In March 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration and MassDevelopment announced that it had awarded over $3.1 million of Site Readiness Funds for 10 projects across the state. Through this initiative, Burlington was awarded $85,000 for the further development of the Mall Road Corridor.
In a statement, Governor Baker explained that “Our administration is committed to helping communities achieve their economic development goals, and we will continue to work with the public and private sectors to ensure Massachusetts remains a great place to do business.” The Governor went on to say that, “we look forward to these awards supporting projects that create jobs and revenue in their communities.”
Today, let’s explore what is happening with the Mall Road Corridor and how the project can potentially make traveling around Burlington more scenic, accessible, and convenient.
A Walkable Mixed-Use District
The grant and project are dedicated to putting Burlington into an “athletic stance” when it comes to business and community development. Many have changed their preferences when shopping at larger retail outlets since the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This community-driven plan blends economic strategy and land use to shape long-term in-town growth by redeveloping the Mall Road Corridor into a walkable, mixed-use district attractive to the community; residents, shoppers, and businesses.
The money awarded from the grant will greatly aid Burlington town planning officials in performing market research, site planning, and infrastructure studies. This research will also allow town officials and the community to create a final product that combines convenience, recreation, and commerce accessibility, encouraging long-term residency and economic activity in town.
Easy Access To Shopping & Dining
The Mall Road Corridor is one of the most well-traveled, lively parts of Burlington. Various industries, local businesses, shopping outlets, and restaurants call the corridor home. Near and along Mall Road, you can find:
- The Burlington Mall
- Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
- Pressed Cafe
- The Burlington Marketplace
- The Tuscan Kitchen
- Border Cafe
- Tavern in the Square
- Row 34
- AMC Burlington Cinema 10
- And many more!
Burlington is proud to take on a project that makes these excellent businesses more accessible to both local residents and in-town workers.
So, imagine taking a stroll on your lunch break (or taking customers/clients/partners) to one of Burlington’s incredible restaurants or cafes. The Mall Road Corridor project will make this possible.
Keeping Burlington Accessible, Successful, and Resilient
As our nation begins to slowly make its way into a post-pandemic world, it’s essential that towns and cities start to restructure their infrastructure to match the needs of their residents and local businesses. In Burlington, we are taking those steps.
As Economic Development Director Melisa Tintocalis explains, “the Mass Development grant will help us kick off a process that will explore redevelopment in commercial areas with ‘underperforming asphalt’ and plan for more walkable infill villages that strategically mix elements with added density to make for a successful and resilient Burlington of the future.”