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Economic Development Program
Our Economic Development Program helps define a business climate that supports community well-being through business success.
Objectives:
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Improve the climate for doing business in Northampton.
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Create a more business-friendly voice in city government.
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Expand the commercial base in Northampton.
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Connect Northampton’s economic development priorities to regional initiatives.
Recent
Accomplishments
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Created new
zoning recommendations for King Street to promote new commercial investment
in a greener, more pedestrian and bike friendly environment.
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Monitored
Northampton's regulatory proposals including the expansion of the landfill.
The Chamber is evaluating options to report to the membership in 2010.
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Partnered with
the City of Northampton and the 3-County Fair Association on a $40 million
dollar redevelopment master plan for the 3 County Fairgrounds. Raised
$400,000 in private and public funds to complete the permitting and
pre-construction feasibility and planning. This economic development project
has the potential to infuse $30 million in additional spending into our
economy each year.
Past Results
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Significantly influenced the
quality of the Sustainable Northampton Plan and the strength of its economic
development priorities.
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Successfully
influenced clearer and more reasonable language for Northampton’s proposed
wetlands ordinance.
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Worked
to create a new Fairgrounds Redevelopment Corporation that is responsible for
planning, funding, and construction of the 3-County Fairgrounds redevelopment.
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Prevented significant construction delays for renovation projects by helping to redraft a Demolition Review Ordinance proposed by Northampton’s Historical Commission.
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Completed a market feasibility study to demonstrate the potential for the redevelopment of the 3-County Fairgrounds as a year-round exhibition center.
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Advocated for a land use plan for Northampton’s Meadows that will allow more flexibility for future developments at the airport, fairgrounds and business districts.
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