By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Mayor Arthur Vigeant asked the City Council to approve a transfer of $647,580 to fully fund the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for FY2017 at the May 23 council meeting. He included an additional $75,000 to finance the Walker Building feasibility study, which has been approved by councilors.
“Since its inception, the MEDC’s goal has been to successfully advance economic development in the city to reduce the residential tax burden,” Vigeant said in a communication to the council. “We have continued to make great progress toward that goal and our residential tax rate has stayed low in recent years, with an average increase of only $29 last year. The city’s economic resurgence has led to thousands of new jobs and great opportunities for city residents. Marlborough is fast becoming the destination for life sciences and advanced manufacturing in Metrowest.”
Vigeant said the city’s progress was recently mentioned in the Boston Globe which named Marlborough one of their 2016 Game Changers, recognizing innovators who “had the vision, leadership, and determination to make a difference in lives around the world and around the corner.”
Special projects to be undertaken by MEDC in FY17 were allocated $280,000. These include $160,000 for business retention and expansion, $75,000 for city planning services, $30,000 for hospitality and sports tourism, and $15,000 for urban village and community development. The study of the Walker building will expand its use in an effort to stimulate economic activity in the new “Marlborough Village” zoning district.
Vigeant also informed the council that Tim Cummings, MEDC executive director for the past four years, has accepted a new position as economic development director in Nashua, N.H.
“Tim was an effective leader and did a great job at MEDC,” the mayor said. “This new position is a step forward in his career and I hope you join me in wishing him the best of luck.”
MEDC has employed a consultant to facilitate a search for a new executive director.
The mayor’s funding request was referred to the Finance Committee for study and recommendation.
