The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority (FRA) is an independent economic development agency for the City of Fitchburg. The FRA was established on January 21, 1964 under General Law Chapter 121 Section 26, as amended.
The FRA is responsible for urban renewal planning, land acquisition, business relocation, demolition of obsolete structures, and public improvements within the Urban Renewal District. To help spur private development in the Urban Renewal Plan (URP) area, the city of Fitchburg and the FRA has created the following initiatives:
- Adopt economic incentives for private investment throughout the area.
- Assist with the construction of public improvements and private economic development with the use of eminent domain or private sale, when necessary.
- Complete public infrastructure improvements for traffic and public safety reasons.
- Revise existing zoning within the Urban Renewal Area to facilitate the removal of incompatible land use and provide incentives for development.
- Commit housing incentive programs presently used by the City to this specific area.
- Dispose of publicly held properties within the Urban Renewal Area for private development.
The FRA also is the owner and operation of Putnam Place, at 166 Boulder Drive, as well as a number of properties throughout the city of Fitchburg.
The FRA is made up of five (5) members, four (4) of whom are selected by the Mayor and one (1) by the Governor. The FRA meets every third Thursday at 7:30am at 166 Boulder Drive, Suite 104. The FRA is staffed by the Executive Director.