Our roundup of the latest Natick, Mass., business news:
$300K Golden Triangle Plan takes shape
Natick’s Department of Community & Economic Development is spearheading an effort to revitalize the Golden Triangle, a 940-acre area in Natick and Framingham known for its shopping malls bordered by major highways and roadways. A 2018 study by the communities and consultants identified issues with traffic, challenges of competing vs. online shopping, etc., and now Natick will invite Framingham to join it in revisiting recommendations in the context of current conditions and then actually taking action.
James Freas, director of community & economic development, gave the Select Board a heads up in February this would probably be happening, and now returns this week seeking their approval for a fresh plan to “focus primarily on amending zoning and creating a plan for near-term achievable transportation and other infrastructure investments,” including open space. The plan, designed to allow for near-term action, will address climate change, equity, and pandemic-related issues.
One step already taken by the town that will add something new to the Golden Triangle: an agreement to work with Cypress Tree, which seeks to open a recreational marijuana shop in Cloverleaf Mall.
But this new plan has bigger goals to revitalize the business area, generate more tax revenue for the town, and provide residents and visitors with more shopping, entertainment, and outdoor options. Consulting, coding, and planning outfits are detailed in the plan, and it all would cost $3ooK to pull off, hopefully with some amount of grant money covering a chunk of the price.
While the plan will make its way to the Select Board, expect to hear plenty about it as a member of the public in months to come as the engagement portion of the program kicks in.
Ashland has Natick’s back with business grant
Ashland has been awarded $250K from the state’s Regional Pilot Project Grant to create a business marketing technical assistance program that would pair marketing professionals with small business owners to help them with a range of branding, marketing, website, and social media assistance. According to award announcement, the program would serve Ashland, Framingham, and Natick.
Overall, the state awarded $5M split among 37 grants.
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