The Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, an initiative that had the misfortune of getting off the ground during the coronavirus pandemic, has been given state funding to help the neighborhood recover from the health and economic crisis.
A $120,000 grant the district announced Wednesday from the state s Local Rapid Recovery Planning program will help district leaders study solutions to help revitalize the downtown, which was challenged by storefront vacancies before the pandemic and some restaurants that closed at least temporarily this winter, as well as events spaces including the Hanover Theatre, DCU Center and Mechanics Hall.
The business improvement district said it would work with city officials to develop plans for helping downtown recover, including slightly longer-term strategies. The process is expected to take about five months and involve the Boston office of the urban design firm Stantec.
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The three towns are working to figure out how to use the Minuteman Bikeway to drive more customers to their business districts as a recovery strategy from the pandemic. (Shutterstock)
LEXINGTON, MA Lexington, Bedford and Arlington were awarded a Local Rapid Recovery Planning grant by the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative.
The goal of the LRRP program is to give every municipality in Massachusetts the opportunity to develop plans tailored to the unique economic challenges and immediate COVID-19 impacts that have affected downtowns, town centers and commercial areas throughout Massachusetts. The three towns are working to figure out how to use the Minuteman Bikeway to drive more customers to their business districts as a recovery strategy from the pandemic. The grant will focus on this project. Arlington Heights, East Lexington, and Bedford Center will be areas of specific focus.
Marblehead businesses welcome ‘Rapid Recovery’ help
Free consultant to analyze the challenges and offer solutions to those hit hard by COVID-19
Leigh Blander/ Wicked Local
MARBLEHEAD Heather Dalton, owner of the boutique Seaside Allure, is relieved and hopeful after hearing that the town has won a Local Rapid Recovery Planning (LRRP) grant to help town businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic.
“It’s been really quiet. Just getting people to come in the door is hard,” Dalton said. “People are hunkered down. And they’re shopping at big box stores online, putting the little businesses in a tough place.”