Marlborough May Buy Eyesore Downtown Lot With State Funds

MARLBOROUGH, MA — The state Senate last week passed its $2.86 billion economic development bill, promising millions for local projects in cities and towns across the state. The bill will be merged with the House version, which contains millions for Marlborough to get rid of a downtown eyesore.

The Senate's bill is the chamber's own take on economic development proposals from the state House and Gov. Maura Healey. The Senate bill has been sent back to the House for reconciliation ahead of a July 31 deadline for the end of this session — a deadline lawmakers have blown before.

The economic development bill authorizes the state to borrow billions for larger initiatives aimed at stimulating the climate technology and life sciences sectors. But there's plenty in the proposal for local initiatives, too.

The House bill includes $2.5 million for Marlborough to buy the 167-171 Main St. parcel, the site of the former Brigham and Morse Jewelry Store. A Natick developer began work on an apartment building at the site, but work has stalled, leading Marlborough to sue over the blight.

State Rep. Danielle Gregoire was able to get funding into the bill during House deliberations over the bill, she said.

The Senate bill is also packed with several other notable policy initiatives, including allowing Massachusetts bars and restaurants to have "happy hour," a vote against putting the Worcester-based Cannabis Control Commission into receivership and including 18-year-olds in the juvenile justice system.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that the $2.5 million for Marlborough was in the Senate version of the bill, but it was in the House version, which can be viewed here.