| This week’s CRE Insider is dedicated to the area Beyond Boston which, judging by our submissions, is pretty much a blank until you get to Worcester. Kidding! There’s also biotech on 128.
The residents of the Hub of the Universe have a myopic view of the Bay State: There’s Boston, the South Shore, the North Shore and the Mass Pike. And then you’re in New York, or even worse, Connecticut.
All jokes aside, there’s quite a lot happening outside Greater Boston, which is as it should be. There’s only so much more development to be done inside the city limits, and as we all know, the population density is growing precarious.
Additionally, the innovation economy that has sprung up in the city since the recession is imperiled by skyrocketing costs – it’s hard to be creative in the dark when the electric company shuts off the lights after too many missed payments. Those creatives need a space to grow, and cities other than Boston can benefit from their talents.
We pride ourselves at Banker & Tradesman on recognizing on a regular basis that the rest of the state exists, but the outer limits deserve more than mere inclusion; they deserve to have a spotlight shined on them as much as Downtown does.
So in this week’s issue you’ll read about a new cogeneration plant at the Southbridge Innovation Center, where Franklin Realty Advisors has spent a decade rehabbing space that could house some of those innovators. Tim Murray, former lieutenant governor and current president and CEO of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, give a rundown on all of the developments happening in the city (and they are legion).
There’s also highlights of buildable commercial space on the North Shore and a rundown of S.208, An Act Establishing the Western Massachusetts Remote Worker Relocation Incentive Program, a verbosely titled proposal to establish a fund to reimburse remote workers who relocate to Western Massachusetts proposed by Sen. Eric Lesser.
And you can get an update on the current challenges confronting Vineyard Wind and reinvestments in Cape Cod malls. (An argument could be made that the Cape and Islands are included in Greater Boston, but allowances have been made in the spirit of inclusion.)
So readers, please enjoy this special spotlight on the cities and towns beyond Boston. If you have news of your own to share, please email editorial@thewarrengroup.com to help us keep our eyes on the western horizon (or state line, in this case), and remind Boston how much you contribute to the state’s success.
Editor’s Note: Voting is now open for B&T’s Best of 2019. Voting is limited to one vote per person. Voting closes Friday, Sept. 27; results will appear in Banker & Tradesman in November. Please visit www.bankerandtradesman.com/best-2019 and cast your vote today!
