Worcester’s city council has voted to approve both a $104 million Downtown Urban Revitalization Plan that targets 24 properties for redevelopment and possible taking by the city, and a $611 million dollar budget.
The revitalization plan created by the Worcester Redevelopment Authority would guide Worcester’s development efforts over the next 20 years, covering over 118 acres of land, including some that can be taken from owners by eminent domain. The area covered by the plan includes 118 parcels and 380 properties covering approximately 67 businesses and 214 condominium units over a 118.4 acre area. City councilors approved the plan on Tuesday night, according to city officials.
One of the most controversial and essential portions of the plan is the targeting of 24 properties for redevelopment assistance or taking by the city. City officials have said they would use the power to take the land for a higher use.
Councilors also approved a $611 million budget, $3 million less than the budget proposed by City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. However, the budget does include additional police and fire personnel, according to the Telegram and Gazette.
