Presentation to Westborough EDC focuses on Hudson’s Business Improvement District

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By Susan Gonsalves, Contributing Writer

Downtown Hudson Street view
Downtown Hudson

Westborough – The key to building a vibrant downtown is putting together a group to lead the effort who have “energy and interest and no sign of waning,” according to Richard Braga.

Braga, executive director of Hudson’s Business Improvement District (BID) spoke at the February Westborough Economic Development Committee meeting along with Kristina Johnson, acting director of community development and planning in Hudson.

Johnson, who is also president of the Massachusetts Association of Planning Directors, gave a presentation about how Hudson’s downtown has been re-vitalized over the past few years.

 

Transformation to ‘vibrant landscapes’

Restaurant sidewalk seating in downtown Hudson
Restaurant sidewalk seating in downtown Hudson

Johnson described the transformation as “a story from vacant storefronts to vibrant landscapes,” noting that like other communities, Hudson suffered in the 70s and 80s from a proliferation of large shopping plazas and “folks not interested in investing in downtown.”

“Many communities with similar mill traditions suffered similar fates,” Johnson said.

But change was made possible by a few things. The town had an established historic district that allowed for a consistent architectural flavor and walkable areas and sidewalks.

“Downtown Hudson had those bones in place,” she emphasized.

Johnson said that good planning and clear vision are essential to attracting investors. She added that a town’s master plan should be consistent with its zoning.

She described Hudson’s zoning regulations as “liberal and progressive” and said “less is more” when it comes to zoning.

“Embracing height and density adds to the charm of downtown,” she said.

Rotary reconstruction and streetscape modifications helped to make people feel safer parking and walking downtown, she added. Most of the work was accomplished through grants although Town Meeting also approved an $800,000 debt exclusion.

 

Business Improvement Districts

Presentation to Westborough EDC focuses on Hudson’s Business Improvement District

Braga talked about forming a BID during his half of the presentation. A BID is a legally defined district where property owners pool their resources to collectively purchase supplemental services.

At least 75 percent of the land must be zoned commercial, retail, industrial or mixed use. A BID is established through a local petition that must be supported by at least 60 percent of the real property owners and 51 percent of the assessed valuation of the property. In Hudson’s case, more than 80 percent of the owners are on board.

Additionally, the district:

  • Must be a contiguous geographic area
  • Has the municipality as the fiduciary agent for fee collection
  • Is not subject to procurement or prevailing wage regulations
  • Must go through a public hearing process
Presentation to Westborough EDC focuses on Hudson’s Business Improvement District
Beautification details in Downtown Hudson

Braga said with the help of the Hudson Business Association, Chamber of Commerce and others, they were able to recruit businesses to fill up storefront vacancies – boosted by the arrival of Rail Trail Flatbread Co. and other eateries and breweries.

The amount of money generated ranges from Hudson’s $130,000 annually up to Boston’s $6.1 million with many falling within the $130,000 to $250,000 range, he said.

Emphasis was placed on “things people could see,” so beautification of the area took place with flower baskets, light balls, benches, trash receptacles, sidewalk washing, new signage and crosswalks, holiday decorations, etc.

Events like Artsfest, a 5K run for the arts and A Taste of Hudson featuring local restaurants proved popular, he said.

He also talked about the importance of the Assabet River Walk Project in Hudson and its connectivity to the Assabet River Rail Trail, which spans several nearby towns.

Assabet River Rail Trail in Hudson
Assabet River Rail Trail in Hudson

Braga said Hudson fared better than other communities through the pandemic thanks to its network of support. The group hired an accountant to help business owners with finances and continues to try to match new potential tenants with appropriate spaces.

They advised Westborough officials to put together a strong team in order to accomplish their goals.

Johnson added that clear concise messaging, aggressive pursuit of grants and community support are important.

“Design moved from the community,” she said. “We talked to them and put it in their hands.”

“I think this (information) will help us formulate how we think of our goals next year,” said Allen Edinberg, EDC member and Westborough selectman.

Photos/Discover Hudson Facebook Page

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