Water Resources Committee continues MS4 Focus

In June, the Partnership's Water Resources Committee heard from Bob Cox, an environmental attorney with Bowditch & Dewey, LLP,  on "EPA's Draft MS4 Permit: Challenges to EPA's Legal Authority?". Written comments submitted to EPA Region I on its 2014 Draft Massachusetts Small MS4 General Permit earlier this year focused not only on concerns about costs, timing, and the practicalities of compliance by municipalities, but also questioned EPA’s legal authority to impose certain requirements.  What are those legal challenges and how will they fare after EPA’s review? The in-depth presentation offered legal insights into the Draft MS4 permit, not previously discussed at the Water Resources Committee, although the topic of MS4 permits has been explored by the Committee for years. 

Considering the Partnership's hosting of the EPA several times on the topic as well as our commentary on the latest draft permit, we will continue to follow this topic as the final permit is developed and released.

Please check out the Partnership's Water Resources Committee page for past topics and presentations.

If you are interested in attending future meetings of the Partnership's Transportation Committee, please contact the Partnership's Deputy Director, Jessica Strunkin.

Partnership Fights for 495/9/90

In the lead up to the release of the Long-Range Transportation Plans (LRTP) for both the Boston  and the Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organizations (CMMPO), the Partnership invited the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), the Central MA Regional Planning Commission, and the Central Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS) to a meeting of our Transportation Committee to discuss their draft plans and the process leading up to their release over the last year. The Partnership has a consistent record of providing input and feedback on the two LRTPs that cover our region.  This year was no different, with a particular focus on the I-495/I-90 and I-495/Route 9 interchanges. 

Leading up to the CMMPO vote scheduled for June 10th, last minute changes to the draft LRTP resulted in the dropping of not only I-495/Route 9 interchange but also I-90/I-495 interchange, both long-standing priorities of the Partnership as well as two of the 495/MetroWest Region's Top Ten Transportation Nighmares in both 2004 and 2014.  Partnership provided public comment at the June 10th meeting in Worcester, noting our opposition to the changes.  Due to the significance of those changes, the CMMPO members tabled the vote until June 17th, allowing more time for advocacy by the Partnership and a strong coordinated effort by the state and federal delegation. 

The Partnership worked to keep our delegation informed of the whirlwind of activities related to the LRTP at the CMMPO, which resulted in a coordinated testimony by the June 17th meeting in Worcester. The Partnership would like to thank Kathleen Polanowicz of Congressman McGovern's office, Representative Carolyn Dykema, and Jim Robbins, Town Planner in Westborough, for their oral testimony at the meeting.  Additionally, we would like to thank Senator Jamie Eldridge, and Representatives Gregoire, Kane, Hogan, Linsky and Walsh for their coordinated letter supporting both Interchange projects.

Thanks to the efforts of all, the final Draft LRTP included a portion of the I-495/Route 9 project, with approximately $11 million in safety and capacity improvements along Route 9 from the I-495 interchange to Crystal Pond Rd in the TIP years of 2021-2025.  Moreover, at the same June 17th meeting, MassDOT representatives committed to including I-90/I-495 in their Capital Investment Plan (CIP) as an alternative to its inclusion in the LRTP.  Please check out the MetroWest Caucus' Press Release and subsequest MetroWest Daily News coverage for further details.  We have also posted links to all of the Partnership's letters of commentary to both MPOs and MassDOT on our Transportation Committee webpage for your convenience.

In addition, in June the state released a one year $3 Billion draft Capital Investment Plan for MassDOT and the MBTA that included funding for Governor Baker's winter resiliency program for the MBTA, Chapter 90 road improvements, regional bridge projects, and improvements to the Framingham/Worcester, Franklin, and Fitchburg commuter rail lines.  Partnership staff attended a public meeting on the CIP that was held in Framingham on June 17, submitting a letter of commentary and testifyng on the needs of the 495/MetroWest region, such as including the 495/90 interchange; funding Transportation Managment Associations; and conducting outreach on the acquistion and planned improvements to the Framingham Secondary Line that serves Foxborough. The Partnership is very gratified that the final CIP  reflects those priorities by adding the 495/90 interchange and increasing funding for TMA's, while MBTA officials offered assurances that there would be further attention paid to the Framingham Secondary Line.

FY16 State Budget Finalized

On July 17th, Governor Baker signed the conference committee report on the FY16 state budget into law. This $38.117 Billion budget represents a 3% increase from the prior year while addresssing a $1.8 Billion deficit, and includes many proposed MBTA reforms such as establishing the MBTA Fiscal Management and Control Board.

Thanks to the committed support of the 495/MetroWest legislative delegation, the final state budget included $600,000 for the Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) program. This initiative was established by Senator Karen Spilka and our legislative delegation as part of the 2010 economic development reform statute in order to foster stronger collaboration between the state and regions on economic development initiatives.  Currently, there are fourteen organizations participating in this competitive grant program statewide; in this region, that includes the Partnership and the MetroWest Chamber as an allied application. 

Governor Baker also reduced the budget by $162 Million through vetoes, one of which was funding for the 495/MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission. This initiative was first included in last year's state budget as a House floor amendment authored by State Representative Kate Hogan and championed by our region's legislative delegation and Senator Karen Spilka.  The Commission is intended to establish a dialogue between small suburban communities in our region and state agencies on development challenges and develop policy responses to ensure that those small towns can participate in state development initiatives.  While many regional municipal officials applied for appointment, Governor Patrick included  the Commission's funds in his midyear budget cuts, and the Commission was never established.  As a result, during this year's budget debate, Representative Hogan and our delegation secured amendments in the House and Senate to restore funding to the Commission. While that funding was vetoed by the Governor, thanks to the leadership of Rep. Hogan, Senator Spilka, and Senator Eldridge, the House and Senate have overridden that veto to restore funding. While the Commission appointments will need to be revisited by the Baker/Polito Administration, the Partnership will offer updates to the region as more information is available. 

 State Developments

State Inventory of Innovation & Creative Economy Assets:  The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development is mapping the state's innovation and creative economy assets.  The Partnership is working with the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau and our 495/MetroWest Creative Economy Network to compile information for this project from our region.  If you would like to provide input, the basis of the inventory can be found in this Excel spreadsheet, and submissions should be sent to [email protected] .  

MassWorks Applications:  The 2015 online application for the MassWorks Infrastructure program is now open.  Applications will be accepted between August 24 and September 4th.  The 495/MetroWest region has benefited from this program for years and we strongly encourage our communities to apply.  Additionally, please contact Jessica Strunkin if you are submitting an application and would like the Partnership to consider writing a letter of support.

Thanks to our Supporters:

AECOM

Atlantic Management

Avidia Bank

Bett Solutions, LLC

BJ's Wholesale Club

Capaccio Environmental Engineering

Capital Group Properties

Clarke Distribution Corp.

Commerce Bank

Crossroads Redevelopment

Cumberland Farms Inc.

Customers Bank

DACON

GateHouse Media

Green International Affiliates, Inc.

GZA GeoEnvironmental

The Gutierrez Company

Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare

HNTB

J.M. Coull Inc.

Marlborough Hospital

MassBay Community College

MetroWest Regional Transit Authority

Middlesex Savings Bank

Milford Regional Medical Ctr.

National Development

Oxbow Partners

Patridge Snow & Hahn, LLP

People's United Bank

Quest Diagnostics

R.W. Holmes Realty Co, Inc.

Red Hat

Riemer & Braustein LLP

Riverbridge Mixed Use Development

St. Mary's Credit Union

Tata & Howard

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Transwestern | RBJ

Verizon

Weston & Sampson

Regional Employer Survey Underway

Two years ago, the Partnership launched a regional employer survey with Framingham State University and MetroWest495BIZ that has provided regional leaders and policymakers with hard data on the business conditions facing our employers and top concerns for the year ahead. The findings, especially on employer confidence, have been integrated into the Partnership's regional economic development and marketing initiatives and are used widely throughout the region.

As a result, we're proud to announce that this year's regional employer survey is now open and ready for responses, so we ask for a few moments of your time and your confidential feedback.  Widespread participation is crucial to the success of this survey, which will provide real insight into our region's strengths and constraints, and be featured in the August edition of MetroWest495BIZ as well as in the Partnership's regional materials. 

Please participate in our survey by August 4 to ensure that your voice is heard.  As a special incentive for those completing the survey, three participants will be selected to receive $50 gift certificates to a top restaurant in the region.

The Partnership would like to thank our outreach partners on this survey - the Corridor Nine Area, Marlborough Regional, Milford Area, MetroWest, and United Chambers of Commerce, as well as everyone who is completing the survey.  We look forward to sharing the results!

 Engagement on State Economic Development

Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash addressing an Economic Development Listening Session in Lowell.

On July 25th, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development held six simultaneous regional economic development listening sessions across the Commonwealth.

Partnership staff participated in the MetroWest meeting, as well as facilitating a breakout session at the Central meeting.  Over 700 attendees from business, municipal government, and community organizations provided their perspective on a range of issues such as competitiveness, zoning, infrastructure, regulation, and talent retention.  This input will be drawn upon by the Baker/Polito Administration when drafting a comprehensive economic development plan for the Commonwealth. "Addressing business and community needs directly requires signficant, continued engagement, and a concerted effort to understand concerns and craft effective solutions," said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash.

Beyond this effort, the Massachusetts Office of Business Development has two Regional Directors focused on serving the needs of the 495/MetroWest region -  Jon Golnik is the Central Regional Director and Peter Milano is the Senior Regional Director for MetroWest and the Merrimack Valley Region.  There has been a reorganization, so to determine the Regional Director for your community, please consult the online community list.  

Partnering in the Region

Meeting with Maynard's "Mill & Main":  On May 22nd, the Partnership participated in a meeting hosted by Rep. Kate Hogan in her State House office for Maynard officials, state officials, and Saracen Properties, the new owner of the former "Clock Tower Place" mill.  The following week, Partnership staff toured the now renamed "Mill & Main" and were briefed by Saracen on their new plans for the facility.

Mass Bay Community College's Advanced Life Sciences Center Advisory Committee:  On June 9th, Partnership staff participated in the year end meeting of this group, which has been providing assistance and perspective to Mass Bay as they plan for their new Framingham campus.

Boston 2024 Forum:  Before their bid for the Olympics ended, the Partnership hosted a forum on June 10th for Boston 2024 to brief the region on their bid's implications.  The Partnership and the other event hosts - the Corridor Nine, Marlborough Regional, MetroWest, and Milford Area Chambers of Commerce; Marlborough Economic Development Corporation; MetroWest Regional Collaborative; MetroWest Regional Transit Authority; and MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau - did not take a position on the bid, but wanted the region to be briefed and have the opportunity to provide perspective.

Addressing Milford Area Chamber's Lunch:  On July 16th, Partnership staff served as the keynote speaker at the Milford Area Chamber's lunch program, briefing attendees on regional issues and developments on the state level.

Providing input to Governor's Task Force on Workforce Development:  On July 23th, Partnership staff participated in a meeting with Donna Cupelo from Verizon to provide regional input on workforce development issues. As a member of Governor Baker's Task Force on Workforce Development, she heard input from the Partnership, business leaders, nonprofits, and community leaders on the challenges and opportunities in workforce development programs.

Providing regional input to the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council: The Partnesrhip's Executive Director, Paul Matthews, is a Gubernatorial appointment to the EACC, which oversees the state's Economic Development Incentive Program.  He represented the region in their June 4th policy meeting in Worcester, as well as at their June 23rd meeting in Boston approving state and local tax incentive packages.

CrossTown Connect: The Partnership continues to work with the region's newest Transit Management Association (TMA), CrossTown Connect, attending their coordinating meetings and most recently advocating for resoucres in the MassDOT CIP.

MAPC Subregions: The Partnership has a consistent record of participation and coordination with the various subregions for the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) that span our service area.  Partnership staff recently participated in a June Legislative breakfast with the MetroWest Regional Collaborative as well as the MAGIC subregion's annual meeting.  The Partnership also engages regularly with the SWAP subregion.

MetroWest RTA: The Partnership was pleased to join our state and federal delegation as well as other area leaders at the Grand Opening of the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority's new Operations and Maintenance Facility at Blandin Ave. in Framingham.  It was a great event to celebrate the continuing success of the MWRTA, which would not be possible without the hard work of their Administrator, Ed Carr (despite his unwillingness to take any credit) and his dedicated staff. Congratulations to the MWRTA and thanks to all of the town, state and federal officials who made this new facility possible!

Not Following the Partnership Yet? Why Not??

Stay up-to-date on the Partnership’s work and events by following us on social media.  The Partnership has a Twitter account, LinkedIn Group and a Facebook page for you to follow, join or friend as a way to keep up with our various activities on behalf of the 495/MetroWest region.  No longer will you have to wait for our e-newsletter for the latest updates on the Partnership’s efforts; connect to one or all of our social media outlets today!

Special thanks to our state legislators for securing state funding for regional economic development, and the Office of Business Development for their support.

Special Thanks to Our Champion Investors:

Bose Corportation | Bowditch & Dewey LLP

Carruth Capital LLC  |  EMC² | IBM

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

Alexander, Aronson, Finning & Co. PC

Cisco Systems |  Genzyme, a Sanofi Company

Eversource

Special Thanks to Our Advocates:

Beals + Thomas | DayPitney LLP

Dean College | Framingham State University

Mirick O'Connell | NAIOP Massachusetts

Patriot Place | Sam Park & Co. Ltd.

Staples  |  Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc

TJX Companies  |  TransAction Associates

VHB/Vanasse Hangen Brustlin

495/MetroWest Partnership

Private Sector CoChair: Gerry Preble, Beals + Thomas

Public Sector CoChair: Joseph Nolan, Town of Wayland

Private Sector ViceChair: Bill Pezzoni, Day Pitney LLP

Public Sector ViceChair: Henry Fitzgerald, Town of Shrewsbury

Treasurer: Chuck Dwyer, Middlesex Savings Bank

Clerk: Peter Martin, Bowditch & Dewey

Paul Matthews, Executive Director

Jessica Strunkin, Deputy Director