A photo of Saugus Center. 

By BRIDGET TURCOTTE

SAUGUS — Cliftondale Square could be getting a makeover.

A study will be conducted to figure out what kinds of businesses the square needs. The town received a $10,000 grant through the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative, a state program that offers assistance to communities seeking to revitalize their downtowns.

“This grant will assist the town in identifying sustainable businesses and economic activity in Cliftondale Square,” said Scott Crabtree, Town Manager. “The town’s hope is to revitalize Cliftondale Square as a thriving commercial area where people dine, shop and conduct business.”

Determining the square’s commercial potential will aid in the development of sustainable businesses that will serve Cliftondale Square’s market area, he said.

“Cliftondale Square needs to develop a broad and basic overview of the competitive business environment, due to its close proximity to Route 1, in order to better understand its market,” Crabtree said. “Based on this study, the town can then make the appropriate zoning and infrastructure changes.”

Conducting a market study and analysis of Cliftondale Square will lead to strong economic development townwide, as well as downtown, according to Thomas Traverse of the Economic Development Committee.

Saugus is one of 13 communities statewide to receive a portion of the $130,000 budgeted this year by the initiative. The funds support downtown revitalization by connecting municipalities with consultants.

The money from the Community Development Block Grant program is administered by the state Department of Housing and Community Development.

“I am extremely pleased that the town of Saugus is one of the 13 recipients of the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative grant,” said Traverse. “With this new mixed-use zoning on Route 1, Saugus is taking great strides toward economic development growth in town.”

Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte