Berlin can possibly see expansion in downtown businesses

One Worcester County resident  could help build up the town of Berlin by adding his property to the downtown business area.

The town administrator tells 47 ABC the resident  plans to build a structure on a piece of land he owns on Gay Street. There has been talks that the property could have  its first floor designated for businesses and the second floor for housing.

However, in order for that to happen he first needs approval from the planning commission and the council to rezone that part of Gay Street from residential to commercial. So far he has received approval from the planning commission  and support from his neighbors to rezone. On Tuesday night, the town council will meet to vote on this request.

Laura Allen, the Town Administrator says, “When properties develop for commercial purposes the town does get some additional tax for that  but i think more importantly for us it is an opportunity to expand retail and housing opportunities for the folks that live and work here.”

If approved by the town council, the next step is for the Berlin resident to submit plans for the development of the proposed property.