Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | October 11, 2021 | Worcester Business Journal 7 Source: Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Division of Labor Services Valley Naturals, another Uxbridge can- nabis microbusiness, purchased the site of Hopedale's former Green Mountain Chocolate Co. in September. "ere are many towns around [Hopedale] that [have] banned [mar- ijuana businesses], which makes it an insulation against market saturation," said Bogartz. Six of the 13 towns surrounding Hopedale have either a retail ban or a complete ban on adult-use cannabis establishments, according to the Massa- chusetts Cannabis Control Commission. Small-town character Despite the potential for total recon- struction, residents and decision makers want to ensure Hopedale doesn't become unrecognizable, said Abbruzzese. "People are looking … to maintain the town's character and grow in a way that makes sense for the town. We don't necessarily want to grow so big that we can't manage ourselves," he said. Outside of the cannabis industry, Schindler said she is looking to be espe- cially innovative in re-envisioning the downtown center. She said commercial development is Our team is here for you Local, Independent, Certified Financial Planners www.CarrFinancial.net Call for a no-obligation discussion about what we can do for you Call 508.795.0264 20 Park Avenue Worcester, MA 01605 T A X S T R A T E G Y | I N V E S T M E N T | R E T I R E M E N T Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Private Advisor Group, a registered investment advisor. Private Advisor Group & Carr Financial Group are separate entities from LPL Financial. Congratulations Kristine Bostek Vice President, Summit ElderCare and Fallon Health Weinberg One of Worcester Business Journal's Outstanding Women in Business award honorees for 2021! fallonhealth.org Thank you for your leadership and vision in helping Fallon Health provide care and services to those who need us most. Milford $15.98 $29.69 HOPEDALE $17.87 $28.80 Bellingham $14.41 $20.58 Blackstone $18.72 $18.72 Holliston $17.85 $17.85 Medway $17.46 $17.46 Hopkinton $17.08 $17.07 Mendon $16.79 $16.79 Upton $16.60 $16.60 Millville $15.93 $15.93 Uxbridge $15.82 $15.82 Franklin $14.65 $14.65 Northbridge $14.49 $14.49 Municipality Residential tax rate Commercial tax rate High taxes Hopedale has the second-highest 2021 residential and commercial taxes of its surrounding towns. limited because most of the roads leading into Hopedale are small, making it more difficult to bring in trucks and deliveries. e impact of online shopping and the coronavirus pandemic has made the town's leadership hesitant to invest in brick-and-mortar retail, she said. Schindler mentioned agro-tourism and a center for artisans as two possibilities to bring in tax revenues while maintaining the small-town character of Hopedale. "Hopedale is at a crossroads," said Bogartz. "ey have to decide what kind of town they're going to be." Agro-tourism and an artisan center are among the many ideas for redevel- oping Hopedale's downtown. W PHOTOS/MONICA BENEVIDES

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