Politics & Government
Governor Patrick Announces $1.6M for Marlborough Street Improvements
The $1.6 million for Simarano Drive will include funds for roadway, pedestrian and bicycle improvements.
Gov. Deval Patrick today made three announcements relative to investments in infrastructure and education that will stimulate growth and opportunity in the MetroWest area. Governor Patrick announced additional funding for the renovation and expansion of Hemenway Hall at Framingham State University, which will include additional science lab space and a modern Center for Education and Teaching Excellence and committed to making MassBay Community College’s Framingham campus a reality.
The Governor also announced a $1.6 million award to support roadway, pedestrian and bicycle improvements along Simarano Drive in Marlborough’s Southwest Quadrant, supporting already robust private sector investment in the area. Governor Patrick made today’s announcements while speaking to the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce in Hopkinton.
“Growth requires investment, and investing in our state and community colleges and our infrastructure will create growth in our MetroWest communities,” said Governor Patrick. “If we want to expand opportunity in our Commonwealth, this is what government must do and do well.”
The $1.6 million MassWorks Infrastructure Grant Program award announced today will support roadway, bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Simarano Drive in Marlborough’s Southwest Quadrant. The area is continuing to expand and grow as companies such as TJX Companies Inc. and Quest Diagnostics expand in the area. These critical infrastructure improvements will support additional housing units, a new hotel and more retail and dining space for residents and workers.
"We remain committed to working with local communities, like Marlborough, to help identify opportunities to maximize growth and spur regional development,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki. “I look forward to our ongoing partnership with city officials and private industry leaders to explore additional ways to promote continued growth throughout the community and region."
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Following his speech at the Chamber, Governor Patrick will tour Quest Diagnostic's 200,000 square foot "blood lab" space in Marlborough, which is expected to be completed in April 2014. The lab is part the first phase of a larger project supported by a strong private-public partnership to redevelop the former Hewlett-Packard and Fidelity Investment sites into a new mixed-use, multifamily development. Also included in the first phase of the redevelopment, which is well underway, will include 730,000 square feet of office and research and design space, 350 luxury rental units, and a three story, 125 room hotel. The second phase of the project will include the construction of 50,000 square feet of retail space, a 250,000 square foot office building, and a 900 space parking structure. The entire project is estimated to create 475 construction jobs between both the commercial and residential components.
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