Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development Ballpark topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council seeks regular updates on Madison Properties, Polar Park financing and Left Field site
Summary
After questions at a Worcester Redevelopment Authority hearing, councilors asked the administration for monthly status updates on Madison Properties' commitments in the Polar Park district and to press the developer to sell or move forward on the stalled Left Field commercial parcel.
Worcester City Councilors asked the city manager and Economic Development staff to provide regular status reports on Madison Properties' obligations in the Polar Park (ballpark) district, including the unfinished Left Field commercial parcel and the hotel financing.
The request followed public discussion and a Worcester Redevelopment Authority session in which Madison representatives characterized some project elements as "aspirational," prompting council concern. Councilors said they were troubled that Madison recently purchased or pursued nearby properties while elements of the Polar Park district — intended to help finance the ballpark — remain incomplete.
City Manager Edward Batista said administration staff have an active line of communication with Madison and that the developer indicated willingness to sell the Left Field parcel. Batista said the city is exploring options to encourage a sale and, if necessary, would consider additional legal tools (including eminent domain) as a last resort. Economic development staff and the WRA have asked Madison to appear at an upcoming WRA meeting on March 13 for an update.
Councilors asked the administration to return with a timeline and a plan for periodic updates (councilors discussed monthly updates) on financing, tax increment revenues, and any steps the city will take if Madison does not sell or develop the Left Field parcel.
Ending: The council directed staff to provide a status memo and to schedule regular briefings; the council said it would monitor the ballpark district financing closely, because revenue shortfalls from delayed development affect the city budget.
