WWW.TOWNOFSOMERSET.ORG TOWN OF SOMERSET MASSACHUSETTS A BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINABLE SMALL-TOWN PROSPERITY
A BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINABLE SMA TOWN PROSPERITY SOMERSET, MA AT A GLANCE TOWN OF SOMERSET, MASSACHUSETTS WHAT: A riverside community offering deep-water port redevelopment sites, Bronze-Level BioReadyTM designation, and walkable mixed-use districts, supported by innovative grant programs and fiscal discipline WHERE: B ristol County, Massachusetts (midway between Boston and Providence) WEBSITE: www.townofsomerset.org 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
ALLY PROVIDING A RELAXING LIFESTYLE IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL Along the Taunton River, Somerset, Massachusetts offers the rare blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. Strategically positioned between Boston and Providence, this New England community combines accessibility with a relaxed, riverside lifestyle. “A short drive between two state capitals, Somerset stands almost as a center point, for both Boston and Providence,” explains Town Administrator Mark Ullucci. Residents enjoy waterfront parks, walkable neighborhoods, and two brand-new state-of-the-art schools. 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
“With a population of 18,000, Somerset has that kind of rural feel that quickly bumps into a sense of urban excitement. With marinas, pocket parks, and scenic sidewalks, Somerset caters to both active lifestyles and quiet retreats. Everything anyone could want or need is here,” Ullucci adds. With a thriving business district, historic landmarks, and ambitious redevelopment projects underway, Somerset balances growth with its tight-knit community identity, proving you don’t need to sacrifice quality of life for opportunity. A COMMUNITY THAT BALANCES GROWTH AND SMALL-TOWN CHARM Somerset’s prime location, situated between Boston 40 minutes north and Providence 20 minutes south, gives residents urban convenience without sacrificing its tranquil, riverside character. Somerset has a little of everything, and in a community where we have amazing first responders. This is a safe town,” Ullucci adds, “the quality of life here is, in my opinion, exceptional.” Somerset Selectman Jamison Souza expresses Somerset’s quality of life.“Living and raising children in the town of Somerset Massachusetts offers a unique blend of small-town charm and familyfriendly values. With its excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, and close-knit community, Somerset provides an ideal environment for children to grow, learn, and thrive.” “Families enjoy access to beautiful parks, local youth programs, and scenic views along the Taunton River. Conveniently located near major highways, Somerset balances peaceful suburban living with easy access to city amenities. It’s a place where neighbors know each other, and children can enjoy a strong foundation built on community and care.” DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION AND WALKABILITY Somerset is implementing targeted zoning strategies to further enhance its Slades Ferry area. The plan establishes three sub-districts including Core A (mixed-use commercial with residential above), Core B (transitional residential zone), and a Waterfront 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 SOMERSET, MA
District featuring a planned new Riverwalk. “We’re proposing sub-districts to allow for more walkability,” explains Town Planner Amy Messier. “We’re really trying to include every part of what our town and that area of town has to offer to create a better environment for business and walkability and recreation for families and people of all ages.” Further momentum comes from Slades Farm Residences’ 120-unit residential development, which will increase foot traffic. “That would increase the people around that neighborhood and then increase the walkability for a lot of people,” Messier notes. Combined with planned bicycle path extensions, these measures position the Slades Ferry area for sustainable commercial growth. BUSINESS INCENTIVES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Somerset offers a robust package of financial incentives designed to attract and retain businesses. Recent changes to Massachusetts laws have streamlined the process for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreements. “With the state’s new Municipal Empowerment Act, we don’t have to go through the state anymore,” explains Ullucci. “So there are certain state requirements that have been removed, incentivizing businesses to expand.” The town participates in the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, enabling commercial property owners to finance energy-efficient upgrades through property tax assessments. “It allows businesses to secure very small interest rates,” notes Ullucci about this innovative financing model. Somerset is currently working on a 50% matching grant program for businesses. A business could potentially secure thousands of dollars to reimagine a dated business front. Additionally, Somerset is designated a BioReadyTM community, a title both healthcare and life science companies look for. WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE Infrastructure improvements demonstrate Somerset’s commitment to modernization. The town allocated $2 million in ARPA funds to replace century-old 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
water pipes, while ongoing sidewalk projects enhance connectivity along Riverside Avenue. “The infrastructure in this community has been around for a long time,” says Ullucci, “ARPA funds created a springboard to address these dated services. With a new High School constructed in 2016 and a New Middle School finished this year, which Ullucci refers to as “jewels within the crown,”The Town also invested over 1 million dollars of ARPA money into elementary schools. Recent park developments include a pirate shipthemed Waterfront Park and the revitalized Buffinton Park, complemented by smaller pocket parks throughout neighborhoods.“We have installed two brand new parks in two years,” notes Ullucci, highlighting these investments as community assets. Somerset recently approved the installation of an outdoor “adult” fitness court scheduled to open this year. “Our continued commitment to recreational infrastructure is another reason people want to live in this community, they see everything we are investing in.” QUALITY OF LIFE AND HIDDEN GEMS Somerset’s rich heritage enhances its contemporary appeal, featuring the oldest Quaker meeting house in Massachusetts, and arguably the country. Selectman Allen Smith captures the history of Somerset. “The Town of Somerset which is located on the Taunton River has gone through a number of changes since it was first settled in 1677. During the early years, the area along Water Street (now Main Street) was a vital shipping port. The James Hood Shipyard was a major ship-building industry. In the 1800s manufacturing grew along the Taunton River with companies such as Somerset Potters Works and Mount Hope Iron Works and the Somerset Stove Foundry. After World War One Somerset became important for power generation 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 SOMERSET, MA
Philip M. Robitaille, DDS has been a general dentist practicing in Somerset, MA for 47 years. The beginning was a one doctor one employee practice, which has over time grown into that of almost thirty team members including six associate dentists. In 2023 Dr. Robitaille moved the business into a newly renovated state of the art location also in Somerset, in the interest of expanding efficiencies and elevating the already patient focused experience the practice is known to deliver. Advanced technologies are Dr. Robitaille’s forte, and staying ahead of current advancements to ensure convenience and clinically excellent outcomes for patients is paramount. Dental implants, same day crowns, 3D printing, and a newly implemented sedation program are some of the many services that the practice provides. Distinguishing the business from others, are two renowned periodontal surgeons available to serve patients with more complex dentistry like bone grafting and gum surgeries. Most uniquely, to improve treatment accessibility, Dr. Robitaille can engage billing medical insurance, not solely dental insurance, to contribute to dental procedures for the benefit of patients. Constant adaptation and an openness to system improvements is Dr. Robitaille’s plan to see the business into many more years of exemplary patient care.
agricultural high schools.“It’s just another amazing feature, a young family moves in, and suddenly the opportunities of what their children might do starts in ninth grade, expanding opportunities across three different and distinct High Schools,” says Ullucci, emphasizing workforce preparation. PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT 24 MONTHS Somerset’s leadership has prioritized organizational excellence through strategic team restructuring. “We continue to build a team focused on the same mission and goal,” says Ullucci, emphasizing the importance of aligned governance.“In my opinion, it’s ensuring that we have the right people in the right seats. Everything that is and has been accomplished in the last few years, is because of the staff that make up this team. Nothing is accomplished without our amazing town employees. Fiscal discipline remains central. A restructured FY 2026 budget proposed by Town Administrator with the opening of two power plants. Both power plants are now closed as the area has moved away from coal-fired power generation.” “Somerset is in a unique position to shape the future of Southeastern Massachusetts as the 306 acre Brayton Point property and the 21.5 acre Montaup property both located on the Taunton River are redeveloped over the next few years.” According to Smith. Signature events like BBQFest and Winterfest draw thousands of visitors while supporting local causes. A new Shirley May France Memorial 10K race honors Somerset’s pioneering athlete while benefiting community charities. “Whenever we do events like these, we always try to target charities or other organizations that need to benefit,” notes Cogley. “From an economic development standpoint, we do a lot of things like that.” Somerset offers access to both vocational and 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 SOMERSET, MA
“Affordable housing, employment, and school systems to name a few.The current construction of workforce housing, two new schools, and employment demands in industries all around Somerset, make this town an ideal place to live and work.” The town has two deep-water port sites at former coal plants (Brayton Point and Montaup) for industrial redevelopment.“That is a huge attraction for industrial-based companies to set up shop,” states Ullucci, highlighting their potential for clean energy projects and both federal and state brownfield grant incentives. These strategic priorities position Somerset for continued economic growth while maintaining fiscal stability. STRATEGIC POSITIONING FOR FUTURE GROWTH Somerset offers a compelling proposition for Ullucci, introduced a tax levy savings of nearly 2 million dollars. Keeping overall budget growth to just 2.5%. “This fiscal year is the first year in a very long time where this budget is growing without artificially paying down the tax levy with free cash or some other source of funding, and no overrides,” Ullucci notes, demonstrating sustainable financial management. Selectman Todd Costa expressed the importance of measuring purchasing decisions against fiscal impacts for residents. “I served this wonderful community for over 30 years as a police officer, my last three years as the Chief of Police. I grew up in Somerset. My wife and I raised our children in this beautiful town. Finding the balance between town revenues, town projects and affordability for all of our community members continues to be our top priority.” Selectman Costa also talked about what drives people to places like Somerset. 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Philip M Robitaille, D.D.S. & Associates www.drphiliprobitaille.com Philip M. Robitaille, DDS & Associates is a modern, friendly general dental practice in Somerset, MA. The office is proud to set high clinical standards in order to deliver the best quality in treatment. Patients are the central focus and the needs of each individual patient are considered to create a convenient and comfortable experience. n Hathaway Community Home for Funerals www.hathawayfunerals.com 508-672-3572 Ira Hathaway began as a cabinet maker, but in 1893, he became Somerset’s undertaker—a role we now call funeral director. That’s how Hathaway Family Funeral Homes began. More than 130 years later, in our fourth generation, we’re still family-run, serving with the same compassion, strength, and trust as always. businesses seeking growth within a high-quality community environment. By strategically balancing small-town character with economic development, the town has created a model for sustainable progress. “We keep enhancing the quality of life, pivoting appropriately when it comes to commercial growth, local investments, education, and quality of life. We keep pushing on all fronts,” affirms Ullucci, summarizing Somerset’s proactive approach. “Somerset has a piece of everything,” he adds, “and it’s all located in a single small town.” With competitive incentives, modernized infrastructure, and prime redevelopment sites, Somerset stands ready to support business expansion. The combination of financial programs, workforce development initiatives, and exceptional livability creates an environment where commerce and community thrive together. For enterprises seeking New England locations, Somerset represents both immediate opportunity and long-term potential. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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