“Sturbridge is a beautiful community in South Central Massachusetts, with a very traditional, historic common,”Town Administrator Robin Grimm describes. “We have close to 30 miles of manicured trails, and those are matched with this very eclectic small business, mom and pop store, kind of environment, in the setting of a classic New England town with beautiful rolling hills, just east of the Berkshires.” A UNIQUE AND DIVERSE COMMUNITY Unlike many historic mill towns, Sturbridge does not have a traditional downtown. Instead, its commercial life stretches along a heavily traveled state road that brings both opportunity and challenge. Town Planner, Jean Bubon explains, “Our Main Street is really a state highway, so it is combined with route 20 and route 131. Where the state really wants to move the traffic in a fast way, we want people to slow down and be able to walk safely. We have divergent goals, I would say.” Working closely with MassDOT, Sturbridge is focusing on safer pedestrian crossings, stronger trail connections, and improvements that make Route 20 feel like a place to stop and explore.“We are hoping to see some more green space along the highway, traffic calming measures, and some sidewalks where people can walk from shop to shop,” Bubon expands. Already, Sturbridge has built a recognizable sense of place. “Despite not having that downtown, it is so aesthetically welcoming,” portrays Grimm. “For a town that is along a pretty busy state highway, it is the wayfinding signs, the little things to make those connections, that make it feel like you have a town center.” A LOCAL ECONOMY WITH TOURISM AT THE HEART Sitting at the intersections of route 90 and 84, Sturbridge has become affectionately termed, “The Crossroads of New England.” As a town that attracts visitors year round with its restaurants, breweries, campgrounds, shops, and destinations, this location has been central to its evolution as a tourist community. “We have a number of hotels ranging from beautiful 155 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 STURBRIDGE, MA
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