Local Rapid Recovery Program

Final Report to DHCD

CITY UPDATE AND ADDITIONAL FEEDBACK REQUESTED FOR PHASE 1 OF WOBURN CENTER LOCAL RAPID RECOVERY PLANNING (LRRP) INITIATIVE

The City of Woburn is making progress relative to Phase I of the Massachusetts Local Rapid Recovery Planning (LRRP) program. Several participants took part in a survey of owners/ managers of business establishments located in the study area (core of Woburn Center), and the results were presented to the Woburn Redevelopment Authority (WRA) on May 25th. A video of the WRA’s meeting at which the presentation was given can be found here: LRRP Presentation Link. More detailed information regarding the preliminary results of the Woburn Center Needs Assessment is contained in this PowerPoint file.

Additional input from as many Woburn Center businesses as possible is highly encouraged to develop a plan to meet local needs, inform future policy decisions the development of potential projects to aid the Center’s long-term recovery.

To date, at least 70% of survey respondents rated the issues below as “important” to businesses:

1.   100% – Implement Marketing Strategies for the Commercial District
2.   99% –  Improve/Develop Public Spaces & Seating Areas
3.   99% –  Change Public Parking Availability, Management or Policies
4.   88% –  More Cultural Events/Activities to Bring People into the District
5.   77% –  Renovate Storefront/Building Facades
6.   77% –  Improve Safety and/or Cleanliness
7.   77% –  More opportunities for Outdoor Dining & Selling
8.   77% –  Recruitment Program to Attract Additional Businesses

The City still needs more information on these eight topics!  If you are willing to share your thoughts, questions or comments, please contact WRA Administrator Tina Cassidy by phone (781-897-5817) or email (tcassidy@cityofwoburn.com). Simply provide the corresponding number (1 through 8, as listed above) of the topic(s) of your interest and then tell us anything you think we should know to meet the needs of local businesses and plan for future investments in Woburn Center. We will continue to take input, feedback and recommendations until June 11th.

All participation is greatly appreciated and is crucial to support the success of Woburn Center in the months and years to come.