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MassBio upgrades Newton to a Platinum BioReady Community

MassBio upgrades Newton to a Platinum BioReady Community

The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) has upgraded Newton to a Platinum BioReady Community, the highest designation.
 
MassBio’s BioReady Community designation signifies that a municipality has biotech and life sciences friendly zoning, a streamlined permitting process, and has a robust infrastructure. The designation showcases Massachusetts communities that are ready to host new life sciences research and manufacturing facilities. For Newton, these facilities provide high salaried jobs, support for our local small businesses and long-term sustainability to our entire business community.
 
“The City of Newton is an emerging biotech mini-cluster that will build on Massachusetts’ leading position as a vibrant life sciences ecosystem. Newton’s rating as a Platinum-level BioReady Community means the City has done the work necessary to attract and host life sciences. We look forward to working with the City to further develop this cluster of businesses along route 128 and Mass Pike with excellent transit connections,” said Ben Bradford, Vice President of Economic Development and Membership.

“Achieving the Platinum BioReady designation is both important and exciting for Newton. By welcoming more life sciences companies, we capitalize on Newton residents’ skills and experience, and help our biotech ecosystem flourish. We’re seeing great life sciences and biotechnology activity in Newton, including the LabShares incubators, UMass’ Mount Ida Innovation and Collaboration Space, STC Biologics, Allena Pharmaceuticals, Acer Therapeutics, Karyopharm, and more. We are looking forward to welcoming more life science companies to Newton, at Riverside, in Nonantum, within the Wells Avenue Office Park, and beyond,” said Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller.

“One of the keys for achieving BioReady Platinum designation was the approval of the Riverside project. Adjacent to the MBTA Green Line Riverside station, this development consists of 370,000 square feet of laboratories and offices, 550 residential units, and 22,000 square feet of retail was approved by votes of 7-0 on the Land Use Committee and 23-0 for the City Council. These votes reflect significant community input and the importance of Life Sciences and Biopharma to Newton’s future.” Rick Lipof, Vice President of the Newton City Council and Chair of the Council Land Use Committee.

The Newton Planning Department is available to assist companies wishing to locate and grow in the City. Please contact Devra Bailin, Newton Economic Development Director at dbailin@newtonma.gov or 617-796-1122 (office) and 617-831-0103 (cell).
 
The City of Newton joins the other 33 Platinum communities. Additionally, 22 Gold communities, 11 Silver and 22 Bronze all participate in the BioReady® Program. Communities are ranked on a scale of Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum, and the system helps Massachusetts cities and towns market themselves to biotechnology companies looking to expand or relocate. To learn more and view full ratings criteria, visit MassBio’s BioReady® Communities web page at https://www.massbio.org/initiatives/bioready-communities/
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