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More Community Corner New Bedford report points to economic promise of going green
A task force appointed by New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang has assembled a “sustainability” report designed not only to promote sound environmental practices but to put the city in a more viable economic position.
A 105-page draft version of “Sustaining New Bedford” was unveiled for public comment in early September. Included in the report is analysis of how, over the next decade, the city can make the transition to an economy “dominated by profitable, locally owned businesses that are ecologically and socially responsible.”
According to Lang, one key element is cleaning up the dozen or so brownfield sites in the city. Doing so, he said, will not only make the city a healthier and more desirable place to live, but will create land for clean-energy and other environmentally sustainable companies.
Noting that New Bedford is already home to a number of green businesses, including a company that converts waste to energy, Lang said officials are exploring the possibility of setting up a business incubator in one of the city’s former mills. Entrepreneurs, he said, would be offered low rent and overhead, “with the agreement that what you discover and find will benefit the city of New Bedford from the standpoint of jobs.”
Because of its longtime role as a major seaport, Lang said, New Bedford already has in place the infrastructure needed to support new jobs. “But that infrastructure,” he added, “needs to be brought up to a modern, environmentally friendly level.”
Chairing the mayor’s task force is former New Bedford Mayor John Bullard, who served in the Clinton administration as the first head of the Office of Sustainable Development.
More Community Corner New Bedford report points to economic promise of going green
New Bedford report points to economic promise of going green
A task force appointed by New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang has assembled a “sustainability” report designed not only to promote sound environmental practices but to put the city in a more viable economic position.
A 105-page draft version of “Sustaining New Bedford” was unveiled for public comment in early September. Included in the report is analysis of how, over the next decade, the city can make the transition to an economy “dominated by profitable, locally owned businesses that are ecologically and socially responsible.”
According to Lang, one key element is cleaning up the dozen or so brownfield sites in the city. Doing so, he said, will not only make the city a healthier and more desirable place to live, but will create land for clean-energy and other environmentally sustainable companies.
Noting that New Bedford is already home to a number of green businesses, including a company that converts waste to energy, Lang said officials are exploring the possibility of setting up a business incubator in one of the city’s former mills. Entrepreneurs, he said, would be offered low rent and overhead, “with the agreement that what you discover and find will benefit the city of New Bedford from the standpoint of jobs.”
Because of its longtime role as a major seaport, Lang said, New Bedford already has in place the infrastructure needed to support new jobs. “But that infrastructure,” he added, “needs to be brought up to a modern, environmentally friendly level.”
Chairing the mayor’s task force is former New Bedford Mayor John Bullard, who served in the Clinton administration as the first head of the Office of Sustainable Development.
Written by MMA Associate Editor Mitch Evich
