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AYER, Mass. — The Town of Ayer has been awarded two MassWorks Infrastructure Program grants totaling $1,315,000 through the Community One Stop for Growth, Governor Maura Healey announced on October 1, 2026. A $1,000,000 grant will extend municipal sewer service along Fitchburg Road to Ayer's Light Industrial District. A $315,000 grant will fund final design for the reconstruction of Park Street and part of Groton Street.
Ayer's awards are part of a larger funding pool of $330 million going to more than 400 housing and economic development projects in 207 communities. The state called it the largest One Stop round in the program's history.
Fitchburg Road sewer main: $1,000,000
The grant will fund Phase Two of the Town’s municipal sewer extension along Fitchburg Road to Ayer's Light Industrial District, with a new main and service stubs to adjoining properties. In consultation with an area business owner, the Town expects initial development to create 15 permanent jobs and about 5,000 square feet of expanded commercial and industrial space.
Phase One, funded by the Town and the Commonwealth, has already paid off for Ayer Commons, an upcoming 106-unit affordable housing development by the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH).
NOAH said that first phase let Ayer Commons avoid an on-site sewer pumping station and force main. Those would have added significant capital costs and permitting complexity to the project. The new line eliminates the necessity of constructing sewer lines running 500 yards uphill under five acres of wetlands to a Town sewer line on Issac Lane.
Phase Two extends that benefit to neighboring businesses and residences. Among them is Capacitec, at 87 Fitchburg Road, which has designed and manufactured specialty sensors and gap measurement equipment in Ayer for 40 years. Its customers span the aerospace, semiconductor and automotive industries.
"Capacitec owns a lot next to us and would like to expand in the future. But without sewer and water line availability the decision has been delayed," Capacitec President Robert L. Foster wrote in a letter supporting the Town's application. He added that the company had "3 separate frozen septic junction box events just this past winter."
Nearby, the Morin family owns a 5,000-square-foot commercial building at 77 Fitchburg Road. Owner Ed Morin has considered adding about 5,000 square feet, but said limits of the current septic system have been a significant constraint.
"Access to a municipal sewer connection, rather than relying on on-site septic systems, would significantly improve the feasibility of development and support both current and future business uses," wrote Morin, who owns Louis C. Morin Company Inc. and E&D Machining, Inc. He said the sewer extension "would make a meaningful difference in enabling business growth, job creation, and continued investment in Ayer."
NOAH's letter of support pointed to the link between jobs and housing along the corridor.
"Existing or future businesses may be able to expand operations, create additional jobs, and attract new employees who may require housing options nearby," wrote Phil Giffee, Executive Director of NOAH. "As a result of state investment in this area, Ayer Commons will be well-positioned to help meet that need."
Park Street reconstruction design: $315,000
The grant will fund 100 percent final design plans, specifications and cost estimates for reconstructing Park Street and part of Groton Street.
The project will improve roadway, sidewalk, bicycle and pedestrian connections among downtown businesses, nearby housing, the MART garage, the MBTA commuter rail station and the Nashua River Rail Trail. The goal is a safer, more cohesive downtown district.
Emerald Design Build, a local architecture firm which drafted the recently permitted designs for multifamily housing at 3-5 Park Street, supported the application.
"As a stakeholder with an active development interest in the district, we recognize that quality public infrastructure is essential to successful private investment and long-term community growth," wrote Megan Downing, AIA, co-founder and architect at Emerald Design Build.
Downing added that better walkability would "support future multifamily housing by creating a more accessible and livable environment."
A Collective Effort for Strategic Improvements
"These awards move forward two important public infrastructure projects Ayer has been working on for years," said Town Manager Robert Pontbriand. "Sewer service on Fitchburg Road supports affordable homes and gives local employers room to grow. A connected Park Street makes downtown housing more walkable. We thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the MassWorks Infrastructure Program and the businesses and partners who stood behind these applications and projects."
"Expanding our infrastructure is a challenge when so many resources are already devoted to maintaining what we have," said Town Engineer Matt Hernon. "These investments in new roadway and sewer infrastructure will deliver lasting value to the residents and businesses of Ayer."
“I’d like to thank all the Departments in Town Hall that helped put this grant application together, as well as the Healy-Driscoll Administration and the stakeholders that supported the Town’s goal to improve the Downtown Park Street area. We’re excited to improve the walkability of Park Street and create a more interconnected Downtown area that will help the housing and businesses in the area thrive,” reflected Land Use Director and Town Planner, Daniel Ruiz.
"These strategic investments in thoughtful design and infrastructure are foundational to creating and sustaining the thriving neighborhoods that make Ayer such a wonderful place to call home," celebrated Community Development Program Manager Katie Neville.
“Thank you to the businesses and organizations for providing their time, input and support regarding these projects – you made the town’s pursuit of these grants successful and in turn, we hope these improvements bring you even more success,” Economic Development Director Ray Friedlander shared.
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