By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – The commonwealth of Massachusetts has announced a $1.6 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant to the city of Marlborough for redesigning and reconstructing Simarano Drive, which runs through the industrial park area at 200 Forest Park.
Following the announcement of the award, Gov. Deval Patrick visited the area's mixed-use, multifamily Forest Park development, former Hewlett-Packard and Fidelity Investment companies” sites, now owned by Atlantic Management, and elaborated on the investment that will fund roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian improvements.
“It's about a little bit of state money, leveraging a huge amount of private investment and lots of new jobs,” Patrick remarked.
“The city of Marlborough is thrilled to have been awarded a 2013 MassWorks grant,” said Mayor Arthur Vigeant. “The arrival of The TJX Companies, Quest Diagnostics, and Avalon Bay to Simarano Drive follows the blueprint of innovative, mixed-use developments championed by the Patrick Administration. This is a great example of how collaborative partnerships between city, state, and private entities can help us achieve sustained economic growth in our region.”
According to Michael Berry, the mayor's executive aide, infrastructure improvements will include reconstruction of the roadway, including full-depth rehabilitation of the base and pavement, and modification of the existing roadway cross section to provide new curbing and a new sidewalk with a landscape buffer. A five-foot-wide bike lane and paved shoulders to accommodate bicycles is also planned, along with curbing and drainage improvements, new signage, pavement marking improvements, and street lighting to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. Construction is expected to start in the spring.
Several months ago, the City Council approved Atlantic Management's proposal to rezone and redevelop the 109-acre campus. The company is planning to construct 350 luxury apartments, 150 hotel rooms, shops, and a restaurant or pub.
