Is Worcester’s Growth Slowing? RoundTable Discusses Development, Costs, and City Projects

“Challenge any city our size in New England to match our pipeline of projects.”

By-Radio Worcester Staff

Photo Radio Worcester

Worcester, MA- Hank Stolz and “Big” Ben were joined by Matt Wally, George Russell, and Randy Feldman for this week’s Radio RoundTable, a wide-ranging discussion on several key issues affecting the City of Worcester.

The conversation began with a look at Worcester’s economic development outlook, prompted by an upcoming City Council report outlining the city’s project pipeline. Panelists discussed the overall strength of the market, the status of major redevelopment projects such as the Denholm building and the former Becker College properties, and how rising interest rates and tariffs are affecting development timelines.

Matt Wally argued that Worcester’s development pipeline remains strong compared with cities of similar size across New England.

“Challenge any city our size in New England to match our pipeline of projects,” Wally said, noting that while some developments have slowed due to higher borrowing costs and construction prices, the overall picture presented in the city’s report remains positive.

The panel also discussed the city’s need for a new police headquarters, an issue that has been debated by city leaders in recent years. Wally strongly supported building a new facility, describing the current headquarters as outdated and inadequate.

George Russell offered a more cautious perspective on Worcester’s development environment. Drawing on his experience in the real estate market, he said activity is not as strong as it was a year ago, pointing to uncertainty around labor availability and material costs.

Russell also questioned the decision to sell the former Becker College properties, suggesting the city may have been able to repurpose the buildings for municipal use. Regarding a new police headquarters, he raised concerns about the city’s bonding capacity and the financial implications of such a large project.

Randy Feldman praised the city’s administration, calling Worcester “incredibly well run” and crediting that leadership for the city’s continued growth. He provided historical context on the Denholm building, supporting its demolition and redevelopment as the best path forward.

Feldman also agreed that Worcester’s current police headquarters presents major challenges, describing it as a “terrible work environment” that should be replaced.

The conversation touched briefly on the city’s pothole problem as well. Feldman noted that while residents often blame local leadership, the issue reflects a broader statewide challenge, arguing that Massachusetts roads are generally in poor condition due to weather and aging infrastructure.

The panel concluded that while Worcester faces real challenges—from rising construction costs to infrastructure needs—the city continues to maintain a strong development pipeline and a growing regional profile.

Roundtable Examines Worcester Police Staffing Crisis and $35M Holden Sewer Lawsuit Loss

“…the jury found that there was unjust enrichment by the city of Worcester against the town of Holden as a matter of equity that superseded contract law. Whether it be the lawyers or the city councilors or whoever, no one thought it was going to work out that way…”
— Randy Feldman

By-Hank Stolz

Photo submitted

Worcester, MA-Hank Stolz, Randy Feldman and Matt Wally looked at the local police union’s call for City Councilor Khrystian King to recuse himself from police matters due to his support for former councilor Etel Haxhiaj, which the Roundtable sees as political overreach.

The conversation then shifted to the significant staffing shortage in the Worcester Police Department, exploring causes such as recruitment challenges, morale, and the structure of paid details. They also covered the emergence of primary challengers for incumbent state representatives, attributing it to personal ambition and a perceived lack of visibility.

Finally, they delved into the major financial fallout from the City of Worcester losing a $35 million lawsuit to the Town of Holden over sewage rates, with the speakers detailing the city’s legal miscalculations and the urgent need to settle the debt as interest accrued daily. Randy Feldman helped break down the legal decision, “…the jury found that there was unjust enrichment by the city of Worcester against the town of Holden as a matter of equity that superseded contract law. Whether it be the lawyers or the city councilors or whoever, no one thought it was going to work out that way…”