Wheelchair ramps at Boston Bowl in Dorchester, made by Amramp, LLC

The Commonwealth’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) held its fall meeting on September 19, 2019, to review projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), approving one local tax credit and certifying the inaugural group of Certified Vacant Storefront Districts.

This certification for the new program will allow businesses that lease one of the 129 identified vacant storefronts in the 8 designated districts, and are also receiving a financial contribution from a municipal program, to apply for up to $10,000 in matching refundable state tax credits.

Governor Charlie Baker said, “Our administration values the partnerships we have built with businesses and municipalities alike to drive job creation and growth across the Commonwealth. We remain committed to leveraging tools like the EDIP program to ensure that companies of all shapes and sizes can continue to grow and fuel the statewide economy.”

Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said she and Governor Baker are “pleased to support the growth of downtowns and the expansion of homegrown companies in Massachusetts. The targeted incentives provided by the EDIP, TIF and Vacant Storefront programs create hundreds of jobs, and support our mission to enhance economic vitality in every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy said, “Our Administration is committed to ensuring the vibrancy of Massachusetts’ economy and supporting our downtowns. New programs like Certified Vacant Storefront Districts are meaningful additions to our economic development toolbox, which help incentivize investment in the heart of communities.”

The EACC has approved 232 economic development projects since the beginning of the Baker-Polito Administration in January 2015. These projects will lead to the creation of 18,060 jobs, retention of 36,410 existing jobs, and will leverage over $4.8 billion in private investment. Additionally, the EACC has assisted 105 manufacturing companies and 102 companies in Gateway Cities during this period.

Certified Projects:
Gordon Industries, Inc. an affiliate of Amramp, LLC (Randolph) – Headquartered in South Boston and founded in 1998, the Company is a second-generation, family-owned manufacturer of modular wheelchair ramps and other accessibility solutions. Currently the company occupies 30,000 sq. ft. of space in South Boston for its Corporate HQ and manufacturing operations.  They need to expand due to increased demand for their products and plan to relocate to Randolph and combine their operations into one facility.  The company plans to hire 5 new full-time employees, retain the existing 40 and make a private investment of $1.1 million.  The town of Randolph approved a 6-year STA valued at approximately $313,000.

Certified Vacant Storefront Communities:
Gloucester
Greenfield
Fitchburg
Framingham
Lowell
Marlborough
Taunton
Worcester

Find out more about the Economic Development Incentive Program.