Economic Development

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is inviting you to join the Northeast Massachusetts Regional Economic Development Planning Session on Monday, June 5^th1:00 – 3:00, at North Shore Community College, Lynn Campus. This will be the fourth regional meeting as part of the 2023 Massachusetts Economic Development Planning Council.

Over the course of the next several months, the Economic Development Planning Council will work to set long-term goals, measurable benchmarks, and propose major economic development initiatives to guide Massachusetts’ economic development policy over the next four years. These engagement sessions will be an integral part of this work as they seek to collect public input and feedback this spring and summer relative to the state’s economic development needs and opportunities.

This session will allow residents, municipal leaders, businesses, and organizations from the Northeast Region to engage with state officials in the process of developing the economic plan, policy, and strategy for our state. At each session, there will be breakout tables to collect input in the general areas of:

1) Business Climate; 2) Community and Neighborhood Development; 3) Key Clusters and Innovation; 4) Workforce and Talent; and 5) Equity and Opportunity.

Please use the following link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northeast-regional-economic-development-planning-session-tickets-629428516637

If you are unable to attend on June 5th, the Greater Boston Regional Economic Development Planning Session will be on Monday, June 12^th11:30 am – 1:30 pm, at Roxbury Community College, Boston.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greater-boston-regional-economic-development-planning-session-tickets-643988305357

From Billerica Monthly Newsletter

Learn About Our New Logo

We are excited to showcase our new economic development logo! The logo was designed as part of a collaborative project for the spring semester Branding & Identity Class at Framingham State University. Special thanks to Professor Laura Osterweis and her talented students including- Maddison Behringer, Hakim Carnes, Hayley Gaskin, Hannah Guerin, Geanny Infante, Thalia Nesvacil, Jake Petersen, and Lior Rachmany- for their high level of creativity and professionalism in this process.  

“We enjoyed working with the students through this process and are excited to start using this great logo in our economic development work.” said Planning and Community Development Director Erika Oliver Jerram. The final design chosen was designed by student Lior Rachmany using a tagline submitted by a resident as part of the Community Survey. The map locator marks the spot as “The Place to Be” and the red, blue, and green colors represent the historic fabric (mills), open space, and water (two rivers).  The logo can be used in a variety of ways so keep an eye out as we broaden our efforts. 

Update on 279 Boston Road, Concord Shores

The development project at 279 Boston Road, Concord Shores, is the first project permitted under the Mixed-Use Overlay zoning enacted in May 2021. The project, located at the south corner of the intersection of Boston Road and Bridge Street, will feature a single building with a ground floor restaurant and retail space, and 20 residential units. The project received board approvals in January 2023 and has received approval from the Town’s Building Department to begin site preparation. Work is expected to begin in the next few months.

The Mixed-Use zoning allows for increased residential density in return for transit amenities. In this case, the applicant is creating a bike share program for tenants, installing bike racks for retail patrons, and will work with LRTA leadership to construct and maintain a bus shelter on Boston Road. In addition, site improvements will vastly improve the way stormwater is managed on this riverfront site and the project will greatly increase landscaped areas.

Community Survey

Throughout the month of March, the Town ran a resident survey aimed at identifying businesses and services our residents enjoyed, and what they wanted. Overwhelmingly, the messages were “we love our small-town charm” and “we want a great meal”! The big items on most people’s wish-list were general retail, specialty restaurants, and amusement options for kids. For town amenities, a lot of people are using the library and existing trails, but would like more access to sidewalks, bike paths, and community spaces.

The Planning and Community Development Department is using the feedback from this survey in two main ways: as they talk with potential new businesses and brokers about coming to Billerica; and as they highlight our existing businesses in town. The survey also provided resident input on the tagline that the Department has incorporated into their new logo which will be debuting in the next few weeks.

Local Food Truck Spotlight

The Town has issued over a dozen Mobile Food / Canteen Truck licenses this year! Many of these morsels are owned by Billerica’s very own residents and ready to cater any private or corporate event you have!

Souped Up Food “Not just soup, but souped up food!” They offer globally inspired comfort and street foods, with a constantly changing menu to highlight seasonal and health-focused dishes. This truck has been owned by Billerica residents since 2016. They are frequently found set up at Oak & Iron Brewery in Andover on Thursdays, at Carlson’s Orchard in Harvard during summer and fall, and at many other events! Find their schedule and book the truck (or their full-service catering, Above the Clouds) through their webpage. For the foreseeable future, they plan to stay in Billerica! https://soupedupfood.com

Polish Prince Pierogi These handmade pierogis descend from a 100yr old secret family recipe, and the Prince fills it with traditional fillings as well as modern creations. Recently, they celebrated March Madness with a Sweet 16 fillings bracket, where social media followers have voted on head-to-head challenges. Buffalo Chicken, Honey Hot Chicken, and Sausage made the Final Four, and the Winner is Potato and Cheese! Try all their flavors by finding their truck at nearby farmer’s markets or by picking up directly from their commissary kitchen at Browns Corner. https://www.polishprince.com

What the Fork What the Fork has a funny name with a serious menu! Their truck can be found at private catering events serving fine Italian food or popped up streetside for some juicy smash burgers. They’ve recently made the move to a “brick and mortar” restaurant location of their own, in the heart of Billerica, and should be opening soon. Until then, their truck is out front most evenings. Follow their social media to know when to make your next burger run! https://www.facebook.com/whattheforkcateringbillerica

Augusta’s Chicken on the Run Most Billerica residents will tell you all about Augusta’s being a local success story. For more than 30 years, Augusta’s has served Billerica and the surrounding towns and took “the best damned chicken…ever” on the road in 2012. They still have two “Cluck Trucks” they use, which you can track on their social media. https://www.facebook.com/ChickenontheRoad

Puffy Clouds The Puffy Clouds party carts have redefined classic carnival confections like cotton candy, popcorn, and churros. Started during the Covid-19 pandemic, it has since grown into a multi-state, multi-cart resource for all sorts of social events like birthday parties, weddings, and corporate / branding events. Book them for your next event at https://www.puffy-clouds.com.

Maugel DeStefano Architects has completed the design of the 20,000 SF medical office expansion at Woburn Pediatrics Associates and Woburn Pediatric Psychological Services in Woburn, Mass.  Located at 7 Alfred Street, the renovation will increase capacity to 42 fully accessible exam rooms and 9 behavioral health treatment rooms. The expanded facility enables the practices to meet the growing demand for pediatric patient services in Woburn and the surrounding area. 

Maugel DeStefano worked as a strategic advisor to Woburn Pediatrics throughout the planning and site evaluation process. After a thorough analysis, Woburn Pediatrics elected to remain at the Alfred Street location and build-out additional space on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The Pediatric Psychological Services suite, currently located on the 1st floor, will relocate to newly renovated space on the 2nd floor. The move allows for better connection and communication between both offices, while maintaining a private waiting room and treatment rooms for behavioral health patients and their families.

Exceptional patient care is the highest priority for Woburn Pediatrics. To ensure the new healthcare suites fully meet the needs of patients, families, and staff, Maugel DeStefano conducted a comprehensive survey to gain insight into each user group’s requirements. Survey recommendations were then incorporated into the redesign of the medical suites, creating a welcoming, vibrant, and functional environment tailored for all ages.

Read the Full Press Release

The Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) is developing a Long-Range Regional Transportation Plan called Envision 2050. As a part of that, we are conducting a public engagement process to understand and identify transportation needs in our region.  Envision 2050 is our comprehensive vision for the future of transportation in the NMCOG region. By projecting and planning for anticipated growth over 30 years, this plan will establish a foundation for cost-effective, energy-efficient, and equitable transportation options for all users. Over the next year, NMCOG staff are working directly with the constituents and city/town staff of Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, and Westford to develop our Envision 2050 Plan. Through a comprehensive evaluation of transportation services and community engagement, NMCOG will publish a report for the public. 

Northern Middlesex Council of Government (NMCOG) is embarking on Envision 2050 Long-Range Regional Transportation Plan, our comprehensive vision for the future of transportation in our region. Please take the Envision 2050 survey to help shape the future of transportation in our region. For more information on the plan, visit Envision 2050 website. Should you require assistance or have any questions related to this survey, or the transportation planning process, please contact the NMCOG office at 978‐454‐8021 or contact Justin Howard at [email protected].

•        Envision 2050 Pedestrian/Bicyclist Focus Group: Virtual, January 17, 2023, 12 pm – 1 pm: Register here.
•       Envision 2050 Transit Focus Group: Virtual, January 19, 2023, 12 pm – 1 pm: Register here.

The state’s Economic Development Incentive Program is now fully online!

All 5 applications, Preliminary Application, Supplemental Application (sent pre-populated to appropriate companies), Local incentive Only Application, Vacant Storefront District, and Vacant Storefront Project can now be accessed via Massachusetts Office of Business Development | Mass.gov or Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) | Mass.gov

The Preliminary and Local Only Applications can be found on this page:

Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) | Mass.gov

The Vacant Storefront Applications are located here:

Massachusetts Vacant Storefronts Program (MVSP) | Mass.gov

A friendly reminder of application deadlines: Preliminary Applications were due to your MOBD Regional Director by COB on July 13^th. All other applications and associated paperwork from the municipality will be due by COB on August 17^th.