Candidates Discuss Downtown Revitalization Plans
Candidates Debate Water Issues, Tax Rates, and Development at Bridgewater Forum
BRIDGEWATER - March 31, 2025 - Bridgewater's efforts to revitalize its downtown area face significant challenges from aging infrastructure and water capacity concerns, according to candidates participating in the recent Bridgewater Candidates Forum.
The forum featured candidates for Town Council discussing their visions for downtown development while addressing the town's infrastructure needs.
Fred Chase, incumbent Town Councillor for District 3, emphasized the importance of downtown revitalization as a priority he's held since joining the council in 2018.
"Seven years later, we're still embarrassed by the vacant blighted properties on Broad Street," Chase said. "The need for commercial development in our central business district is paramount not only for reasons of beautification and desirable retail opportunities, but as an engine to generate substantial tax revenues for infrastructure and other necessities."
Chase pointed to recent council actions as steps toward addressing these challenges.
"The Town Council just about one year ago approved zoning changes to accommodate form-based code and also to bring us into compliance with the MBTA Communities Act," he said. "Those steps taken together really represent the best opportunity for the town council to positively influence downtown revitalization."
Sean Kennedy, who is challenging Chase for the District 3 seat, expressed concerns about infrastructure capacity amid continued development.
"We have a water problem in town and we have continuous building that's being approved," Kennedy said. "The superintendent Jonas did mention that they have concerns that they're bringing to some of the other planning committees, and those concerns are not being validated and things are being pushed through."
Kennedy also raised concerns about traffic implications of proposed downtown changes.
"I've looked at these Rotary plans. I've looked at the stuff that they're trying to do in the center of town. And I have major concerns over the increase in traffic," Kennedy said. "Pushing more traffic and tractor trailers through the college, which I drive through regularly. And it's a disaster when those students are walking through the crosswalks."
Johnny Loreti, a current at-large councillor seeking election, emphasized the need for responsible development.
"Right now we're looking for that first project to kind of put their shovel in the ground and start this downtown revitalization," Loreti said. "I think that by bringing in some mixed-use development where we have some restaurant space and other types of commercial development is going to attract more commercial development."
The town's tax structure also featured prominently in discussions about attracting business development. Bridgewater currently maintains a flat tax rate where residential and commercial properties pay the same rate.
Chase noted that Bridgewater's current real estate tax rate of $11.83 per thousand dollars of valuation is among the lowest in Plymouth County.
"The town has for many years maintained a unitary tax rate for both residential and commercial properties, having assumed that such practice would serve as an enticement for commercial development," Chase said. "The needed development has never been realized with the notable exception of the Elm Street area."
Kennedy opposed changing to a split tax rate, saying, "We don't have enough businesses in town to have a split tax rate and we currently have a fairly lower on the lower side for the area as well. And if we want to attract businesses to come into our town, we need to make it affordable for them."
Jim Wilder, another at-large candidate, suggested the town could consider raising commercial rates.
"If you need to increase the commercial rate, I mean, I don't know what the hold up is. Route 18 is perfect for industrial and commercial expansion," Wilder said. "It's still cheaper than every other town. I think we could do better by expanding the commercial base and possibly increasing it by a couple points and still beat the other towns."
Eric Christiansen, a candidate for councillor at large, emphasized the need to promote local businesses.
"I think we should... promote the businesses in town. Bridgewater State University is promoting their brand and I think it's up to us to leverage that also," Christiansen said. "With the train coming in town, you know, you can bring more traffic in. We can establish shops and, you know, little bookstores."
The annual town election is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Bridgewater Middle School.