A recent Boston Globe article explores nationwide trends in downtown development, by reporting how mid-sized cities in Massachusetts are “Reclaiming the Center.” The article covers a number of trends that the Century for 21st Century Communities (21c3) is keeping an eye on, like creating mixed use neighborhoods, renovating and preserving historical sites, and reconsidering street patterns that cause dreaded urban sprawl.
Mixed-use development projects seek to create neighborhoods where people can live, work, shop, dine, and access arts and entertainment all in the same general area. The article’s author, Casey Ross, makes a good point that “the trend” of reclaiming downtowns “is rooted in the belief among many developers and city planners that the era of the monolithic shopping mall is over, and that people want to live, work, and shop on Main Streets that reflect a community’s culture and history.”
“Supporters of downtown redevelopment say that mixed-use projects will attract residents and businesses to decaying city cores that have sapped their communities of vibrancy and tax revenues. But beyond the money, officials say, the projects will help to restore a deeper sense of civic pride,” Ross reports.
Read “Reclaiming the Center” on the Boston Globe’s website to find out how mid-sized cities in Massachusetts are reclaiming their downtowns.
Jennifer Eberbach is a professional journalist and writer. Find contact information on her website www.jenthewriter.info.
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