Was professor Matheson Right about Polar Park?
Take a look at this article about the Ballpark from August 22, 2018.
I agreed with Professor Matheson then, and I do now.
Main Benefits of the Ballpark
The main benefit from the ballpark has been that Worcester is happier with itself. Is that an economic driver? Perhaps.
Impact on Worcester
It has put Worcester on the map as a city, and drawn outside investment which has been good.
Considerations Regarding Investments
However, most of those investments have come with:
Tax reductions
Other deals to attract businesses
Construction costs about the same in Worcester as it does in Boston, but the land is less expensive, and the rents are lower at the end.
Challenges Faced
There have been a couple of high-profile closures of businesses and restaurants in the Canal District. Are those due to Polar Park taking up the parking spaces, or are they a result of Covid and other trends?
We cannot turn back time to see what would have happened organically in the area.
Conclusion
Either way, we now have a park, and people know where Worcester is.
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