September 30, 2021 | In This Issue
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Framingham Launches Phase II of Economic Development Strategic Plan |
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In September, the City of Framingham kicked off work for phase two of its Economic Development Strategic Plan. The second step of this three-phased effort will be led by RKG Associates, who previously undertook an extensive analysis of Framingham’s market position to help set a vision and goals for economic development, in conjunction with Innes Associates, JM Goldson, and VHB. The Planning and Community Development Division is managing the effort on behalf of the City of Framingham.
“It’s exciting to begin work on this stage of Framingham’s Economic Development Strategic Plan,” said Erika Oliver Jerram, the Acting Director of Framingham’s Planning and Community Development Division. “Even as we recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Framingham has tremendous assets for continued economic growth. This strategic plan will look at elements like land use, zoning regulations, supportive infrastructure, and responsible fiscal behavior to promote the best ways for economic recovery.”
The first phase, which included an update to Framingham’s citywide plan for economic development, concluded in 2018. The second phase will include the development of recommendations related to land use, zoning, economic, and infrastructure recommendations for identified target areas. The final phase will involve creating a set of clear and actionable strategies that the City can use to implement the targets. Those recommendations will look at land use, zoning, and infrastructure, among other strategies.
In April 2021, Framingham’s City Council approved $250,000 to conduct the second stage of economic development planning for the city. The “soft” kick off for phase two began in early September with data collection, and the first key deliverable will be a build out analysis.
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Even More Restaurant and Food-Related Options in Framingham |
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Cloud Creamery Combines Cannabis and Ice Cream
Cannabis and ice cream? Based in Framingham, Cloud Creamery produces THC-infused ice creams and sorbets. According to the company’s website, the idea started when Michelin Star-rated Chef, David Yusefzadeh, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2011. “We started this business to bring a plant-based pain management option to people,” Yusefzadeh told Choose Framingham. “Through new products, new cannabinoid profiles and new edible categories, we plan to reshape the food landscape in dispensaries. Our goal is to open the door for food innovation by collaborating with farmers and food experts.” When talking about their experiences as a cannabis business in Framingham, they told the MetroWest Daily News, "Framingham has an approval process that should serve as a model for other communities."
You can find their products at dispensaries in Framingham, as well as around Massachusetts. They are located at 119 Herbert St. in Framingham. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
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Açaí Dot Com Brings Brazilian Superfood to Framingham
New to Framingham, Açaí Dot Com recently opened up with a variety of açaí bowls. After almost four years living in the U.S., Gabriel Dias, owner of Açaí Dot Com, and his family started to miss a place where they could get açaí the way it’s served in several states of Brazil. “We’ve decided to open a business in Framingham, first, because it’s the city that welcomed us when we arrived in the U.S. Not only safe and beautiful, the City is also very cozy and clean in spite of the big population,” Dias told Choose Framingham. “Talking to a few friends, also business owners in Framingham, we’ve got an idea of how the city’s administration works with great competence [that make] the ‘business life’ easier.” Açaí is known as a delicious ‘superfood’ that goes well with other types of food, Dias explained to Choose Framingham, and he expects to win over the diverse populations that live in the City of Framingham.
You can read more about Açaí Dot Com at the MetroWest Daily News. And if you would like to try this superfood, Açaí Dot Com is open Tue-Fri 1pm-9pm and Sat-Sun 11am-9pm at 102 Irving St. Follow them on Instagram.
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