WORCESTER—After a few weeks off, the Worcester City Council reconvenes Tuesday night with an agenda headlined by two issues that have stirred deep public interest — the lagging revenues tied to the Polar Park District Improvement Fund and the city’s ongoing efforts to expand access to grocery stores in neighborhoods hit hard by recent closures.
First up, City Chief Financial Officer Timothy McGourthy briefs councilors on the fiscal health of the Ballpark District Improvement Fund (DIF), the financing tool created in 2018 to cover debt service on the $160 million Polar Park project. The fund is fueled by new property taxes and other revenues from development around the ballpark, as well as lease payments and other fees from the Worcester Red Sox.
According to McGourthy’s memo, the DIF is falling short of expectations — bringing in $929,000 in FY25, for a total of $1.7 million to date. While the city remains confident the fund will eventually become self-sustaining, shortfalls are currently being covered by transfers from Worcester’s general fund. The city auditor’s report projects a $390,000 deficit for FY26, bringing the cumulative amount owed back to the general fund to about $2.1 million.
McGourthy attributed the gap to postponed private development, high construction costs and interest rates that have slowed financing. He noted that the district’s taxable value has nonetheless grown tenfold since 2019 to $117.8 million, and pointed to new restaurants and continued high WooSox attendance as positive signs for long-term recovery.
But District 5 Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, posting on social media ahead of the meeting, was blunt in her assessment: “It does not look good,” she wrote, citing delays in hotel and mixed-use projects once promised by developer Madison Properties. “They make the profit. Worcester taxpayers pay the bill. This is unacceptable.”
City Manager Eric Batista, in his report, said the city “remains watchful” of Madison’s efforts and continues to work with developers to move projects forward. “We remain confident that in the 25 years left of the initiative, we will see significant new development occur and a project that pays back the city and its economy,” Batista wrote.
Another major report before council centers on the availability of grocery stores in Worcester, particularly in neighborhoods affected by closures of Stop & Shop and Price Chopper locations, creating what is commonly referred to as a “food desert.” Batista and Chief Development Officer Peter Dunn outline the city’s collaboration with community partners, including the Worcester County Food Bank, UMass Memorial Health, and the Center on Food Equity.
Dunn’s memo describes food access as a “complex challenge” shaped by national trends and rising costs that have forced chains to consolidate or close. The report explores alternative models such as nonprofit or cooperative grocery stores, as well as public-private ventures. One nonprofit, Giving Grocer — founded by a Worcester native — is exploring opening its first store in the city.
“While we recently celebrated the grand opening of Seabra Foods on Pleasant Street, continuing these efforts is essential,” Batista wrote. “We will explore all avenues to expand access to affordable groceries.”
More highlights on the agenda
- Curtis Apartments Phase II redevelopment: Councilors vote on a resolution to designate 37–63 Great Brook Valley Ave. and nearby Tacoma Street properties as an Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) zone, advancing Phase Two of the Curtis Apartments redevelopment. The $146 million project, led by Trinity Financial and the Worcester Housing Authority, replaces 114 public housing units with 150 new apartments — 116 reserved for public housing and 34 affordable units for households earning up to 80% of area median income. The project also includes a new 20,000-square-foot Economic Opportunity Center with WHA offices, community programming, and a new branch library. Completion is expected in September 2027.
- Winter readiness and plow rates: Department of Public Works Commissioner John Westerling briefs the council on the city’s preparedness for winter storm season and seek approval for rate increases on hired plowing and sanding equipment. Westerling will also provide an update on the “Keep Worcester Clean” program, which coordinates cleanup and code enforcement efforts citywide.
- Street and sidewalk construction progress: Stephen Rolle, commissioner of Transportation and Mobility, presents the department’s September progress report on ongoing street and sidewalk work. Councilors have pressed for more consistent reporting on repairs, timelines and neighborhood equity in public works projects.
- Grant adoptions and a new comfort dog: Councilors are set to approve several grants and donations, including $800,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, $1 million from the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund and $42,500 from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. The Worcester Police Department will also receive a donated comfort dog valued at $4,500 from Vidadoodle — part of the department’s wellness and community engagement initiatives.
- Traffic study petition: Resident Maureen McNamara is requesting a traffic study at the intersection of Burncoat Street, Mountain Street East, and Triangle Street, where drivers reportedly turn into the wrong lane. The study would examine signage and line markings to improve safety.
- Supporting local artists: Councilor Kathleen Toomey filed an order asking the city to review the availability and affordability of studio spaces for artists. She is requesting data on rent increases and their impact on Worcester’s arts community, along with potential incentives for property owners who provide affordable creative spaces.
Worcester City Council meets Tuesday, Oct. 21, at City Hall in the Esther Howland (south) at 6:30 p.m. It is also live streamed on the city’s website.
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
The Worcester Guardian is an independent nonprofit news organization. Support local journalism by making a DONATION today.
