Northborough Select Board considers TIF negotiations for Saint-Gobain expansion project

The Annual Town Meeting for Northborough, Massachusetts, held on May 5, 2025, focused on key discussions surrounding economic development and the potential approval of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement with Saint-Gobain, a prominent international company. The meeting aimed to address the implications of this agreement for the town's economic future.

The session began with a presentation from Mitch Cohen, Chair of the Northborough Select Board, who expressed his support for negotiating a TIF with Saint-Gobain. Cohen highlighted the company's positive impact on the local workforce and the potential for significant investment in the community. He emphasized that the TIF would not require any upfront costs from the town and would instead generate additional tax revenue from the new value created by the company's expansion.

Cohen acknowledged some discomfort regarding the request to move forward without fully negotiated terms but reassured attendees that the process would involve close collaboration with the town's appropriations committee. He noted that the TIF would typically last no longer than ten years and would be structured to ensure that the town benefits from the arrangement.

However, concerns were raised by residents, including Gibb Chase, who questioned the lack of detailed information regarding the TIF's potential impacts on the town's budget and taxpayer obligations. Chase pointed out that previous studies have shown mixed results for communities that have entered into similar agreements, urging caution and a comprehensive analysis before proceeding.

The discussion highlighted the balance between fostering economic growth and ensuring that the interests of local taxpayers are protected. While some residents expressed optimism about the partnership with Saint-Gobain, others called for more transparency and thorough evaluation of the potential costs associated with increased public services that might arise from the project.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the town is at a crossroads, weighing the benefits of attracting significant corporate investment against the need for careful fiscal management. The outcome of the TIF negotiations will be pivotal in shaping Northborough's economic landscape in the coming years. The Select Board plans to continue discussions and will keep the community informed as the process unfolds.