Chandler Street NRSA

PRESS CONFERENCE
May 12, 2009 - TUESDAY
9:00 A.M.
40 MASON STREET - WORCESTER, MA 01609

Progress Continues in

CHANDLER BUSINESS DISTRICT CORRIDOR

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY AREA

Local Businesses, Area Community Groups and resident stakeholders are convening on Tuesday, May 12th at 9:00 A.M. in front of a recent residential renovation at 40 Mason Street to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the Chandler Street Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) program, funded through the City of Worcester’s annual Community Development Block Grant and sponsored by Worcester Common Ground in partnership with the Chandler Street Business Association. This successful partnership is a 5-year effort designed to identify redevelopment opportunities and implement long-term, sustainable improvements in the Chandler Street/Piedmont neighborhood. The neighborhood stakeholders will also be paying special tribute to Chandler Business Association President Laurel Ciprari, Park Avenue Manager at TD BankNorth, who is retiring after 15 years at BankNorth, and was instrumental in establishing the Chandler Business Association as an effective and active organization dedicated to the betterment of the Chandler Business Corridor.

In 2006, the City designated five (5) neighborhood areas for funding under the NRSA program, a HUD-designated area where housing, economic, and human service strategies are implemented to promote sustainable, long-term neighborhood improvements. The program has been fully underway over the last 2 years and has been very successful in meeting the identified needs of area residents. The various programs underway in each of the 5 areas are diverse, and include Economic Development, Housing, Beautification, and resident services including youth and other quality of Life programming. The Chandler Street program is one of the most productive to date in the implementation of the NRSA strategies, including organizational development, Storefront and associated Streetscape installations such as planters and trash receptacles, Housing rehabilitation, business promotion as well as small business development, workforce training and development, and vacant lot cleanups in the target area.

“The success and accomplishments of the Chandler NRSA to date is a direct result of the commitments and leadership of all stakeholders in the project area, including residents, businesses and community organizations”, said incoming President Bill Randall. “The Chandler Business Association and Worcester Common Ground have taken the lead in developing and implementing the area improvements, and the City through the leadership of City Manager O’Brien and our Worcester City Council has been instrumental in financing these activities. We look forward to building upon the positive momentum that has been established.” The City has authorized $326,000 for revitalization activities since the implementation of the Chandler nrsa program in 2007.

Accomplishments include the successful completion six (6) storefronts, the rehabilitation of six (6) residential properties, installation of planters, trash receptacles, and other beautification activities in the project area, vacant lot clean ups, “Around the Corner” youth employment in coordination with area businesses, and the creation of a business development program and employment skills training program which will be implemented in the coming year. There are a significant number of new projects which are currently under consideration, and the partners look forward to the continued revitalization of both the commercial and residential areas in the Chandler District.

With continued commitment and coordination among all the stakeholders, the Chandler Business Corridor will continue to grow and flourish by retaining existing partners and developing incentives to attract new private investment in the future.