January 9, 2004

ROMNEY KICKS OFF COMMONWEALTH CAPITAL PROGRAM

Acquisition of key seven-acre Worcester parcel part of new land protection strategy

Worcester – As part of his goal to adopt a more strategic approach to land protection in the Commonwealth, Governor Mitt Romney today launched a new plan to help cities and towns adopt “smart growth” policies that foster sustainable development.

“Since entering office, I have worked on ways to foster comprehensive, sustainable development that helps to restore our downtown areas, boost our quality of life and preserve our precious natural landscapes,” Romney said.

He added, “Today, we’re taking an important step towards a more coordinated approach to land conservation that will result in more livable, vibrant communities.”

Romney noted that the state’s housing, environmental and transportation agencies collectively administer hundreds of millions of dollars in capital spending each year, but with little coordination. Under the newly created Commonwealth Capital program, the Romney Administration will now strategically decide how these funds are spent through the Office for Commonwealth Development, investing in projects that meet sustainable development goals.

In kicking off the new program, Romney announced one of the first investments from the Commonwealth Capital program is a seven-acre site in the Webster Square neighborhood of Worcester known as the Knights of Columbus and Fenton properties. This urban acquisition will increase the amount of protected shoreline along the Coes Pond Reservoir and free up the land for new ballfields, nature trails and other recreational opportunities. It will also protect wildlife habitat and biodiversity in this urban setting and expand a greenway.

Romney noted that this project is a model for preserving land through partnerships with the state contributing $400,000, the City of Worcester providing $425,000 and Greater Worcester Land Trust investing $150,000. Other partners include Tatnuck Brook Watershed Association, the Columbus Park Neighborhood Association, the Blackstone Headwaters Coalition, the Regional Environmental Council, the John H. Chaffee Blackstone River National Heritage Corridor Commission and the Broad Meadow Brook Massachusetts Audobon Society Sanctuary.

“This new initiative could not come at a more critical time for Massachusetts,” said OCD Secretary Doug Foy. “Cities on the verge of comeback are looking for opportunities to repair brownfield sites and create or improve parks and open space to attract business and residents. As the economy begins to thrive again, we will use Commonwealth Capital to steer development to places where it will be served by existing infrastructure. And we will preserve important open space parcels such as this one in Worcester.”

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