With Election Day 16 days away, we launched a new feature: 16 reasons in 16 days. From now until Election Day, we’ll be unveiling 16 reasons to reelect Tom Sannicandro on Nov. 6 as state representative.

Oct. 29, Day 9 (7 days to go): Building up Downtown Framingham

When Tom was a kid, Downtown Framingham was the hub of town. Grocery stores, restaurants, manufacturing--even his dentist were all downtown.

However, the area experienced a downturn in the 1970s as many manufacturing plants closed.

Today, Downtown Framingham is a regional and statewide development priority. This past month, three big announcements reflect the hard work Tom has done to help develop Downtown Framingham.

Last month, the state announced it will invest $22 million in a Downtown Framingham MassBay Community College campus, which will allow the school to align programs with STEM industries and the innovation economy of the MetroWest. This investment has the potential to transform Downtown Framingham.

In addition, the Department of Transportation announced a plan to alleviate congestion in Downtown Framingham caused by the Route 126/Route 135 rail crossing. These improvements include short-term improvements like the installation of more advanced train pre-emption systems, as well as plans to develop a long-term transformation plan with the help of the federal government.

Finally, the administration announced it will increase commuter trains to Framingham from 13.5 to 20 by this time next year, while at the same time nearly eliminating the long freight trains that tie up traffic.

The creation of a comprehensive downtown MassBay campus, the alleviation of congestion at the Rt-126/Rt-135 intersection, and the increase in number of commuter rail trains could have untold benefits for the town of Framingham and the MetroWest community as a whole.

As we move forward, we must continue to recognize the economic development potential of Downtown Framingham and work to make this potential a reality.

Previous entries:

Oct. 29, Day 8: The Innovation Fund

Oct. 28, Day 7: Tom Sannicandro connects out-of-work employees with real jobs

Oct. 27, Day 6: Ashland State Park reopening

Oct. 26, Day 5: Tom has helped deliver state resources for local projects

Oct. 25, Day 4: Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment

Oct. 24, Day 3: Tom was born and raised in Framingham, and has lived in Ashland 26 years

Oct. 23, Day 2: Tom Sannicandro supports local schools

Oct. 22, Day 1: Let's pass the Updated Bottle Bill