Detailed local data from the 2020 census, published last week by the U.S. Census Bureau, shows that the 495/MetroWest region, consisting of 36 cities and towns served by the 495/MetroWest Partnership, grew at a faster rate than Massachusetts as a whole between 2010 and 2020. The region has also become substantially more diverse over the previous decade.

From the release of local census data it can be seen that:

The 36 municipalities served by the 495/MetroWest Partnership are Acton, Ashland, Bellingham, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Norfolk, Northborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Upton, Wayland, Westborough, Westford, and Wrentham.

The census is a count of everyone living in the United States; it is a mandatory count required to be conducted every ten years by the United States Constitution. The entire population of the United States must be counted as part of the census-taking process, including citizens and non-citizens.

MassDOT will hold a Virtual Public Information Meeting regarding the Gleasondale Road Bridge Project in Stow on Wednesday, September 1st at 6:00 PM. Click here to access the meeting at the designated time; the Meeting ID is 894 2857 7661. A dial-in participation option is available by phone.

This meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to hear an overview of the Gleasondale Road Bridge Replacement Project including project overview, schedule, and traffic impacts. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments. All residents, abutters, local business owners, and interested commuters are invited to attend. All attendees who sign into the meeting and provide an email address will be entered into the project’s email database to receive project updates. Specific questions or concerns regarding the project may be submitted via email to Gleasondalebridgestow@dot.state.ma.us.

The bridge carries Route 62 over the Assabet River, and underwent a safety inspection in 2015. The inspection found the deck, beams, and northern abutment to be beyond repair. To address these conditions, the bridge was limited to carrying one lane of alternating traffic and one sidewalk. A temporary traffic signal is being used to control traffic. The bridge is also subject to regular closures for inspections, with impacts to traffic. Click here to access additional project information. 

For accommodation or language assistance for the Public Information Meeting, please contact MassDOT’s Chief Diversity & Civil Rights Officer by phone at (857) 368-8580, Relay Service at 7-1-1, fax (857) 368-0602 or by email to MASSDOT.CivilRights@dot.state.ma.us.

Two hospitality industry career fairs will be hosted in the 495/MetroWest region next week, in Natick and Marlborough, organized by the MassHire Metro South/West Career Centers and the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce. These career fairs are aimed at assisting area hospitality employers in finding needed staff. These are in-person events; social distancing protocols will be followed

Natick: The Natick fair will be held on Tuesday, August 24th from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, at the VERVE Hotel, located at 1360 Worcester Street in Natick. Participating employers include Avalon Bay Communities, Benchmark Senior Living, Chick-Fil-A, Colwen Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Distinctive Hospitality Group, Night Shift Brewing, and Wegmans.

Marlborough: The Marlborough fair will be held on Thursday, August 26th, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Holiday Inn & Suites, located at 265 Lakeside Avenue in Marlborough. Participating employers include the Best Western Royal Plaza, Colwen Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Less Than Greater Than, Marlborough Country Club, Niche Hospitality Group (Bocado Tapas Bar, The Fix Burger Bar, Mezcal Tequila Cantina), and The Rail Trail Flatbread Co.

Click here to register for either event. Pre-registration by job seekers is strongly encouraged. All pre-registered job seekers will receive a complete listing of participating employers and job openings, as well as important event instructions prior to participation. 

MassDOT is conducting a Statewide Bicycle Survey to learn more about why and when Massachusetts residents ride a bike. All Massachusetts residents are invited to take the survey, including those who bike infrequently or who do not bike at all. This quick survey will help inform planning, policies, and projects across the state. Click here to access the survey; the survey should take about 5-10 minutes to complete.

Are you interested in locating or expanding your business in the 495/MetroWest region? Let the 495/MetroWest Partnership assist you with your site location or expansion decision!

Our staff are able to provide location intelligence and guidance to help you navigate the region. Reach out to us through our website to let us know about your needs!

Throughout 2021, the 495/MetroWest Partnership is acknowledging our Investors in our Information & Resource Updates. Click here to learn about becoming an Investor!

NAIOP Massachusetts, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association, represents the interests of 1700 members involved with the development, investment, ownership, and management of office, multifamily, industrial, retail, lab, mixed-use, and institutional properties in Massachusetts. Committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture within the commercial real estate industry, NAIOP provides educational and networking opportunities while advocating for laws, policies and regulations that strengthen the industry.

The 495/MetroWest Partnership thanks NAIOP Massachusetts for their ADVOCATE level investment! Check out our full list of Investors at 495Partnership.org.