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16 Harding Green Mullen Sawyer, secretary and past-president of the Alliance, said, "The goal was to create an association of people committed to improving the neighborhood and economic conditions, to make the area a walkable com- munity and more viable." Sawyer is also president/CEO of Oak Hill Community Development Corporation. He point- ed out that Worcester can be, and is, competitive with other cities. In recent years, the City's economic value has increased, attracting investment dollars from outsiders. The Alliance has successfully networked to direct some of that monetary infusion into the Canal District. While the District currently occupies an enviable cen- tral location in the the city and the state, the Alliance has played a key role in bringing awareness to the historic sig- nificance of the area as well. "The Canal District is not only geographically important, but is also a star in the back- drop to the Industrial Revolution," said Sawyer. He cited Crompton Place, previously a prime center for the textile industry, as a central factor in the historic preserva- tion process in the District. Extensive renovations gave new life to the former factory, which now houses several inde- pendent retailers, exceptional restaurants, offices and other businesses. "We have opted to be unique and authentic. The district will not contain any big box stores," said Sawyer. "This is what has impressed people who visit the most." Sawyer reported that every building in the Canal District has been sold and renovation plans are well underway to create more housing and retail and food establishments. In addition to helping boost commercial engagement, the Alliance has been responsible for bringing cultural events and entertainment to the area. The annual Canalfest – a music and cultural extravaganza that included a navi- gable re-creation of the Blackstone Canal – introduced thousands of visitors to the area for ten years; and for the last two years, a music series and art tours have attracted numerous fans. Horse and wagon tours, narrated by cos- tumed interpreters, have educated visitors on the historic aspect of the Canal District, and walking food tours are providing a first-class culinary experience. Thanks, in part, to the work of the Canal District Alliance, Worcester has received several national awards in recog- nition of its efforts to empower neighborhoods, drive eco- nomic development and offer a better quality of life. Collaboration and Community Throughout the revitalization process of the Canal Dis- trict, the Alliance has closely aligned with City officials and various municipal departments to create new businesses and affordable housing. Regular meetings have provided guidance and direction as the District undergoes transfor- mation. "The City understands that rebuilding neighbor- hoods requires investment in housing to create commu- nity," said Sawyer. "The collaboration is built on trust and cooperation. We work closely with the City. They keep us informed and we have a voice." Additionally, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito have been active champions of eco- nomic development in the Canal District. Future Development Worcester native and Alliance member, Ed Russo, be- came involved with the organization when he purchased a building that now houses Lock 50 Restaurant and Wine Bar, an upscale eatery that serves New American cuisine. He recently opened Russo's Italian Restaurant on Water Street, which features traditional family recipes. Russo is Canal District Alliance: Driving Development Fifteen years ago, a group of forward-thinking local businessmen hatched a vision to revitalize the Harding, Green and Water Street area of Worcester by re-creating the Blackstone Canal as a water feature along Harding Street, which they thought would help to spawn a re-birth of restaurants, shops and housing in the district. To fulfill this dream, they created the Canal District Alliance, an organization that became the driving force behind the successful redevelopment efforts. Allen Fletcher was the founding president.