New Bedford 2020 - VHB.com

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A City Master Plan New Bedford 2020A Straight Forward ApproachThis document is comprised of nine main elements. Each provides an overview of the historical and presentday context, a summary of the comments received during the civic engagement phase, and an outline ofcurrent conditions and ongoing initiatives. Most importantly, each element includes goals and objectives thatlay out the steps we need to take during the next 10 years that will help us achieve the vision. These nine mainelements are summarized in the following sections.Throughout the master plan civic engagement process, the importance of sustainability and historicpreservation were of utmost concern. Due to their significance, they are not standalone sections of thisdocument. Instead, they are woven throughout each chapter of New Bedford 2020, as their relevance is criticalto our community’s success as a vibrant seaport.Shaping the CityAs the leading Gateway City in the Commonwealth, New Bedford has emerged as a metropolitan center of thesouthcoast. Recently completed innovative land development strategies and progressive community-basedplanning reflect shared values and strengthen our connection to the water. Future initiatives to shape land useand development must continue to strengthen downtown, protect neighborhoods, support the needs ofemerging economic development sectors, encourage the adaptive reuse of historic mills, and requiresustainable design standards for all development.The land use policies and zoning regulations that have guided New Bedford through the 20th century remainlargely unchanged. Without a new approach to how we think about zoning and other land use strategies muchof what we have come to share through this process as a common vision will not be accomplished.Shaping the City Goals1. Implement a new Zoning Code that will promote and guide development that meets the city’s vision2. Relocate uses that impair the achievement of future development goals to appropriate areas of the city that canbest support them3. Implement internal policy and regulations that will guide development towards the vision and create greaterefficiency throughout the permitting process4. Undertake new strategic planning for citywide initiatives in targeted areas, as identified in New Bedford 2020Jobs and BusinessIn the midst of the most challenging national economy since the Great Depression, in 2010 New Bedford leads innew growth among the 11 Gateway Cities in the Commonwealth—creating nearly 2,000 permanent andconstruction jobs and capturing more than $340 million in private investment over the past five years. We haveaccomplished this by employing a balanced and aggressive strategy—led by the New Bedford EconomicDevelopment Council—to support existing business, attract emerging industries, communicate a positivemessage, develop strategic sites, prepare a ready workforce, and capture long-term catalytic opportunities forgrowth.Executive SummaryS-2
A City Master Plan New Bedford 2020A well established economic development strategy is now in place that has shown tangible results during the pastfive years. The city’s recent momentum has established a solid foundation for future growth that builds upon itscoastal location, preserves its historic legacy, and expands cultural and workforce opportunities. While much hasbeen accomplished, it is critical to continue this strategic approach to build on and sustain recent success.Jobs and Business Goals1. Expand and secure recent success in developing emerging technology sectors, such as marine science andtechnology, alternative energy, medical devices, biotech manufacturing, and creative enterprises2. Enact a comprehensive development strategy that links underperforming and potential development sites, such asbrownfields, business park sites, and historic mills throughout the city with opportunities for emerging sectordevelopment to increase and stabilize the commercial tax base and create jobs3. Continue to foster sustainable development projects that have the ability to catalyze economic growth withintargeted neighborhood, commercial, and development districts through both jobs created during construction andthe creation of permanent jobs for New Bedford citizens4. Increase support and services to existing and small businesses that strengthen pedestrian-friendly neighborhoodcommercial districts throughout the city and create new job opportunities for New Bedford families5. Support traditional harbor industries, including fishing and seafood processing, while capturing new opportunitiesto diversify the Port’s economy in sectors, such as short sea shipping, alternative energy, tourism, and recreationalboating6. Develop the creative economy and cultural tourism as a leading edge growth sector7. Provide workforce development and training that aligns with emerging growth sectors8. Continue to foster a transparent and efficient business-friendly environment9. Enhance and further develop current efforts of the City to communicate a positive message for economic growthopportunities that will continue to build on our momentum and tell our story—New Bedford is a good place inwhich to invest, do business, visit, and raise a family10. Develop greater management capacity to more rapidly advance projects and economic development initiativesNeighborhoods and HousingHousing is the most prevalent land use in New Bedford, and its cost and availability are critical componentsdefining the character of the city. The age and condition of a significant portion of the housing stock is of concern,especially in light of the national foreclosure crisis currently affecting the community. Moving forward, NewBedford must strive to provide safe, vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods that offer a multitude of uses, including:affordable, quality housing choices; good schools; walkable streets; proximity to open space, parks andplaygrounds; and small, local businesses that provide the opportunity to shop for goods, such as groceries, bakedgoods, and newsstands as well as provide services, such as hair salons, tailors, and dry cleaners.Our vision is a city comprised of small village-like settings, each with their own distinct historic and culturalfabric that create dynamic neighborhoods where people meet on the street, buy local goods, and enjoy theexperiences of their community.Executive SummaryS-3
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New Bedford 2020 - VHB.com

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