11/14/2023
The Town of Leicester, with assistance from the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, is working on a town center revitalization project called The Leicester Town Center Plan. The town seeks to create a community vision plan and pursue zoning changes for an area that is central to Leicester's economic vitality and development.
The study area consisted of portions of Route 9 largely defined by the Town Center, Town Common, and Cherry Valley commercial nodes. The project seeks to bring economic recovery and long-term growth to Leicester’s town center and revitalize the business environment that was robust prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, when the former Becker College served as the anchor institution.
Leicester's vision consists of two main components: develop a vision plan with extensive community outreach, and use the vision plan to drive zoning changes, policy, and system-level changes. Creating the vision plan will engage community members and the business community in reimagining the Town Common area and lay the foundation for future growth.
The plan would ensure that new regulations align with Leicester's Master Plan and long-term economic development strategies, while maintaining the town's historic New England character, improving pedestrian and bicycle access, and fostering a unique sense of place.
