From Westford to Foxborough: New Plan Gives Ideas for the Future

Topics on the future of Westford and 36 other Massachusetts towns and cities were released last week in the release of the 495/MetroWest Development Compact Plan.

The plan, which was created by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) in partnership with other agencies and local groups, seeks to learn from the significant growth in the corridor over the past 30 years and prepare for future growth and other challenges that may stifle economic prosperity in the region.

“The MetroWest is a vibrant growth area that supports many companies in high-technology, life sciences and innovation, which are the backbone of our growing economy,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki. “This plan offers an outline to the region’s future, supporting long-term economic growth while also maintaining the region’s position as a great place to live.”

Starting with Westford in the north, the region served by the plan stretches along 495 as far as Plainfield and Foxborough, with other towns west of Boston ranging from Natick to Worcester, seeking areas of priority for development and preservation along the corridor while also addressing several topics like employment, housing, transportation and more.

In Westford, those priority areas include Cornerstone, Tech Park West (/NetScout), Tech Park East (Technology Park Drive) and six preservation areas scattered throughout town.

More information is available on the EOHED website.