THE QUINCY REGIONAL COLLABORATIVE
Economic Target Area
An Exceptional Place to Work, Live and Innovate
Hull
Milton
Quincy
Braintree
Norwood
Canton
Randolph
Stoughton
Weymouth
De
dh
am
Hingham
Commonwealth of
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston
AN EXCEPTIONAL PLACE TO WORK, LIVE AND INNOVATE
This document is an Executive
Summary of the findings identified
in the Economic Resource Analysis
and Branding Strategy created
by Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications in January 2015. The
Economic Resource Analysis and
Branding Strategy was undertaken
through the support of a Regional
Economic Development Organization (REDO) Grant provided by
the Massachusetts Office of
Business Development (MOBD).
A copy of the full report is
available by contacting one of the
member communities listed in
this document.
n 185 Square Miles
n Over 350,000 residents
n Over 12,500 businesses with a predominant focus
on Healthcare and Technology
n Surrounded by 68 Colleges and Universities with
over 250,000 students
n A
t a crossroads of Major Transportation Corridors
including highway, water, rail and air
n R
ich history, culturally diverse and beautiful
environments create a wonderful work-life
balance
n H
igh achieving and competitively ranked
public school systems
Squantum neighborhood in Quincy overlooking Boston Harbor.
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Economic Target Area | Executive Summary
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Quincy Regional Collaborative (QRC) is an economic development alliance of
eleven cities and towns contiguously located to the south and west of Boston providing
economic incentives to encourage the development of commercial and industrial
properties. Through the designation of an Economic Target Area (ETA), member
communities have everything required to stimulate business development: a strong,
diverse commercial and industrial base, excellent transportation infrastructure, and
an attractive living and recreational environment.
A key strength of the region is the physical geography and existing infrastructure,
which creates a foundation conducive to economic growth. The region has a robust
business environment with more than 12,000 business establishments representing a
diverse set of industries, many of which complement each other. Although the largest
employers are focused on healthcare and retail, smaller companies create a supportive
network of professional services, finance, technology and more. Perhaps most
importantly, there is room to grow, and most communities have land available for
commercial development. The region is well-positioned to serve as a bridge between
the technology centers to the west and life sciences industries to the north.
The region is
well-positioned to
serve as a bridge
between the technology centers to
the west and life
sciences industries
to the north.
In addition to supporting business, the region is a desirable place to live and play. The
region has a significant number of cultural and historic assets, and its proximity to
Boston makes for great day trips for residents and visitors alike. Diverse housing options
and an abundance of open space with access to the natural environment make it an
attractive place to live and work. Companies looking for a new location will be attracted
to the economic environment, residential attributes, and recreational environment that
promotes walkability and healthy lifestyles.
Boston Scientific 400,000 sqft. Distribution Facility in
Quincy.
www.QuincyRegionalCollaborative.com Reebok Headquarters in Canton
Economic Target Area | Executive Summary
3
QUINCY REGIONAL COLLABORATIVE (QRC)
economic development
alliance of eleven
contiguous communities
wrapping around the
southern and western
borders of the City
of Boston, offering a
unique combination
of access to the international connections
available in a world
class city with the
comfort of local living.
The ETA is an
exceptional place
to work and a
attractive place
to live.
The QRC is an economic development alliance of eleven towns and cities located
contiguously to the south and west of Boston. Working together, QRC member
communities established an Economic Target Area (ETA) to offer substantial
financial incentives to businesses expanding or locating in designated areas,
including investment tax credits, building and municipal tax incentives, and
property tax savings.
The QRC includes the communities of Braintree, Canton, Dedham, Hull, Hingham,
Norwood, Quincy, Randolph, Stoughton, Milton and Weymouth. Representing
roughly 185 square miles, of which 75% is land, the ETA is contiguous with Boston
at the northernmost end.
QRC member communities encompass the northern part of the South Shore of
Massachusetts. A majority of the communities are located in Norfolk County, with
Hingham and Hull located in Plymouth County.
The ETA offers a uniquely favorable position to attract businesses. Located predominantly
within 10 to 20 miles of Boston, it is considered within the greater metropolitan area
of Boston.
The ETA is uniquely positioned to capture economic growth with everything a business
would need to succeed: an established base of diverse yet synergistic industries, an
Hull
De
dh
am
Milton
Quincy
Braintree
Norwood
Canton
Randolph
Stoughton
Weymouth
The QRC is an
Hingham
Commonwealth of
Boston
MASSACHUSETTS
Figure 1: Member Communities of the Quincy Regional Collaborative (QRC)
Overlay of QRC on Map of the South Shore
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Economic Target Area | Executive Summary
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ecosystem of professional service providers; a burgeoning network of large and small
companies in diverse fields who can be partners and suppliers; a large population of
educated workers; and an overall attractive business environment with room to grow.
The region includes existing commercial space which can be developed or redeveloped
and a political will at the local and state levels to encourage investment in existing and
new business infrastructure. In addition, there is a diverse and educated workforce,
unparalleled multi-modal transportation infrastructure, and access to low-cost energy.
The region has everything required to ensure commercial success for businesses
looking to grow and expand. DDEMOGRAPHICS MOGRAPHICS
Population characteristics are attractive to new companies looking to do business in
the Boston area. The median age of each of the ETA communities in the 2010 Census
clustered around the early 40s, placing the population at its most productive.
Figure 2: Age Distribution of the ETA Population
Median Age
39.2
41.6
41.7
44.4
47.4
% Under 18
16.6%
22.9%
20.7%
27.2%
17.3%
% Age 65+
15.1%
17.0%
15.2%
19.6%
15.5%
Stoughton
42.9
Norwood
Canton
Randolph
Dedham
Milton
41.1
42.3
39.9
43.4
39.6
21.3%
20.4%
23.6%
21.6%
20.8%
16.4%
17.3%
16.8%
13.4%
22.0%
28.2%
23.3%
ETA Member
Quincy
Braintree
Weymouth
Hingham
Hull
The ETA has the
benefit of starting with
a strong business base
that represents a solid
set of commercial and
industrial real estate
options, a diverse
set of industries, a
well-educated
work-force and
room to grow.
Source: MassStats, 2010 Census
The ETA is close to numerous higher educational resources in the greater Boston area
and is home to four higher education institutions: Curry College, Quincy College,
University of Phoenix and Eastern Nazarene College. Curry and Eastern Nazarene are
four-year schools, providing numerous graduate and undergraduate degree programs in
business and liberal arts. Quincy College provides two year degree programs and has a
highly regarded Nursing and Biotechnology and Compliance Curriculum.
Curry College, Milton
www.QuincyRegionalCollaborative.com Quincy Center Biotechnology laboratory
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DCOMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE M
Members of the ETA have a robust inventory of existing real estate that can be
repurposed or developed. Each community has a selection of areas ripe for potential
commercial or industrial build-out and in several cases have master plan where large
parcels are in place and targeted for development.
Although the majority of businesses are related to health care and technology, a large
percentage of wages earned in the ETA are derived from the finance and insurance
sectors. Eight sectors as noted below generate roughly two-thirds of wages — $6.8
billion out of $10.4 billion:
n
Finance and Insurance
n
Health Care and Social Assistance
n
Information
n
Management of Companies and Enterprises
n
Manufacturing
n
Professional and Technical Services
n
Transportation and Warehousing
n
Wholesale Trade
Southfield, 1400 acre communty in Weymouth
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Economic Target Area | Executive Summary
110 acre Fore River Shipyard located on the Fore River
in Braintree and Quincy is available for redevelopment
opportunities.
www.QuincyRegionalCollaborative.com
TTRANSPORTATION
One of the greatest
ETA communities are ideally located with respect to transportation infrastructure
and energy supply. Businesses, employees, and residents have easy access to four
major interstate highways, railways, public transportation, airports and the Port of
Boston. Geographically located at the cross-roads of most major transportation mode
thorough-fares, the region boasts excellent access to interstate highways, regional train
service, trans-ocean shipping, and airports.
transportation and
energy infrastructure
Such transportation infrastructure is useful to international and domestic businesses
engaged in product manufacturing, delivery and distribution. With the I-128 technology
corridor running through the communities from Canton, Dedham and Norwood into
Braintree and an ongoing migration of life science firms southward along the redline
and Route 3 into Quincy, the ETA serves as the bridge to join two innovative industries
together, at a fraction of the cost of doing business in Boston.
strengths of the ETA
is the existing
that already connects
the communities to
markets domestically
and abroad, making
it an exceptional
place to do business.
Public Transit
Rail Lines
Major highways and public transportation link.
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P PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The region has access to several light rail transit (LRT) lines as well as “heavy” rail
rapid transit and regional “commuter” rail lines. These services are managed by
the MBTA, and generally serve Boston, the greater metropolitan area and selected
suburbs. The Red Line public transportation system runs from Cambridge through
Boston and Quincy to Braintree. This connection is a particularly convenient link for
bringing life sciences companies into the ETA as it provides a direct run to the tech
and life science centers of Kendall Square and Cambridge.
The ETA is served by several MBTA Rail-Lines connecting the region to the
Greater Boston Metropolitan Area.
In addition, the MBTA services the ETA via water ferries:
• The Hingham Ferry: Services commuters between Hewitt’s Landing in
Hingham and Rowe’s Wharf in Boston
• The Hull Ferry: Services commuters between Pemberton Point at the
end of Hull and Long Wharf, with stops at the airport
Water Transportation to Boston
MBTA Red-Line Train Braintree to Boston.
MBTA Rapid Transit & Bus Routes Map
Norwood Airport
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P ENERGY
The ETA is well connected to the region’s energy infrastructure and has access to a
substantial power distribution network. From an energy perspective, high voltage
lines run through the region and an existing natural gas pipeline with plans to expand
offer easy access to low cost and reliable energy sources. Massachusetts and federal
programs have promoted alternative energy resources throughout the region.
The ETA promotes a variety of energy sources, including natural gas and alternative
energy options such as wind and solar. Wind is utilized in the town of Hull, providing
15% of the municipal power. Solar opportunities are prevelant throughout the ETA
including a variety of Solar Farms in conjunction with numerous residental and
commercial applications.
Hull High School Wind Turbine
Solar Array
HHOUSING
The rich historical, cultural and beautiful environment found within the ETA is a
great selling point for a work-life balance.
The ETA has a diversified base of residential developments near public transportation
that includes single family homes, multi-family units and a variety of housing stock
to suit all income levels. This diversity of living arrangements is attractive to
companies relocating as well as to the regions workforce looking for reasonable
living accommodations.
Another attractive
feature of the ETA
includes the benefits
of living and working
in the area, including
a diversity of housing
options, open spaces
and access to outdoor
activities, local
cultural gems,
historical sites and
diverse restaurants
and accommodations.
Marina Bay Residential is an apartment community in 2 buildings on the boardwalk of Marina Bay.
www.QuincyRegionalCollaborative.com Economic Target Area | Executive Summary
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West of Chestnut, residential and commercial development
in the heart of Downtown Quincy, within walking
distance of the Quincy Center T Station.
Deco in Quincy Center, a multifamily housing development,
adjacent to the Quincy Adams T Station.
P RECREATION, CULTURE AND HISTORY
Massachusetts is well known for its beauty from its beaches to its forests and open
spaces. The ETA region is no exception. Braintree, Hingham, Hull, Quincy, and
Weymouth offer beautiful coast line and boating activities. Other communities offer
lakes, streams and hiking trails. Each community prides itself in maintaining open
space for the benefit of their communities, and there are numerous recreational
attributes of the region making it attractive for businesses and their employees.
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Annual Flag Day Parade, Quincy
Suffolk Resolves House, Milton Historical Society.
French House, Braintree
Rock Climbing, Quincy Quarries
Marina Bay, Quincy
Carousel, Hull
Economic Target Area | Executive Summary
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P THE ETA IS AN EXCEPTIONAL PLACE TO DO BUSINESS
P AND A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE
The ETA is well posi-
An economic development alliance of eleven communities, the ETA offers a unique
combination of access to the international connections of a big city with the comfort
of local living. The region has the benefit of starting with a strong business base that
represents a solid set of commercial and industrial real estate options, a diverse set
of industries, a well-educated work-force and room to grow. Another attraction of
the ETA includes the benefits of living and working in the area, including a diversity
of housing options, open spaces and access to outdoor activities, local cultural gems,
historical sites and abundant restaurants and accommodations to host business
travelers and guests. All of the components of a successful economic development
effort are in place.
a bridge between
tioned to be a regional
economic leader and
traditional
businesses and
an innovative future.
It’s time for businesses, including technology and life sciences firms,to learn more
about the region, and the ETA welcomes the opportunity to showcase its advantages
for businesses.
Abigail Adams State Park and the
Weymouth Back River, Weymouth.
Boston Financial Data Services, Crown Colony, Quincy
South Shore Hospital, Weymouth
Fort Revere, Hull
Cliveden Place, Quincy Center
97 Libbey Industrial Parkway, Weymouth
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P ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT S
P INCENTIVES & RESOURCES
The Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive program (EDIP) uses solid
incentives to stimulate job creation, attract new businesses, encourage the expansion
of existing businesses and assist in infrastructure improvements in economically
targeted areas such as the ETA. These incentives include investment tax credits,
building and municipal tax incentives, property tax savings and more.
Each community has a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program to encourage the
development of commercial and industrial properties. TIF involves a negotiated
agreement between the community and a business relating to the property tax on
the increased value due to new construction or significant improvements.
Exemptions are for a minimum of five and a maximum of twenty years.
In addition, businesses may be eligible for Investment Tax credits at the discretion of
the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
MASSACHUSETTS ALLIANCE FOR ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
A private, non-profit partnership between
businesses and the public sector, the organization
helps businesses match their site selection needs
and requirements with the best possible location
and resource options.
781-489-6262
www.massecon.com
THE MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
A consortium of state agencies created to provide
a coordinated business development approach
in helping companies expand or re-locate in
Massachusetts.
617-973-8600
www.mass.gov/mobd
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR
AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Oversees the workforce development system and
protects the health and safety of workers
617-626-7122
www.mass.gov/dlwd
MassDevelopment
MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF
HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Comprehensive site of the State’s full compliment
of economic development resources and programs
617-788-3610
www.mass.gov/hed
MassBIO
A private, non-profit organization to support and
advance the life sciences industry sector in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
617-674-5100
www.massbio.org
MASSACHUSETTS LIFE SCIENCE CENTER
The MLSC is an investment agency that supports
life sciences innovation, research, development
and commercialization.
781-373-7777
www.masslifesciences.com
MassMEDIC
The Massachusetts Medical Device Industry
Council is an organization of medical device
manufacturers, suppliers and associated
non-profit groups.
Provides an array of financing programs and real
estate development expertise.
617-414-1340
www.MassMedic.com
508-678-0533
South Eastern Mass Regional Office
www.massdevelopment.com
MassCEC
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is a
publicly-funded agency dedicated to accelerating
the success of clean energy technologies,
companies and projects in the Commonwealth.
617-315-9355
www.masscec.com
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PARTICIPATING COMMUNITIES
BRAINTREE
Planning & Community
Development
1 JFK Memorial Drive
Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: 781-794-8232
www.townofbraintreegov.org
HULL
Community Development and Planning
Town of Hull
253 Atlantice Ave.
Hull MA 02045
Phone: 781-925-3595
www.town.hull.ma.us
RANDOLPH
Planning Department
41 South Main Street
Randolph, MA 02368
Phone: 781-961-0936
www.randolph-ma.gov
www.QuincyRegionalCollaborative.com CANTON
DEDHAM
Planning Department
801 Washington Street
Canton, MA 02021
Phone: 781-821-5019
www.town.canton.ma.us
MILTON
Planning Department
525 Canton Avenue
Milton, MA 02186
Phone: 617-698-4847
www.townofmilton.org
HINGHAM
Economic Development
26 Bryant Street
Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: 781-751-9100
www.dedham-ma.gov
NORWOOD
Community Planning
210 Central Street
Hingham, MA 02043
Phone: 781-741-1419
www.hingham-ma.com
Planning & Economic Development
566 Washington St. P.O. Box 40
Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: 781-762-1240 x 164
www.norwoodma.gov
STOUGHTON
Economic Development Office
Stoughton Town Hall
10 Pearl Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
Phone: 781-341-1300 x 9265
www.stoughton.org
QUINCY
Office of Economic Development
Quincy City Hall
1305 Hancock Street
Quincy, MA 02169
Phone: 617-376-1266
www.quincyma.gov
WEYMOUTH
Planning and Community Development
75 Middle Street
Weymouth, MA, 02189
Phone: 781-340-5015
www.weymouth.ma.us
Economic Target Area | Executive Summary
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Produced by The Quincy Chamber of Commerce, 180 Old Colony Avenue, Quincy, MA 02170
Phone: 617-471-1700 • www.TheQuincyChamber.com