Gateway Cities may have been overshadowed in the past by the well-known economic hubs of Boston and Cambridge, but recently, Gateway Cities have been getting more well-deserved attention for playing a significant role in the Commonwealth's economy, both from public officials and in the private sector by organizations like MassEcon. As the state's private sector partner in promoting Massachusetts as the premier choice for business growth, MassEcon has been working to ensure that business stays, grows, and thrives in Gateway Cities.

One of the most important ways we have recognized the growth of companies in Gateway Cities is with our ReadyMass100 program, which has become an important economic development resource for companies seeking a Massachusetts location within which to expand or relocate. MassEcon works cooperatively with real estate brokers, site location consultants, and state, regional, and local economic development officials to enable companies and their exclusive agents to access property information that matches their real estate needs.

Each of the ReadyMass 100 properties has been rigorously evaluated by a team of real estate experts in concert with state partners and is certified for immediate occupancy or development. The properties have met key criteria relating to infrastructure, permitting, size and readiness. These criteria often make properties in Gateway Cities ideal candidates for ReadyMass 100 properties because of the unique urban setting, size, and development flexibility. 

Since launching the ReadyMass100 program just five years ago, MassEcon has gained a strong presence with 26 properties in 14 of the Gateway Cities, covering more than 604 acres and more than 2.5 million square feet. We look forward to being an important partner with our Commonwealth's urban communities as we leverage the built in assets our Gateway Cities have to offer. Click here to learn more about ReadyMass100 or contact MassEcon Senior Director Doug Kehlhem at 617-924-4600, ext. 12 or [email protected].

- Susan Houston

Executive Director

MassEcon                                      

This chart illustrates the presence of ReadyMass100 properties in Gateway Cities throughout the Commonwealth:  

Housing & Economic Development

In a Berkshire Eaglecolumn, Gateway City Caucus co-chair Ben Downing and MassDevelopment CEO Marty Jones write about the promise of the new Transformative Development Fund.

Drawing from a report released this week by MassBudget, MassINC blogs on the implications of the earned sick time ballot initiative for Gateway Cities.

Recent survey results will likely help to determine what Holyoke's Department of Planning and Economic Development will do with a vacant Whiting Farms Road property.

Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria and the Office of Planning and Development announce the finalization of plans to redesign and renovate Jacob Scharf Park, with construction anticipated to begin this fall.

MassEcon names the winners of their 11th Annual Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Awards. Winners hailed from several Gateway Cities including Leominster, Lawrence, Brockton, Fall River, Lowell, and Chicoppee.

Education

Massachusetts leaders come together to form a coalition around college success.

BU Today profiles the new Massachusetts College and Career Readiness Institute developed to support efforts to demonstrate the success of new learning models in Gateway Cities.

A charter school proposed for Fitchburg is one of five that have been invited by the state to move to the next stage of the 2014-2015 application process. The school would serve 360 students in kindergarten through grade four.

According to the Chelsea Record, a $40,000 donation from immigration and higher education advocate Bob Hildreth to the Chelsea Collaborative and the Greater Boston Legal Services will assist unaccompanied immigrant children in Chelsea, hundreds of whom will be entering the public school system this year.

Transportation

Boston Globe columnist Yvonne Abraham writes about the success of the new Lynn commuter ferry and the redevelopment opportunities the new transportation service will afford.

A new $25 million train station has been announced in Allston, "West Station", and it will create train links to Worcester, North Station and South Station, the Telegram reports.

Energy/Environment

In an effort to save thousands of dollars (and take a step towards "going green"), the New Bedford City Council will go paperless, using tablet computers, South Coast Today reports.

New Bedford is far surpassing all other Massachusetts municipalities in terms of how many homes and buildings are being powered by solar panels. The city just celebrated the addition of new solar panels on contaminated land with the help from the US EPA, which will provide enough electricity for over 200 homes.

Governance/Elections

A lawyer for embattled Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan has filed a challenge to the recall petition certified by election officials, claiming, among other things, that some people registered to vote after they signed and the signatures were submitted a day late, even though the deadline was on Labor Day when offices were closed.

All five of the gubernatorial candidates came together for a debate on Monday in Springfield, discussing issues ranging from casinos to education.

Casinos

The Revere Journal examines how Mayor Dan Rizzo and Revere city officials begin moving on from the casino business, noting that they are looking to Suffolk Downs' and Wonderland's undeveloped property.

Health/Public Safety

Pittsfield will host various programs and local organizations are beginning initiatives aimed at addressing youth violence, WAMC reports.

Officials say a fire overnight at Quincy's old city hallappears suspicious.

Fitchburg heads to contract mediation with its police union.