Across the United States of America people are increasingly interested in ensuring that government expenditures are well spent. We can note this interest at all levels of government ranging from local to national scales. Indeed, increased accountability is a paramount theme of the new Congress. As well, in all of its manifestations, it is a critical element of the "quality movement" that is becoming acculturated in both the private and public sectors.

The notion of accountability implies measurement: In exchange for public tax dollars allocated, increased value will be gained. All government organizations know this intuitively. Yet, few government organizations …

Economic Development Strategies For The Urban Core Cities Of The Pioneer Valley Region Of Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report presents a series of initial strategy recommendations for the economic development of the cities of Springfield and Holyoke. There are six cities in the Pioneer Valley: Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, Westfield, Northampton, and Agawam. The three contiguous cities of Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee form the urban core of the region. Historically, these cities have been the cultural. financial, and industrial centers of the Pioneer Valley. The scope of this report is limited to the cities of Springfield and Holyoke because these cities face uniquely urban problems that Chicopee, a largely middle class community, does not.

The client for the …

Looking At Market Square: Toward A Development Concept For Chicopee Center, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report presents a series of marketing and economic development strategies for the central business district in Chicopee Center known as the Market Square area. The City of Chicopee, along with the cities of Holyoke and Springfield, is part of the urban center of the Pioneer Valley region. Like many older industrial cities, and like many cities with a small downtown area, Chicopee finds its economic fortunes at an ebb. Although Chicopee is certainly not a city in distress, it is believed that steps should be taken to ensure that the Market Square area does not slip into serious decline. …

Industrial Lands Survey Worcester, Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this report is to provide the Worcester City Manager's Office of Planning and Community Development with an inventory of industrially zoned properties within the City's designated Economic Opportunity Areas (EOA): Southern District, Pullman Street, Greendale, and Northeast. This inventory includes a database consisting of property information for all four EOAs, as well as a more detailed analysis of the Main South Industrial Cluster of the Southern District EOA.

The first two chapters of the report provide a brief introduction to the City and the project, highlighting the economic history of Worcester and the region. As the region …

Marketing The Rutland Heights State Hospital Rutland, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report analyzed the characteristics of the Rutland Heights State Hospital site, town of Rutland, and the urban region of Worcester, Massachusetts. An assessment of the proposed re-use options provided in the State Master Plan was conducted. Finally, site management and marketing strategies were identified.

Pittsfield Conference Center A Preliminary Feasibility Review, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this report is to determine the feasibility of a conference center/business meeting center and hotel concept to be located in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The key word in the above is “concept.” The study team, via interviews, examination of industry data and review of city plans, developed a snapshot at a moment in time.

The Result Of The Visual Preference Survey For The Town Of Franklin, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

On June 17, 1995 the town of Franklin, Massachusetts commissioned a community forum to articulate a vision for the future of their town. During a four hour period the forum elicited input from more than fifty concerned citizens, business leaders and town officials. The Center for Economic Development (CED) acted as the facilitators. The report produced created a Vision Statement and illustrated the results of the Visual Preference exercise and survey held during the forum.

Downtown Redevelopment In Northampton A Model For Revitalization, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This study examined Northampton’s downtown redevelopment over the past two decades in order to draw out lessons for other Massachusetts towns and cities. The study used a number of methods: Interviewing key informants; tracing downtown redevelopment through city records and newspaper searches; analyzing commuting patterns into and out of the city; examining data on new businesses and compiling an inventory of lesbian and gay businesses, organizations and events

Greater Franklin Area Trends Analysis Report, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The Greater Franklin Area, located in south-central Massachusetts, is composed of nine communities along Route 495. The region was experiencing unprecedented growth pressures. In response, the United Chamber of Commerce had organized a Regional Community Visioning Process. This Trends Analysis Report was one product from Phase I of the process.

Downtown Master Plan For Lee, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The graduate studio in Regional Planning at the Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst had contracted with The Lee Economic Action for the Downtown to prepare a Master Plan for the downtown area of Lee, Massachusetts. The goals of this Master Plan were to preserve and enhance the character of the Downtown, and to prepare the downtown for change.

Berkshire County Commercial Corridor Market Analysis, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report focuses on the retail sector of Berkshire County, Massachusetts. The report examines the economic base and the significance of that sector to the future growth and development in the region.

Economic Analysis Downtown Marlborough, Massachusetts Center City Association, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report was made to evaluate the economy of downtown Marlborough, Massachusetts. In the first part of the report they took surveys of customers and business owners about downtown and its business. Next it analyzed the potential demand for various goods and services.

Amherst Research Park A Study Of Design Standards For Amherst, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The focus of this studio project was the potential development of a professional research park in Amherst, Massachusetts. The project consisted of two distinct phases: data collection and analysis of physical conditions of the site, and data collection and analysis for the purpose of creating design guidelines that could be applied to future development at the site and to other research parks in town. The client for this project was the town of Amherst.

Build Out Analysis And Fiscal Assessment For Mansfield, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report is a summary of the ideas and strategies that emerged as a result of the Charrette held in Mansfield, Massachusetts on February 18, 1995. Charrette participants were a broad representation of interests ranging from public officials and various public/private associations to merchants and residents.

Space Inventory And Preliminary Marketing Recommendations, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report was designed to assist further economic development of Gloucester, Massachusetts’s working waterfront and downtown commercial district. This market and economic development plan was meant to provide the Gloucester Community Development Office with some key ingredients for the success of their overall economic revitalization plan that was being prepared for the entire city.

Shaping Our Common Destiny Town-Gown Relations And The Physical Implications Of Economic Development, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

A conference was purposed entitled “Shaping Our Common Destiny: Town/Gown Relations and Physical Implication of Economic Development,” in the town of Amherst, Massachusetts. The framework for the conference will focus on the mutual interest, concerns, and responsibilities of the community officials and the university officials.

The purpose of this survey was two-fold: to determine interest among university and town planners in participating in the proposed conference and to assess the nature of current relationships between the two entities.

Georgetown Planning Analysis And Alternatives Georgetown Master Plan Commitee, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report is a study that prepares and presents background reports and preliminary growth management scenarios for the town of Georgetown, Massachusetts for the Georgetown Master Plan Committee. Georgetown’s character is described in terms of historical, cultural, and natural resources.

Reuse Potential Industrial Mill Complexes For Springfield, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report provided a cross-section of mill buildings in the Springfield, Massachusetts area. These are representative in terms of location, past and present use and surrounding activities. The analysis of the mill buildings provides an inventory of each site, and when taken together, give an overall picture of the existing condition and potential of mill buildings.

The Future Of Masonic Lodges, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this report was to assess the effects of declining membership on Masonic Buildings throughout the Connecticut River Valley. The Masons are an international philanthropic fraternal organization which has over 31 lodges or groups which meet at 24 sites in our study area. In Massachusetts, Masonic membership has declined almost 30% in the last ten years.

Overall Economic Development Program Montachusett Region, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The goal of this report was to establish a system for one stop shopping where a project could go to one office and obtain all the permits necessary for the project to proceed; utilizing a bottom up approach so that the needs of local government are identified rather than determined by the state or federal government.

Resource Inventory And Preliminary Marketing Strategy For Economic Development, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this studio project is to inventory the resources and create a preliminary marketing strategy for the Town of Berre. A community wide survey was to be designed to gain insights on the perspectives and strengths of the community, but it was decided that citizen feeling could be more effectively and practically determined through focus groups.

Master Plan For The Town Of Whaley, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The goal of this report was to provide guidance to the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen, among other government entities, of Whatley, Massachusetts, in developing local regulations and ordinances.

New England Green Technology Project, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report takes a look at the global market for green technology then focuses in on the six states that make up New England. It then takes a brief look at the history and the driving forces of the green technology In New England. Finally it compiles a list of foundations that meet the criteria set forth by the Center for Green Technology.

Reuse Of Six Industrial Mills In Easthampton, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this report was to determine the suitability for the reuse of six turn-of-the-century industrial mills in Easthampton, Massachusetts. The mills, clustered in the center of town, are an important historic and architectural resource, providing a visual link with Easthampton’s industrial heritage.

Ware Recreation Facilities Plan, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report explores the history and physical characteristics of Ware, Massachusetts. It then delves into the existing recreation facilities currently in Ware. Finally, it identifies a list of issues and presents some long-term goals that touch on all forms of recreation including both indoor and passive recreational opportunities available within Ware.

Capital Facilities Inventory And Assessment Study Grafton, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The reason for this report was to provide a public facilities inventory component for the Grafton Master Plan, assess the existing levels of public services in relation to capital facilities, and research an array of standards and guidelines through which Grafton, Massachusetts could identify excess or deficient capital facilities.

A Methodology For Determining The Local Impacts Of Defense Spending, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report was meant to determine what the economic impact of Department of Defense cutbacks would have been on local communities in Western Massachusetts. This project provided a methodology to determine what these local impacts were. The plan was to have policy makers use this data to create strategies which may ease the effects of defense spending cutbacks on their communities.