May 26, 2014
Shop Talk
Q&A with Joseph Petty, Mayor of Worcester
By Rick Saia
Joe Petty is leading Worcester while the city is at an economic crossroads: moving from the largely manufacturing base of its past into a future that holds the promise of a more vibrant, more diversified business base with the hope of a more active downtown. Here, he addresses the issues of business and economic development in the state's second-largest city.
Is the city on the right track in attracting new businesses and keeping those it has?
I think it is. We're working hard at it. (Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President Timothy Murray) is making it his priority to bring new businesses here and also to retain business. The city has been doing it also. I think the issue we may have from a business perspective is how to improve the permitting process (to make it) quicker and more to the point.
Now that you're in your second term as mayor, what were the big economic development wins in your first term and what are the top economic development priorities for your second?
The biggest was the announcement of JetBlue. Just the idea that we had this airline as prestigious as JetBlue coming to the city was wonderful. Then, also, I think one of the big psychological lifts for the city itself was the opening of Front Street (which connected the east and west sides of the city through the site of the former Galleria Mall), along with the ice-skating rink (behind City Hall). People really enjoyed it and (with) those two events downtown, people really came alive.
The city has receivd much presure from the business community on property tax rates, and the gap between the business and residential rates has narrowed. With the last two tax-rate botes so close, do you have any concerns about homeowners reactions?
We try to look at the big picture and see if (homeowners and businesses) can share the burden. We recognize that we have to compete with the surrounding towns and try to bring the business rate down, and also recognize (that) we have a lot of elderly people here on fixed incomes who own their homes. We have a lot of people whose incomes aren't that high for a major city. So we (combine) all those factors.
Mike O'Brien left the city manager's office having left a strong mark on business growth. Where do you hope his permanent replacement will take the city's business base?
Our next city manager (has) to attract businesses here. How do you work for the colleges and universities, the incubator companies, to ensure someone is receiving his Ph.D or master's stays here and develops a business here? The attraction has to be (for) different industries. So there are a number of things that can keep people employed.
Downtown has received a lot of attention in recent years when it comes to development. What one or two other areas of the city do you see having the greatest potential for business growth?
We're focused on the outskirts of downtown (such as) the Canal District, Kelley Square. We're focused on the South Worcester Industrial Park. We've coordinated the (land) parcels. A lot of the land has been cleaned up. So, we're trying to attract businesses there. We're focused on the airport still (to) hopefully get more airlines there (after) we get the (upgraded) landing system in place. (And) the are around Route 20 is developing by itself. One of the issues I was pushing was the sewer system on Route 20, for economic development purposes but also for environmental purposes.
If the mayor's job was ever to become a full-time position with a full-time salary, would you want it?
(Laughs) I don't know. I'd give it some thought. I do love what I do. Without getting into the question of a "strong mayor" movement, I don't want people to think I 'm moving the city in that direction. You're asking the question.
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Shop Talk - Joseph Petty, Mayor of Worcester
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