Northborough select board approves TIF agreement to support Saint Gobain expansion

The Annual Town Meeting for Northborough, Massachusetts, held on May 5, 2025, focused on a significant economic development opportunity involving the local company Saint Gobain. The meeting began with a motion to authorize the select board to negotiate and execute agreements related to a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan aimed at supporting the company's proposed expansion.

The town administrator provided an overview of TIFs, explaining that they are a financial tool that allows municipalities to invest in redevelopment projects by capturing future increases in property tax revenue generated by those improvements. This mechanism does not raise taxes for current residents but redirects future tax revenue to cover development costs, thereby stimulating business growth and job creation.

The administrator emphasized that many surrounding towns utilize TIF agreements to revitalize neighborhoods and drive economic development. He noted that without TIFs, some projects might not proceed or could necessitate tax increases to fund them. The TIF agreement proposed for Saint Gobain is particularly crucial as the company is considering its expansion among eight global innovation centers.

Saint Gobain's Vice President of Innovation and Research and Development, Todd DeNoia, presented details about the company's plans. He highlighted that the Northborough facility, established in 1985, occupies 200,000 square feet and employs around 350 people. The proposed capital improvements include an 80,000 square foot expansion over the next five years, which aims to modernize the facility and enhance its sustainability credentials.

DeNoia stated that the expansion is expected to create approximately 60 high-paying jobs in engineering and research, reinforcing Northborough's position as a key site for industrial research. He underscored the importance of local and state economic support in securing funding for these long-term investments.

The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on the mutual benefits of the proposed TIF agreement, which aims to foster a partnership between Saint Gobain and the town, ensuring economic growth and stability for years to come. The select board's authorization to negotiate the TIF agreement is seen as a critical step in supporting this initiative.