News Stories

Launching the Next Generation of Burlington’s Mall Road Corridor

Town of Burlington & MassDevelopment are kicking off a new collaboration to develop a plan for the redevelopment, future job growth, and enhancement of Mall Road and Middlesex Turnpike

MassDevelopment has awarded a Site Readiness Grant to the Town of Burlington to consider the potential of the commercial areas on both sides of Route 128/Interstate 95, addressing market and economic factors, development opportunities, and the future character of the district. The study area is generally bounded by Blanchard Road, Route 3, Route 3A, and the Burlington Mall Road. The project team is Madden Planning Group, Landwise Advisors, Buenas Vibras, and Gamble Associates. Outreach efforts are expected to begin in October 2021, including community forums to discuss and generate ideas. The plan is expected to continue through to March 2022.

Charting a course for the future involves strategic engagement, input, and support from many stakeholders, from real estate developers to town residents. A district plan at this point in time will help the Town establish a zoning and regulatory framework to shape future development tailored to market realities and civic goals.

District plans also communicate Town aspirations to property owners, real estate developers, businesses, and entrepreneurs interested in investing in the Town and growing the workforce. With a clear sense of private development potential, the Town can also advocate for and invest in public infrastructure, such as parks, streetscapes, transit, utilities, and environmental protection and restoration, among others. Town Administrator Paul Sagarino supports this endeavor.

“As our nation makes its way into a post-pandemic world, it’s essential that towns and cities start to restructure their infrastructure to match the needs of their residents and local businesses. In Burlington, we are taking those steps,” stated Sagarino.

Economic Development Director Melisa Tintocalis spoke on the benefits of the grant and working with MassDevelopment.

“The Mass Development grant will help us kick off a process that will explore redevelopment in commercial areas with ‘underperforming asphalt’ and plan for more walkable infill villages in the future that strategically mix elements with added density to make for a successful and resilient Burlington for the next generation.”