By Susan Shalhoub
This story appeared in the Special Section: Worcester Emerging, detailing the buzz building around the city. To see the entire section, click here
State economic-development agency MassDevelopment – which provides financing solutions such as low-interest loans and tax credits to developers, businesses, nonprofits and communities – has been a major player in Worcester’s urban growth initiatives.
Part of the city’s multilayered, collaborative approach involving state, federal and local partners, MassDevelopment offers programs in areas of real estate, financing and more specialized sectors, such as manufacturing.
When it comes to these programs, Worcester Chief Development Officer Peter Dunn says the city has taken part in just about all of them.
Main South art installation latest in movement to spruce up business corridor
“I love Main South,” the large, colorful installation reads, with a heart symbolizing the word love.
The project was funded by a state grant awarded to the Regional Environmental Council in 2020.
The REC, a city nonprofit that works to increase access to healthy foods, partnered with multiple groups on the project, including the Main South Business Association.
“We want to put out the message, Together, we’re stronger,’” Laura Perez-Garcia, president of the association, said Tuesday.
Main South business leaders partner with state for business association
Perez-Garcia, owner of Voltage Fashion Boutique at 834 Main St., is one of several local business leaders who’ve partnered with the state to get a business association going.
A new piece of public art located in Main South will be unveiled on Sunday, according to an announcement from the Regional Environmental Council and Main South Business Association.
The piece was designed and created by the Main South Business Association and aims to welcome visitors and celebrate the neighborhood.
The unveiling will take place in the afternoon at 807 Main St.
The piece was funded by a $40,000 MassDevelopment Transformative Development Initiative Creative Catalyst Grant, which was awarded in January 2020 to the Regional Environmental Council, a nonprofit based in Worcester.
The grant also went toward a POW! WOW! Mural on the YouthGROW Farm, and a recycled mosaic art installation at the community garden on Oread Place, per the announcement.