Worcester Business Journal

12 Worcester Business Journal | January 23, 2023 | wbjournal.com C O M M E R C I A L R E A L E S T A T E FOCUS BY TIMOTHY DOYLE WBJ Staff Writer D evelopers are reshaping the city of Worcester: a former church is be- coming 400 apartments and a parking garage, a rundown mall has become a distribu- tion facility, a vacant industrial lot has become a minor-league ballpark. ese sorts of transformations can run into friction whether it be with zoning law, historical and environmental concerns, or concerned citizens. Land-use attorneys help developers smooth the path with a knowledge of local codes and laws, and the ability to reach out to community leaders. ey know the ins and outs of complex zon- ing laws, and they know the people to whom they must appeal. ey know the public and can introduce the developers to the community directly or through community leaders, to try to reassure neighbors and quell opposition. While developers, high-profile tenants, and government officials are typically the ones credited with bringing new projects into Central Massachusetts and are the ones posing for pictures at groundbreaking ceremonies and grand openings, the attorneys can be the be- hind-the-scenes MVPs smoothing over any rough edges and ensuring a project moves from concept to completion, especially if a developer is coming from outside the community. "Knowing the players can be an advantage," said Joshua Lee Smith, a partner at Worcester firm Bowditch & Dewey. Part of being successful at the job is to do as much homework early in the game as possible, including outreach, and a local familiarity helps, said Smith. Dealing with local rules "Not every project needs a lawyer," said Brian Falk, a partner with Worces- ter's Mirick O'Connell. e developers themselves or an engi- neer can navigate the process of getting a project approved, but in cases where a developer is not familiar with local rules, Falk said an attorney can save a developer time. And in real estate, time is money. Worcester has experienced an explosion of interest from developers, said Mark Donahue, the director of Worcester law firm Fletcher Tilton PC's corporate/business and real estate prac- tice groups. When a developer seeks to build a project in Worcester, it could be required to seek approval from the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Conservation Commission, or the Historical Commission, depending on the requirements of the project and its location. Falk understands the importance of Home field advantage As developers reshape Worcester, land use and permitting attorneys clear their path Joshua Lee Smith, partner at law firm Bowditch & Dewey, helped Atlanta- based developer Wood Partners get approval for its plans to convert the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church into the housing development Alta on the Row.

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