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Select Board approves $30,000 WestMass Route 20 economic‑corridor study
Summary
The Select Board approved a WestMass scope of work for a Route 20 economic‑corridor study not to exceed $30,000 from the plans and studies budget, to examine development trends, infrastructure constraints and municipal fiber feasibility, with a target wrap‑up around April 2026.
The Charlton Select Board approved on Nov. 18 a scope of work from WestMass Development for an economic‑corridor study along Route 20, authorizing up to $30,000 from the town’s plans and studies budget. The study will evaluate development trends for commercial, industrial, mixed‑use and residential opportunities, identify constraints tied to zoning and infrastructure, and consider utilities including municipal fiber as a potential economic development tool.
Andrew said the study will give the town a roadmap to manage growth and make it easier to pursue state grant opportunities. He noted the target wrap‑up date is April 2026 to align with the Community One Stop grant season. The Economic Development Committee reviewed and supported the scope and requested the item be presented to the Select Board for approval.
Board members noted WestMass may propose an additional fee of roughly $10,000 for tasks related to the Planning Board; Andrew said he would coordinate with the Planning Board about that potential supplemental scope. The motion to approve the WestMass scope not to exceed $30,000 passed unanimously.
Town officials said the study could identify near‑term infrastructure investments that the town might include in grant applications once WestMass delivers recommendations.
