Future Worcester; Comment period ending on North Main Street plan.COLUMN: IN OUR OPINION The plan to reshape significant portions of the North Main Street section of the city presents residents with a rare opportunity to share their visions for the future of Worcester Worcester, city, England Worcester (w  s`tər), city (1991 pop. 75,466) and district, Worcestershire, W central England, on the Severn River. , but time is of the essence A phrase in a contract that means that performance by one party at or within the period specified in the contract is necessary to enable that party to require performance by the other party.Failure to act within the time required constitutes a breach of the contract. . The comment period for the plan closes this week. A draft report - the North Main Economic Development Strategy - was prepared by the Watertown-based firm of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. after more than a year of study, including discussions with property owners and residents. The 32-acre target area, centered on Lincoln Square Lincoln Square may mean:
A substantial amount of public comment already has been gathered, including ideas offered during a day of meetings and workshops last September. However, further comments can be made on the draft plan through this Thursday, at which point the draft will be reworked and a final report and recommendations presented to the city. The draft plan urges planners to capitalize on Cap´i`tal`ize on` v. t. 1. To turn (an opportunity) to one's advantage; to take advantage of (a situation); to profit from; as, to capitalize on an opponent's mistakes s>. Worcester's affordability relative to Boston. Among the elements the draft plan suggests should be considered in the redevelopment strategy for the area are provisions for creative and "funky funky - Said of something that functions, but in a slightly strange, klugey way. It does the job and would be difficult to change, so its obvious non-optimality is left alone. Often used to describe interfaces. " living options, apartments that are within easy walking distance of retail spaces, restaurants and clubs, and "stress-free" commuting options to places of recreation and employment. A trolley trolley: see streetcar. system is among the options envisioned. Those themes of livability go hand-in-hand with the harder work of attracting businesses to properties that are underutilized or vacant. The draft report cites the nearby Gateway Park project as an example of successful revitalization re·vi·tal·ize tr.v. re·vi·tal·ized, re·vi·tal·iz·ing, re·vi·tal·iz·es To impart new life or vigor to: plans to revitalize inner-city neighborhoods; tried to revitalize a flagging economy. , and urges the city to bear in mind the needs of the biotechnology and life sciences industry and its workers as it looks ahead. As the city's recent history has amply demonstrated, urban landscapes are not static but subject to constant revisions reflecting a city's economic, social and demographic changes. Ultimately, the success of any plans or reports will depend upon the participation, cooperation and creativity of the city's politicians, business leaders and residents. The North Main strategy promises no miracles, but it does map a clear and hopeful path for the city to pursue as it remakes itself for the 21st century. HOW TO GET INVOLVED: View the North Main Economic Development Strategy plan at www.vhb.com/northmain. Offer comments through Thursday, July 31. |
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