wbjournal.com | October 25, 2021 | Worcester Business Journal 9
C E N S U S F A C T B O O K
Population change, 2010-2020 Population-2020
Source: Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission
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GROWTH
from 2,990 in 2010 to 2,667 in 2020.
An aging population combined with
lack of industry/work opportunities for
younger generations are obstacles the
town is trying to overcome by focusing
on destination small businesses like
the town's brewery, winery, and now a
proposed cannabis cultivation, distri-
bution, and retail center which would
encourage job opportunities.
Hardwick Town Administrator
Nicole Parker said the town is away
from main routes, but those who move
into town are looking for a quieter
community and natural landscape. She
said remote working is encouraging
people in busy metropolitan areas to
move into town, but these numbers
will not be reflected until the next
Decennial Census.
Since federal funds are allocated by
population, Parker said the Census
system creates a vicious cycle for rural
towns, since they need infrastructure
repairs and public resources to
encourage people to move into
town, yet these funds are directed to
bigger towns and cities already with
established populations.
Hardwick is changing bylaws
and rezoning statutes in order
to encourage small business
development. However, Hardwick
is trying to strike a delicate balance
between creating a financially
sustainable community with the
growth of a younger population while
ensuring its charm remains intact.
"We're supposed to be small. We're
not supposed to be a town of 10,000.
That is not the character of our town,"
Parker said.
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