Press Release  Massachusetts’ Economic Assistance Coordinating Council Approves Three Additional Projects for the Economic Development Incentive Program

BOSTON — Today, the Massachusetts’ Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) approved three projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), a program that seeks to create new jobs and help businesses grow by offering credits to lower taxes in exchange for job creation.   

The projects are expected to create 137 net new jobs and retain 63 jobs throughout Massachusetts, receive $1,380,000 in state tax credits, and leverage approximately $57 million in private investment. Of the applicants this quarter, one is a manufacturer and two are located in Gateway Cities. The EACC also approved one new Vacant Storefront Districts and one new Vacant Storefront Project that will receive refundable tax credits of $10,000.   

In the Governor’s recently filed Mass Leads Act, the administration has proposed several programmatic changes to EDIP, including an increase to refundable credits and various process improvements, in order to increase uptake and streamline the program for businesses.   

Additional details on the projects are below:  

EDIP Certified Project:  

ERD Metal Inc. (Westfield) 
ERD Metal was established in 2015 as a warehousing, distribution, and sales office located in Avon MA. The company purchases aluminum extrusion profiles from Turkey, and sells nationwide in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Since then, the company has grown rapidly and has become the largest aluminum profile importer and the largest aluminum profile sales company in New England. In 2023, the company sold their 51,000 sq. ft. Avon warehouse and purchased a 229,000 sq. ft. facility in Westfield, MA, with the intention of creating an aluminum extrusion manufacturing center. ERD Metal will create 92 new jobs, retain 13 jobs and make an investment of $52,500,000. The EACC Board approved $1,380,000 in EDIPC state tax credits. 

Local-Only Tax Increment Financing (TIF or STA) Projects: 

J and J Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. (Dracut) 
J and J Heating and Air Conditioning began business in 1971 with four employees and a 1,500 sq. ft. shop. Today, it is a family-owned business built with the help of three generations of family members. The company has outgrown its current 7,000 sq. ft. space and would like to build a new 20,000 sq. ft. facility next to its existing facility. Once they are in the new building, the company plans to demo the existing building and construct three additional bays. The company will create 20 new jobs, retain 50 jobs and make a private investment of $4,100,000. The Town of Dracut approved a 10-year TIF estimated to be valued at $141,696.   

Chambers Restaurant Group, LLC (Salem) 
A new restaurant project, Bernadette, will blend French inspiration with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant project will convert and build-out of a 3,212 sq. t. gray shell commercial space within the Brix Condominium, located at 65 Washington Street in downtown Salem, MA. It encompasses the installation of flooring, walls, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC units, and all other elements necessary for a fully operational restaurant. The company is expected to create 25 new jobs, make a $500,000 private investment and the City of Salem approved a 5-year TIF valued at $31,234. 

Vacant Storefront Program: 
The Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program helps municipalities revitalize their downtowns and commercial areas. Municipalities may apply to the EACC to designate a defined downtown or other commercial area as a Certified Vacant Storefront District. After such a designation, a business may secure a commitment of local matching funds in order to apply to the EACC for refundable EDIP tax credits for leasing and occupying a vacant storefront in that district.   

Vacant Storefront Project:  

Diamond Hearts Art Studio (Gardner) 
Diamond Hearts Art Studio in specializes in pour art creation. Currently, the company is selling art online, through social media and at fairs and events throughout the state. The company is planning to rent a new space at 112 Main Street in Gardner, MA to hold classes of up to 20 students. This new space will also have artwork for sale, and host events to promote arts in the community. The City of Gardner has approved $10,000 in grant funding from ARPA funds, and the state has approved $10,000 in refundable tax credits.  

Vacant Storefront District: 

Town of Oxford 
The town of Oxford has approved three specific districts along their Main Street Corridor as Vacant Storefront Districts. The Oxford Board of Selectman has identified filling vacant storefronts as a strategic priority. The town has set aside $50,000 from the general municipal budget to fund this initiative. Interested business applicants will be limited to $10,000 in total. These funds are intended to reimburse exterior façade improvements, new signs and awnings, outdoor dining fixtures, and capital improvements to promote ADA accessibility. 

About the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council  
The Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) is a state board comprised of public and private sector officials that review and approve Economic Development Incentive Program projects and tax credit incentives. The EACC also approves all local Tax Increment Financing and Special Tax Assessment agreements for municipal property tax relief. The EACC’s is part of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) in the Executive Office of Economic Development, which assists businesses expanding in and relocating to Massachusetts, with specific attention paid to projects that create and retain jobs and invest capital. The MOBD team provides a highly responsive, central point of contact that facilitates access to resources, expertise, and incentive programs for businesses.  

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