August 5, 2026 |City of Lynn, From the Mayor, News, Urban Renewal

City of Lynn Launches Urban Renewal Planning Process

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From Mayor Jared Nicholson’s office: Lynn has launched an urban renewal planning process for the South Harbor neighborhood, taking a critical step towards unlocking transformational redevelopment on several blighted properties.

The City has awarded Innes Land Strategies Group, based in Newburyport, the contract to prepare the urban renewal plan. The group has significant experience in urban renewal planning in cities such as Salem, Lawrence, New Bedford, Fall River, Brockton and Watertown.

The plan will build on the South Harbor Implementation Plan (SHIP) and Vision Lynn, which both imagine transformation of the neighborhood based on community priorities. An urban renewal plan is an important next step to ensure chronically vacant lots become more productive properties that better serve the community and to help advocate for a publicly accessible River Works station and a fully restored shoreline at the Harbor Park.

The consulting team will work with the City of Lynn, EDIC/Lynn, the newly-formed Lynn Redevelopment Authority, and the community at large to develop the objectives, goals and activities in more detail based on Massachusetts requirements for urban renewal plans

The consultants will be facilitating a series of community conversations and creating surveys and an interactive website. They will also be preparing a list of acquisitions, with a focus on vacant parcels, as well as build-out analyses, including a mixed-use neighborhood on the Gearworks site.

“We are thrilled to see momentum building around our urban renewal efforts and SHIP,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “Ensuring that growth along our waterfront is truly inclusive has been a top priority. As we plan to revitalize these spaces, our goal is to create a vibrant, accessible destination that reflects and benefits every resident in our City.”

While there has been significant progress already, the City has faced roadblocks with both Gearworks and National Grid properties when it comes to future waterfront development. If adopted, an urban renewal plan gives the City and the Lynn Redevelopment Authority more tools to deliver a better outcome for our residents.

“This URP will help Lynn unlock the waterfront’s full potential. The progress in this area is generating real excitement across our entire community and we look forward to being a part of this effort.”

Ward 6 Councilor Fred Hogan

A draft of the urban renewal plan is expected to be ready by September, with approvals of the final plan expected to be complete by December. It will have to be approved by the City Council, EDIC/Lynn, the Lynn Redevelopment Authority, the city’s planning board, and ultimately the state.

The urban renewal planning process is being funded by a Municipal and Tribal Technical Assistance Grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance’s Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office.