Methuen Receives State Grant to Fund Downtown Parking, Growth Projects

(File photograph.)

The City of Methuen will share in $285,000 of state money to support their downtown revitalization efforts, the Baker-Polito Administration announced this week.

Methuen is the sole Merrimack Valley community to be awarded a Massachusetts Downtown Initiative grant.

“Walkable, dynamic downtowns that house local businesses, restaurants, and amenities help make cities and towns across the Commonwealth vibrant, welcoming places and retain and attract a talented workforce strengthening our economy,” Gov. Charlie Baker said.

Methuen plans to use the money to support the city’s downtown parking management strategy, Baker’s office said.

State officials have long supported Methuen’s efforts to restructure and rezone into a “smart growth overlay district” known as 40R.

In addition to increasing housing downtown, Methuen officials plan to reorganize streets, intersections and sidewalks to make the district more convenient, safe and easier to navigate.