Cultural District Decision to Come by Summer's End

Marlborough should know by Labor Day whether its applicaiton to have part of downtown designated as an arts and tourism destination will be approved by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. 

The Boston Globe reported Friday that MCC staff has scheduled site visits to two other communities seeking the designation, but had not set a date to visit Marlborough.

The MCC is expected to consider several applicaitons for designations, including Marlborough's, at a meeting in late August.

If approved, Marlborough's Main Street Cultural District would be eligible for grant funding and other programs. The state program was developed after a report from MassINC found that culture, the arts and tourism can be a strong engine for economic development. 

Spearheaded by the owners of Bumpy's and other business and cultural leaders, the efforts to create a district in Marlborough began earlier this year and .