The Housing Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership invites you to a presentation and discussion with MAPC focused on their Housing Submarkets study, and submarket-specific strategies to meet housing needs and demand through housing and affordable housing production, preservation, and housing stability protections. 

A housing submarket is a collection of neighborhoods with similar housing stock and housing market characteristics. These characteristics contribute to who can find, afford, and remain in suitable housing in that neighborhood. The neighborhoods in each submarket share common needs and challenges, regardless of geographic location. MAPC’s study revealed seven distinct housing submarkets in the Greater Boston region, and proposes that policies and programs must address the needs and challenges specific to the markets in which they are implemented.

Presenting on behalf of MAPC will be:

The presentation will be followed by a Q&A period, as well as a discussion. This event will take place virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, June 9th from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM; click here to register.

The state Senate Ways and Means Committee yesterday released its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2022. The proposal includes a total of $47.6 billion in spending, a $1.2 billion increase over the Fiscal Year 2021 General Appropriations Act. This spending recommendation is based on a tax revenue estimate of $30.12 billion for FY22, representing 3.5% growth, as previously agreed upon during the consensus revenue process in January. 

Senators can file amendments to the Senate Ways and Means recommendations until Friday, May 14th, at 2:00 PM. The full Senate will then debate the FY22 budget in formal session beginning Tuesday, May 25th. Click here to review the FY22 Senate Ways and Means Budget Recommendations in detail. 

Included within the Senate Ways and Means proposal are:

Following the adoption of a budget by the full Senate, differences between the House and Senate budgets will be reconciled in a conference committee, before being returned to each chamber for an up-or-down vote. The Governor then has the option to sign or veto specific line items, which the Legislature in turn may override.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is replacing bridges on I-90 east and westbound over Flanders Road in Westborough and Parkerville Road, Cordaville Road and Woodland Road in Southborough. To minimize disruptions, MassDOT will use a rapid bridge replacement approach to replace eight bridges over eight weekends. This approach reduces the project duration from a potential of three years with traditional construction methods to just over one year. In advance of the eight weekends, preparatory work is being performed on I-90 and on the local streets under the bridges.  

MassDOT has hosted public engagement sessions to provide important information about the replacement of the eight bridges that will take place between June 2021 and August 2021, along with traffic management and outreach plans. Click here to access the presentation made at the April 28th public meeting.

For more information about the Acceler-8 I-90 Bridge Replacements Project, please visit the website at www.mass.gov/Acceler8Bridges. If you have questions or would like to report an issue or concern, please email the project team at A8@dot.state.ma.us.  

Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF): The SBA began accepting applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) on Monday, May 3rd. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11th, 2023. For more information or to apply, visit sba.gov/restaurants. Approved applicants should expect an average of 14 days for processing, review, approval and funds distribution.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The SBA is currently offering PPP loans originated only by participating community financial institutions including Certified Development Companies (CDCs), SBA Microlenders, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) until May 31st, 2021 or until remaining funds are exhausted. Please note that not all community financial institutions are participating in PPP. Click here for more information.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant: The SBA is currently accepting applications for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. Eligible applicants include live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, motion picture theater operators (including owners), and talent representatives. Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. To learn more or submit an application, visit sba.gov/svogrant.

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

Beals + Thomas is a multidisciplinary consulting firm providing professional services that support the development and conservation of land and water resources throughout New England. Our team is comprised of civil engineers, landscape architects, land surveyors, environmental planners, permitting specialists, and wetland scientists. For over 35 years, we have been committed to preserving the integrity of the New England landscape through sound environmental design. Our mission is to become passionate about our clients’ visions and to use our technical expertise and informed advice to help them achieve their goals.  Every day, we strive to strengthen our organization with skills that exemplify the leadership role that a consulting firm can fulfill on behalf of our clients, employees, and partners.

The 495/MetroWest Partnership thanks Beals + Thomas for their SUPPORTER level investment! Check out our full list of Investors at 495Partnership.org.