Bridgewater, MA In July, the town presented phase one of “Revitalizing the Heart of Bridgewater: Vision to Reality,” a strategic, community-driven initiative focusing on transforming the town’s Central Business District. Since that time, town manager Michael Dutton and director of the office of community & economic development Bob Rulli have been speaking to citizens, community leaders, organizations and leadership at Bridgewater State University to further spell out the objectives of the initiative, including during Good Day Metro South: Bridgewater Day at Olde Scotland Links, where a panel of economic development speakers discussed transportation, infrastructure, housing, and anticipated downtown revitalization projects in Bridgewater. The event sold out, indicating a deep, far-reaching interest in Bridgewater’s future. 

On September 26, the town hosted the community workshop at the George Mitchell Elementary School. 

The event’s purpose is to listen and learn from residents, business owners, and stakeholders and engage in discussion to realize that vision. 

“We’ve been eager to host this open forum to future explain our goals of prioritizing pedestrian safety, revitalizing the underutilized downtown properties, increasing and improving connectivity between downtown and surrounding areas through transit-oriented housing, and providing business support to existing and new businesses while preserving Bridgewater’s historic character,” said Rulli.

Following a brief presentation, attendees were able to talk with the community leaders, planners, and engineers who are creating the improvements and share their ideas for high priority actions. Details about the workshop and initiative can be found on the “Revitalizing the Heart of Bridgewater: Vision to Reality” website at bridgewatermavisiontoreality.com.