Amherst BID director named to statewide economic assistance panel

AMHERST — A statewide panel that promotes job creation and retention will have the executive director of the Amherst Business Improvement District as it new Western Massachusetts representative.

Gabrielle Gould, who also serves as executive director of the Downtown Amherst Foundation that offered grants to sustain businesses during the pandemic, was named this week by Gov. Charlie Baker to the Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council.

Gould, of Amherst, said in a statement it is an honor to represent the region and go beyond the work of strengthening the economy of downtown Amherst.

“I look forward to serving the governor, the state and my community on this committee,” Gould said.

Barry Roberts, president of the Amherst BID’s directors, describes Gould as an asset to Amherst.

“She has been tireless in her commitment to all of Amherst, thinking outside of the box, challenging norms, all while listening to the business needs of very different businesses and then addressing them head on,” Roberts said.

The statewide council administers the Economic Development Incentive Program and certifies projects for it, reviews applications from cities and towns for designation as economic target and economic opportunity areas, and certifies and approves certain tax increment financing, or TIF, agreements and special tax assessments.

This week, the council approved eight EDIP projects and four Vacant Storefront Projects that are anticipated to create 212 net new jobs and retain 1,105 jobs throughout Massachusetts, and leverage $219 million in private investment.

One of those projects approved in the Pioneer Valley this week is a $10.7 million investment in Greenfield by 401 Liberty Street, LLC. The project involves a 750,000 square foot renovation and remediation of a site for the development of an acute treatment and clinical support center, a residential recovery program and a community crisis stabilization program.