Great things are happening in Downtown Greenfield and Turners Falls. However, vacant storefronts and buildings in need of redevelopment remain. What can be done to create more dynamic and sustainable downtown economies? One tool that can be used is the new federal Opportunity Zone program, which seeks to drive private investment into downtowns in need of revitalization.
Earlier this year LOCUS and Smart Growth America selected the City of Greenfield and the Town of Montague to participate in their Massachusetts Opportunity Zone Academy. The Academy provides one-on-one expert technical assistance to Greenfield and Montague on advancing smart growth best practices and policies to revitalize the designated Opportunity Zones in their communities (i.e. areas of Downtown Greenfield and the Village of Turners Falls). Smart growth best practices and policies encourage sustainable, equitable and walkable development that create healthy communities and expand economic opportunity.
As part of this award, experts from LOCUS and Smart Growth America will host a public presentation about the Opportunity Zones program and how these communities can leverage their designation to attract private investment. The presentation will be held on Tuesday, October 15 at 6:00 pm -7:30 pm, John Zon Community Center, 35 Pleasant Street, Greenfield. Anyone interested in learning more is welcome to attend.
