The program has expanded from 42 properties at its launch 14 months ago to 85 potential projects across 41 cities and towns.

Some of the more notable projects to look out for in 2017 include a mixed-use development of office and retail space at Springfield's new Union Station where the state is currently soliciting bids. In addition, development is on the horizon for four commercial lots on the former state hospital campus in Northampton, which is already being redeveloped with housing.

The governor's office reports the Department of Transportation is currently studying possible future uses of land that previously housed toll plazas prior to the state's switch to all-electronic tolling. In addition, the state will reportedly issue a request for proposals in 2017 for the possible development of 250 acres of land at the Monson Development Center and will also seek to sell state-owned armories in New Bedford and Lynn.

Projects in the works include the approved installation of 37 solar panels at MBTA-owned parking facilities, which will generate $55 million for the MBTA over 20 years.

In Chicopee, the Department of Transportation is talking to a local developer who is rehabilitating a local mill building about leasing a piece of state-owned land under an adjacent highway for use as parking.

Massachusetts

BOSTON—Launched a year ago last October, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker says his administration's “Open for Business” initiative to leverage underutilized state-owned properties has produced tangible results and an impressive pipeline of future projects.

Gov. Baker says the program that looks to create better and smarter uses for state-owned properties has resulted in the sale or lease of 22 state-owned pieces of land.

The initiative was launched in October 2015. According to figures supplied by the governor's office, the 22 projects when fully executed will generate $413 million in revenue, a total of 1,556 new housing units, 260 new jobs and 100,000 square feet of commercial space. In addition, those projects will result in $8.2 million in annual property tax payments to cities and towns where those properties are located.

The key to the program's success has been that assets owned by different state agencies have been aggregated into one place. The regulatory process has been streamlined via regular inter-agency meetings and the progress of projects in the pipeline has been tracked by state government.

The program has expanded from 42 properties at its launch 14 months ago to 85 potential projects across 41 cities and towns.

Some of the more notable projects to look out for in 2017 include a mixed-use development of office and retail space at Springfield's new Union Station where the state is currently soliciting bids. In addition, development is on the horizon for four commercial lots on the former state hospital campus in Northampton, which is already being redeveloped with housing.

The governor's office reports the Department of Transportation is currently studying possible future uses of land that previously housed toll plazas prior to the state's switch to all-electronic tolling. In addition, the state will reportedly issue a request for proposals in 2017 for the possible development of 250 acres of land at the Monson Development Center and will also seek to sell state-owned armories in New Bedford and Lynn.

Projects in the works include the approved installation of 37 solar panels at MBTA-owned parking facilities, which will generate $55 million for the MBTA over 20 years.

In Chicopee, the Department of Transportation is talking to a local developer who is rehabilitating a local mill building about leasing a piece of state-owned land under an adjacent highway for use as parking.