Just saw this in today’s Chamber of Commerce email newsletter ….
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller was on Beacon Hill yesterday, urging lawmakers to adopt Gov. Charlie Baker’s $3.5 billion economic development bill.
And it’s easy to see why Mayor Fuller and other municipal officials support Baker’s bill. In particular, they like the bill’s emphasis on providing funds to revitalize local downtown commercial districts.
Under the bill, Newton would receive $3.1 million to upgrade Pettee Square in Newton Upper Falls, similar in scope to work that’s revitalized the streetscapes in West Newton and Newtonville.
Governor Baker hopes those and similar earmarks statewide will entice lawmakers to sign-off on ARPA-funded projects before the federal funds expire.
“If we don’t get those dollars into the hands of cities and towns across the state now so that they can begin the process associated with planning, designing and reimagining and jump-starting their local economies and their downtowns, we’ll continue to see empty storefronts and quiet main streets for years to come,” Baker said.
I’d love to see this come through since it would fund the overhaul/revitalization of our village center (Pettee Square). It could use it too.
@Jerry – Definitely an area that needs it. However, don’t you think it will take more than three dollars plus change?
Hah!
No, we’re hoping maybe they round it up to $4 even and then we could really go to town ;-)
I will correct it. Thanks
Does anyone know if the mayor had her pic taken with Baker? We know she loves her photo opps.
If it’d bring home $3.1 million even a month faster, we all ought to be thankful were she photographed in her Sunday best with or without the outgoing Governor Charlie …
“Eyes on the prize”, Comrade Ken
Updated headline: Republican goes to advocate for fellow Republican’s bill