Business View Civil Municipal June 2023

153 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 6 Sterling’s considerable appeal lies in its commitment to preservation and its embrace of progress. The town hosts several areas zoned for industry, attesting to its balanced approach to community development. Wallace’s description of the city—a blend of “trails, open space, farmland,” and industrially zoned areas—captures the essence of Sterling’s unique juxtaposition of the old and new. Sterling, while soaked in historical charm and brimming with natural beauty, might seem a world away from the bustling metropolises of Massachusetts. But the town is far from isolated. As Wallace indicates, “There is an MBTA commuter rail just north of us in Leominster.” The road to Boston and beyond is not far for daily commuters or those yearning for a city break. This accessibility is paired with the promise of progress. Sterling is ready to adapt as the world moves towards remote working. Caldwell shares that Sterling is fortunate to have a municipal light department that controls its telecommunications infrastructure. They are currently building the Local Area Municipal Broadband (LAMB). So, there is a broadband network being built in town.” Local funding initiatives support this move towards better connectivity. Caldwell mentions that the project has been allocated a portion of the town’s ARPA funds and received additional grant funding. The city also hopes for a USDA grant to expand coverage “to a pretty big percentage of the town without having to take on any debt.” Sterling’s tranquil, rural allure does not shield it from the pressing demands of urban development, particularly in the housing sector. Wallace reports, “We’re building the North Gate apartment complex right on our northern border with Leominster. And that will accommodate 216 housing units.” This multi-family project promises to address part of the housing shortage gripping towns and cities across the US. However, the town’s growth strategy goes beyond large-scale residential developments. STERL ING , MA In addition to new apartments, Sterling is exploring ways to cater to its senior residents. Wallace mentions, “We’re currently reviewing our town-owned properties to see if there’s any that would be suitable for affordable senior housing.” Simultaneously, he is also working with the Regional Planning Commission to identify land suitable for constructing 156 multi- family units, as mandated by new state law. Beyond residential development, Sterling is keen on fostering a vibrant commercial scene. Wallace highlights the recent addition of Emma’s Cafe to the town’s beautiful village center and shares that a deli/food service business is considering moving into a building next to the municipal center. The town offers a consultation service as an enticing feature for prospective businesses. “They can meet with the building commissioner and me, and we walk them through the local permitting process,” Wallace explains. For more