Business View City & Municipal | August 2022

131 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7 will be restored according to Historic District requirements. The more people we have living downtown, the more active and dynamic it will be.” Other unique housing projects involve repurposing two former Catholic schools. The Coyle & Cassidy High School and Middle School building was constructed in the early 1930s. “We are pleased the redevelopment into housing units will preserve the character of the building and continue its tradition of being a warm and welcoming place,” explains Mayor O’Connell. “We have another former Catholic school, St. Mary’s Primary School, built in 1907. That is going to be market rate condos and is currently in development.” There is also the 12 Porter Street project, formerly the M.M. Rhodes and Sons Company building, which was a button factory. It will be a mixed-use development promoting luxury affordable living. Housing is also being planned near the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) South Coast Rail project, close to where the new FedEx facility will be off Route 140. Once completed, this will be the City’s first commuter rail and will enable passengers to travel easily and affordably between Taunton, Boston, Fall River, and New Bedford. According to Mayor O’Connell, it is scheduled to become a reality in late 2023. That is not the only transportation-related project underway, because the Taunton Municipal Airport is also undergoing expansion. One of the oldest continuous running airports in the U.S., renovations include a new Airport Administration Building and a brand-new public restaurant. Jet fuel is now available and a planned 500-foot runway extension is in the works. “I can tell you, things are really happening in Taunton,” says Correira. Looking ahead, Mayor O’Connell wants to continue investing in areas important to residents like infrastructure, housing, recreation, and vibrant neighborhoods. She notes, “We are putting in place the first Capital Investment Improvement Plan Taunton has had in over a decade. We are being strategic about how we maintain our government buildings, schools, and community spaces. That is in addition to focusing on our neighborhoods for development and economic opportunities.” She also details how the vision for the City’s future involves bringing government operations into the 21st century. “We have a responsibility to offer residents the services they deserve in a modernized and efficient manner. We want our City to be affordable with a high quality of living offered through a variety of active neighborhoods and prospering businesses. As we continuously make strides in implementing this vision, we prove every day that Taunton really is the place to be.” TAUNTON, MASSACHUSETTS NOW ENROLLING! Taunton Center 2 Hamilton Street BristolCC.edu NEW TAUNTON LOCATION