WORCESTER—Worcester leaders, organized labor and the Worcester Business Development Corporation signed a community benefits agreement for GreenTech Park, a 51-acre redevelopment at 1 New Bond St., officials announced on Monday.
Formerly owned by Saint-Gobain Abrasives, the site is slated for redevelopment under an agreement that proponents say are designed to keep economic benefits at home while still advancing the workforce, labor and environmental standards.
At the heart of the agreement is a commitment that new construction at GreenTech Park will comply with Worcester’s Responsible Development Ordinance. The ordinance includes oversight provisions focused on workforce participation for Worcester residents, people of color, women, local contractors and apprentices, the announcement states.
The agreement also includes information on how the city will create access to good-paying jobs for young people during both the construction phase and when new businesses open at the site.
Additional provisions outlined in the announcement include compliance with the city’s Specialized Stretch Code to support Worcester’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045, the use of reputable and violation-free contractors and subcontractors, and a commitment to monthly stakeholder and neighborhood meetings.
“This Community Benefit Agreement holds true to the WBDC’s mission of creating jobs and expanding Worcester’s tax base,” Craig L. Blais, president of the Worcester Business Development Corporation, said in the announcement. “By committing to hire qualified local contractors and subcontractors, we’re ensuring that the economic benefits of GreenTech Park are felt right here in our community.”
Mayor Joseph Petty said signing the agreement demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration.
“This agreement shows what we can accomplish as a city and community when we work together,” Petty said in the announcement. “It will create jobs, add to the city tax base and put Worcester to work.”
Leaders of the Worcester Community Labor Coalition, which includes labor and community-based organizations advocating for a role in the city’s economic development, also signed the agreement.
“As co-chair of the Worcester Community Labor Coalition, I am honored to sign this Community Benefits Agreement,” said Celia Johnston Blue, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, in the announcement. She said the agreement reflects collaboration aimed at improving economic outcomes while creating job pathways and rebuilding neighborhoods with resident input.
Fred Taylor of Carpenters Local 336, also a coalition co-chair, said the agreement promotes responsible development, local jobs and safe working conditions while increasing city tax revenue.
Labor organizations including the Worcester-Fitchburg Building Trades and Carpenters Local 336 also voiced support, citing commitments to local hiring, apprenticeships and fair wages.
Former District 1 City Councilor Jenny Pacillo, a Burncoat resident, said she was proud to see the agreement deliver commitments for local residents.
“Growth and good jobs will start right here in District 1 and benefit Worcester families first,” Pacillo said in the announcement.
Community benefits agreements are legally binding arrangements between developers and coalitions of community and labor organizations intended to ensure that large development projects contribute to improved quality of life for local residents, according to the announcement.
