Worcester, Massachusetts, like Hartford, Bridgeport, and other New England cities, is a former industrial center trying to spur an economic revival. Facing shrinking tax bases, low-performing schools, and property tax rates that exceed those of surrounding communities, these cities have turned to big development projects to draw people downtown and stimulate a vibrant city center.
Part of Worcester’s revitalization effort is the CitySquare project, a large-scale development intended to turn 21-acres of blight into more than 2.2 million square feet of commercial, medical, retail, entertainment, and residential space. While the project has made some progress over the past decade, a recent Boston Globe report highlights the difficulties the city has faced in fulfilling its “vision of pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and a vibrant commercial sector.” The project landed two major anchor tenants earlier this year, but the additions have not brought street-level businesses or generated additional tax revenue for the city.
Mark Tigan, a community development and planning professor at Clark University, suggests that the city could take a different approach to shape development in CitySquare. Tigan proposes requiring developers to set aside pedestrian-level spaces with moderate rents for non-chain stores and restaurants. He also suggests offering low-interest loans, loan guarantees, or working capital assistance to certain small businesses.
