Politics & Government
The Big Things Coming To Worcester In 2020: City Manager
New restaurants, big projects, and the WooSox are some items Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. is looking forward to in 2020.
WORCESTER, MA — With 2019 behind us, it's time to look forward to the new year, and all the new things that will come with it. So, we asked City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. to share some bigger items his office is looking forward to in 2020.
First, 2020 will be marked by three major infrastructure projects: construction will continue on the 10,000-seat Polar Park ahead of opening day in 2021; the Kelley Square improvement project will bring a traffic reversal on Millbury and Harding streets, and a new roundabout by this fall; and the city will complete the $11 million Main Street overhaul, which may be done by summer.
Along with those projects, Augustus expects Worcester will continue a building boom. In 2019, the city saw a 20 percent increase in issued building permits, which could increase in 2020. And although specifics were not available, Augustus' office says developers are interested in building more housing in Worcester for young professionals and senior citizens.
"This is a welcome sign that the city is poised for continued growth in the year ahead and beyond," Augustus' office said in an email.
There's also a new hotel planned for Washington Square, and work on a new UMass veterans health center will get underway.
Worcester residents can also look forward to new eating options in 2020.
Ruth's Chris is planning to open a steakhouse in the Mercantile Center by fall. And Broadway Hospitality Group — which operates Tavern in the Square restaurants in Northborough and Shrewsbury — is also planning to open a 500-seat restaurant in the Mercantile Center.
The Worcester Public Market, another major downtown draw, is set to open before spring with a Wachusett Brewing Co. taproom as an anchor. There are also a number of new restaurants coming downtown, from crepes to ramen.
