Urban Renewal Plan - Major Amendment

The overall goal of the Southbridge Urban Renewal Plan is:

GOAL: To create a more vibrant downtown area through a series of public actions intended to stimulate private investment resulting in a revitalized central business district with a mix of uses and opportunities for people to live, work, shop, and play.Massachusetts law enables local communities to address deteriorated or underutilized areas through a state-supported urban renewal program. This initiative empowers municipalities to redevelop and transform locations that are decadent, blighted, or economically stagnant.

Through Massachusetts General Law (M.G.L.) c. 121B, designated urban renewal agencies have broad authority to implement redevelopment strategies. These may include land acquisition, clearance, infrastructure upgrades, and partnerships with the private sector. The overarching goal is to foster environments that support sustainable growth, attract investment, and allow for a mix of uses, such as housing, businesses, public facilities, and recreation. The Downtown Southbridge Urban Renewal Plan (Plan or URP), dated December 2010, was prepared by the Town of Southbridge, acting by and through its Redevelopment Authority, in accordance with the powers conferred upon it by M.G.L. c. 121B, as amended, and in recognition of the need to remove certain decadent conditions located in the downtown area. The Town then sought a Major Amendment in 2025 to increase the parcels included in this plan and extend the plan timeline.