PHOTO BY BOB ROCHE
Joseph Mulligan, a Transformative Development Fellow at MassDevelopment, stands at the confluence of three different types of architecture in Lynn’s Central Square.
BY GAYLA CAWLEY
LYNN — The City of Lynn and MassDevelopment want the public’s take on how to best realize downtown Lynn’s full potential.
The Transformative Development Initiative partnership, comprised of: the city, The Hall Co., Lynn Economic Development & Industrial Corp., and Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development, are conducting a study of potential streetscapes, placemaking, land use and development opportunities to attract new investors.
Public input will be sought at the Downtown Action Strategy Community Meeting on Tuesday, March 15 from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Lynn Museum, located at 590 Washington St.
Joseph Mulligan, a MassDevelopment fellow, said he hopes 60 to 80 people will come to the meeting. He said a previous meeting with local stakeholders drew about 60 people.
“We hope people who are interested in the success of downtown Lynn will come out to participate and let their voices be heard,” Mulligan said.
The TDI is a redevelopment program for gateway cities designed to enhance local public/private engagement and community identity, stimulate an improved quality of life for local residents and spur increased investment and economic activity, according to Mulligan.
The TDI effort is a community partnership with representation from at least three sectors – the city, private investors and nonprofit investors. Mulligan said the vision of the partnership and program is to realize the full potential of the downtown Lynn district as a vibrant work/live neighborhood for entrepreneurship, arts, culture, entertainment and dining.
He also said the community will be engaged in a focused discussion around six strategies at the meeting. Those areas will include growing existing and attracting new small businesses, activating and improving public spaces, and engaging and partnering with local residents, community organizations, businesses and municipal agencies. Other focus areas include connecting with anchor institutions, filling vacant storefronts and developing underutilized properties, particularly for market-rate housing.
In its first year, Mulligan said he thinks the initiative is a great opportunity to help Lynn realize its potential.
“It folds in well with the governor’s Lynn Economic Advancement Development Team and with the mayor and the city’s desire to take advantage of a good economy and leverage Lynn’s enviable assets,” he said.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley
