We are in the midst of the biggest expansion of the life-sciences industry Massachusetts has ever seen. Significant private investment into our already world-leading biotechnology sector is driving substantial new development across the state.
The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council is projecting this growth will bring at least 20 million new square feet of lab and biomanufacturing space along with an expected 40,000 net-new jobs.
The best part: A lot of this growth is happening outside of the traditional biotech clusters of Cambridge and Boston and is resulting in new economic opportunities for residents across the state, including those in Lynn.
Labs and biomanufacturing bring direct job opportunities for many, including entry level and office positions that do not require an advanced degree. These are not just jobs, but well-paying careers. And numerous associates degree and certificate programs provided at local colleges make these careers accessible to more.
Additionally, when labs and manufacturing come to a city, foot traffic and spending at local businesses increase. Most of these jobs require people to work on-site full-time, stemming the impact of a continued work-from-home culture that continues to hurt main streets, small businesses, and restaurants.
The proposed ordinance before the Lynn City Council would adopt the National Institutes of Health Guidance for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules, the most stringent federal measures for health and safety, and establish a City Biosafety Committee.
Combined with Lynn’s existing strengths – pre-permitted sites, access to a talented workforce and public transportation, and proximity to Cambridge – this ordinance will make Lynn a Platinum BioReady® Community – the highest ranking a community can receive.
Mayor Jared C. Nicholson and the Lynn City Council are making the right decision to proactively pursue an ordinance that would properly regulate the development of biotech labs and biomanufacturing in the city.
The proposed ordinance mirrors effective municipal policies adopted in places like Burlington and Lexington that have thriving biotech clusters. Neighboring cities like Revere, Malden, and Somerville have also adopted similar guidelines and are well-positioned to attract new biotech development.
We encourage the City Council to affirmatively adopt this ordinance and give Lynn the best opportunity to build a biotech cluster that will bring jobs and economic growth to the city.
Joe Boncore is the chief executive officer of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council.
