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June 25, 2012
Opinion

Narrow The Tax-Rate Gaps

Peter Kovago Special To The Worcester Business Journal

Worcester's recent commercial property revaluation and its effect on the business community shed new light on an ongoing issue: the dual tax rate.

  • Shop Talk
    Shop Talk

    Q&A With Todd Breighner, CEO Of The Worcester Tornadoes

    In the U.S., not many may have realized that Worcester has a baseball team. Until April, that is, when the Worcester Tornadoes signed former American League Most Valuable Player Jose Canseco to a contract.

  • Cultivating Growth Through Training Grants

    When Greg Sexton took over MCS Laser Services in Westford five years ago, he introduced something new to the company — employee training.

  • Photo Finish
    Photo Finish

    Photo Finish

    Southbridge-based Savers Bank donated $1,000 to Apple Tree Arts in Grafton, to support music and theater programming on the Grafton Common. Would you like to see your face on the PhotoFinish page?

  • Incorporations
    Incorporations

    Incorporations

    These Central Massachusetts businesses filed incorporation papers with the Massachusetts Secretary of State's Office from April 1-15, 2012. Listed below are the corporate name, address, ZIP and president.ASHLAND

  • Advice
    Advice

    Doing Social Media Right

    Erin Howard Special To The Worcester Business Journal

    With the proliferation of sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube, many businesses are jumping into social media to increase sales. Social media is a great marketing tool, but when done ineffectively, it can be a waste of time and money.

  • The Rainmaker
    The Rainmaker

    THE RAINMAKER: So Much To Do, But What Should You Tackle First?

    Ken Cook

    It seems that every day within companies, there are decisions made about what to do and what not to do. Too frequently, the criteria for these decisions are determined in the moment.

  • Briefing
    Briefing

    Briefing: MBTA Bailout

    The Legislature has decided to help the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) close its deficit by forking over the state's $51 million in surplus revenues from the motor vehicle inspection trust fund.

  • Page One Story
    Page One Story

    Untapped Potential: 5 Central Mass. Business
 Properties That Need Developers

    As Central Massachusetts communities rebound from a recession that brought foreclosures, bankruptcies and budget cuts, they're looking ahead and working to bring in business.

  • Page One Story
    Page One Story

    Summer Brings Life To ‘Restaurant Row’

    With more than 40 restaurants on Shrewsbury Street's Restaurant Row, the Worcester strip has evolved over the past decade into a place where proprietors want to be, knowing it's a good bet the crowds will come.

  • Focus On Central Mass. 100
    Focus On Central Mass. 100

    The Central Mass. 100 For 2012

    Meet the 2012 Central Mass. 100, the region's most complete picture of the companies and leaders that drive its economy.

  • Editorial
    Editorial

    An Expanded Bottle Law In Mass.? Can That Thought

    Does Massachusetts really need an expanded bottle law?It's a question that's been asked several times before, and the business sector — as it has before — is offering the same answer: No, and a resounding no at that.

  • Advice
    Advice

    10 Things I Know About... Fostering Great Ideas

    Christine Tieri Special To The Worcester Business Journal

    10. Cross pollinate.When it comes to generating ideas, include people from all disciplines. Collaboration is key; always remember that everyone has something to contribute.

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Today's Poll

Should Massachusetts significantly reduce the environmental review time for new housing projects?
Poll Description

In an effort to increase the pace of new housing development in Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey has proposed streamlining the environmental review process for certain new housing projects, with the goal of reducing the time spent on the process from about one year to 30 days. Environmental reviews are a hallmark of community planning, to ensure new development doesn't negatively impact surrounding properties or natural resources, even though the process does add significant time and often cost to projects. Healey's proposal comes after Massachusetts fell behind the national average in new housing production, despite adding 90,000 new units since she became governor in 2023.

New England already averages the longest timeline in the nation to build a single-family home once the developer has been giving the authorization to move forward with construction, according to U.S. Census statistics compiled by the National Association of Home Builders. In 2023, single-family homes in New England averaged 13.9 months from permit to completion. The South Atlantic states have the lowest average of 8.9 months while the region that includes Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana is the second quickest at 9.4 months. The second-longest average after New England is the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania region, which takes 13.2 months.

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