MassDevelopment has hired a Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) fellow who will work to advance local redevelopment in a newly selected TDI District in Chelsea.
Carlos Matos will work with the new Bellingham Square District for a term of two years to create a vibrant shopping district with a mix of affordable and market-rate housing that will engage the community, redevelop key sites, and improve the impact of a cluster of small businesses. Along with Matos, MassDevelopment has also hired Fellows Francisco Torres, who will work in Fitchburg; Jessica Martinez, who will work in Lawrence; and IvetteOlmeda, who will work in Worcester.
In May 2018, the Baker-Polito administration announced the selection of the second round of TDI Districts, consisting of four new districts in Chelsea, Fitchburg, Lawrence, and Worcester, and the extension of existing TDI Districts in Brockton, Holyoke, Lynn, New Bedford, Pittsfield, and Springfield. MassDevelopment provides TDI Districts with enhanced and customized technical assistance, real estate services, and additional capacity to implement district plans.
TDI Fellows have experience in city planning, community partnership building, real estate, and economic development, and work in their host districts in collaboration with local partnerships.
“MassDevelopment is thrilled to welcome Carlos, Francisco, Jessica, and Ivette as our newest Transformative Development Initiative Fellows,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss. “Each of these individuals will bring a unique set of skills and experience to the program, and we look forward to seeing them collaborate with local public and private partners to accelerate economic growth in their districts.”
Chelsea Fellow Carlos Matos previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Conexion, Associate General Manager at Hexaware, and Assistant Vice President in State Street Corporation’s Investment Management Services’ PMO/GCS business unit. Prior to joining State Street, Matos worked at MassBay Community College as the school’s Senior Government Services Consultant and Vice President/CIO. He also managed a number of projects at Northern Essex Community College, including one in which he analyzed and researched strategies to foster economic improvement in majority Latino cities. Matos has a bachelor’s degree from Saint Anselm College and has taken master’s level classes in regional economic and social development at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He has also served as a Lawrence City Councilor, an assistant to the Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, and a legislative aide in the Massachusetts State House.
“Progress in Chelsea’s downtown is among my primary goals as Chelsea’s City Manager,” said Chelsea City Manager Tom Ambrosino. “We’re excited that MassDevelopment has joined us as a major partner in this effort. We especially look forward to working with Carlos Matos as a member of our team. We’re tackling complex issues that require a variety of strategies if we’re to find success. Supporting local businesses and engaging them as partners in realizing a more vibrant downtown remains a challenge, but we see that as an area in which Carlos will excel.”
MassDevelopment’s TDI program works with cross-sector partnerships to engage community members, implement local economic development initiatives, and spur further public and private investment.
Chelsea’s Bellingham Square District is centered on Broadway between 4th Street and 5th Street. Matos will work closely with the TDI District’s Core Committee, a group that has met regularly over the past year to develop Chelsea’s TDI application, establish specific goals, and create an ambitious work plan. The Core Committee is comprised of property owners and business representatives from the district, including Alberto Calvo, Stop & Compare Market; Julio Flores, ElSantaneco Restaurant; Roman Gold, Margolis Pharmacy; Rich Cuthis, Chelsea Chamber of Commerce; Benjamin Moll and Daniel Moll, Arx Urban; Dave Traggorth, Traggorth Companies; Joe Vinard, Chelsea Banking Center; and Aaron Wasserman, The Neighborhood Developers. The Core Committee is supported by the City of Chelsea’s Downtown Coordinator Mimi Graney and Economic Development Planner Karl Allen. Over the coming months, Core Committee members will invite other community members and allies to be part of committees as they begin to execute projects for positive change.
The revitalization of the Bellingham Square District is part of a broader effort to advance Chelsea’s downtown. Residents, community and nonprofit organizations and City departments are active in various projects to address specific challenges and bring a unique approach to development, focusing on a range of issues like beautification, public safety, special events, programming, and small business assistance.