Urban Studies and Planning Commons^™

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. …

Overall Economic Development Program For The Gardner Labor Market Area Of Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

In July of 1992 Mr. Michael D. Gerry, chairman of the Gardner Redevelopment Authority, contacted the Gardner Office of Planning and Community Development about the community's status regarding its eligibility for E.D.A. funding for a proposed industrial park. In follow-up discussion with the planning office and Mr. William Fitzhenry of the regional EDA Office, it was determined that while Gardner was within an approved area, it needed to prepare a current O.E.D.P., as the most recent one had been approved by the E.D.A. in April of 1975. In as much as the last report had been developed under the direction …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …