Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | May 24, 2021 | Worcester Business Journal S15 S P E C I A L S E C T I O N : W O R C E S T E R E M E R G I N G In 2019, the Main South Business Association was created so business owners could bond with one another. Signage was made more uniform and more lighting was added, along with public-space infrastructure to add more vibrancy to the area, said Olmeda. Further solidifying Main South as its own brand is the next step, said Olme- da, promoting its community gardens, Castle Park, and unique foods, art, language, clothing and products from Caribbean, Latin, African and other countries to celebrate diversity. A step toward that goal is a new public art in- stallation, made possible with a $40,000 grant from the Regional Environmen- tal Council and community partners including MassDevelopment. e agency just awarded $257,800 to Main South Community Development Corp., to assess and remediate a vacant lot for a mixed-use retail and afford- able-rental housing project. "e value in downtown is going up," said Marrero. "State resources really prime the pump, with financing the first level, and a lot depends on who is at the table. Worcester has had its own accelerated timeline, and I would not be surprised to see it develop faster than other Gateway Cities." ALWAYS STAND FOR THOSE IN NEED, BUT NEVER, EVER STAND STILL. What does it mean to be relentless? To redefine what is possible by constantly pushing for answers? To seek cures where there have been none before? Today, to someone in need, it's going to mean everything. Welcome to relentless. ummhealth.org 855-UMASS-MD THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF HEALING Project Description Organization involved MassDevelopment role MassDevelopment assistance Source: MassDevelopment MassDevelopment stays active in Worcester's many economic development efforts. Here's a snapshot of some of the Worcester projects the state agency has helped in 2021 Grand Street Commons Main South art installation Family Health Center renovations Small business aid Addiction services transportation Notre Dame renovation An $18-million, 48-unit affordable housing complex A piece welcoming visitors to the neighborhood Upgrade its public restrooms and meet new infection control standards Grants for Worcester small businesses to survive the pandemic Transportation from a Douglas residential program to substance abuse disorder treatment centers Updated kitchenettes, brighter lighting and new single studios with private bathrooms Main South Community Development Corp. Regional Environmental Council and Main South Business Association Family Health Center of Worcester Main South Community Development Corp. Open Sky Community Services Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living Provided $257,800 from the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund to prep the site for development Provided a $40,000 MassDevelopment Transformative Development Initiative Creative Catalyst Grant Provided $23,000 for facility improvement Provided $60,000 in state aid Provided $36,800 from its Taxi, Livery, and Hackney Transportation Partnerships Grant Program Provided $34 million in bonds to various projects at the assisted living community W

• Cover