Economic Development & Revitalization
Larry Koff & Associates has worked with municipalities, businesses, and economic development committees to address a range of growth management issues. Town-wide economic development strategies have been prepared as well as revitalization plans for village and town centers, corridors, and transit oriented development. Larry Koff & Associates is currently working with a private firm in Boston on permitting a major addition to their business.
Case Studies
Burlington Economic Development Plan
Under a 43D Expedited Permitting Grant that the Town received from the Interagency Permitting Board, LKA worked with the Town to prepare an Economic Development Strategies Plan. This plan addresses three concerns: a comprehensive review of the industrial and business districts, an identification of market trends, development opportunities and barriers, and an action plan of strategies to foster economic growth.
Dedham 418 Community Development Plan
The Town of Dedham has been fortunate to date that housing and economic development activities have been market driven. However, with substantial vacancies and increasing deterioration in a number of key locations, the Town needs to initiate an economic development program. This plan, prepared by Larry Koff & Associates, with support from the Bluestone Planning Group, highlighted areas for housing and economic development. An economic development strategy for a transit-oriented development site was proposed. In addition, the consultants recommended the adoption of a Tax Increment Financing District in order to finance major open space improvements along the Charles River and at a former town dump. Adjacent commercial development was to be utilized to finance these improvements.
Norwood Washington Street Transit Oriented District Vision/Action Plan
An award-winning Vision/Action Plan for a deteriorated mixed use transit-oriented district impacted by the growth of strip commercial uses located on the edge of town: The planning team headed by Larry Koff & Associates facilitated consensus around a market-focused revitalization vision of restaurants and home decorating specialty shopping. Support obtained from selectmen, town meeting, and the private sector for a broad variety of planning initiatives. A steering committee and a reorganized merchant association were established to lead the implementation program. A set of recommendations for Town owned liquor licenses, regulatory and zoning reform, building renovation, marketing, and streetscape improvements was carried out.
Funding of this plan ($3.1 M) has spurred over $20 million dollars in private investment, including retail, restaurants, and new housing. To date, eight buildings containing over 34 storefronts have been rehabilitated with the help of matching grants. New zoning was approved permitting the construction of a 105-unit apartment building within easy walking distance of an MBTA commuter rail station. This development will double the population currently living in the downtown area. PWED funding supported the construction of streetscape improvements for the downtown. Wine and Beer licenses controlled by the town were utilized to leverage the construction of five restaurants located in newly renovated structures.
Chelsea: Gerrish Avenue/ Bellingham Street Neighborhood Action Plan
A former industrial zone known as the Box District was attracting private investment in housing and loft developments but the adjacent two and three family district remained in poor condition without an overall guiding vision for its revitalization. LKA, working with Stull & Lee, Inc. and Bluestone Planning Group, assisted in the survey of existing conditions and the development of a vision and three implementation strategies. In addition to assisting with density studies, the preparation of new zoning, and a public realm plan, LKA prepared the third leg of the revitalization program, a Housing Stabilization Program. LKA determined that the existing housing stock should not be abandoned. A nine point program was designed, building on available staffing, financial resources, and the need for community support. Unique elements included the establishment of a “Walk Around” code enforcement team, the identification of targeted sub-areas and problem buildings, the establishment of an outreach and education effort, and the bundling of resources to address foreclosures.
Additional Projects
Boston Industrial Study
Dedham Square Specific Area Plan
Hull Small Business Assistance Study
Lowell Center-City Retail Master Plan and Leasing Strategy
Middleborough Business Assistance Study
Millbury Center Comprehensive Village Plan and Action Program
North Adams Downtown Partnership
Sharon Post Office Square Vision/Goal Plan
Shirley Wastewater Impact Study
Somerville Union Square Transit Oriented District Master Plan
South Norwood Commercial District Revitalization Action Plan
Walpole Comprehensive Economic Development Plan
Home | About Us | Our Services | Current Projects | Portfolio | Links | Contact Us
Copyright © Larry Koff & Associates
20 Harrison Street, Brookline, MA 02446, 617-566-2338, fax 617-566-8594