Welcome

Welcome to the web site of the Weir Economic Industrial Revitalization Corporation, or WEIR Corporation. We are a nonprofit, volunteer-driven Community Development Corporation (CDC) serving the City of Taunton, MA.

Mission

The WEIR Corporation's mission is to improve the economic well-being of the City of Taunton and to promote community involvement in addressing the many economic and community development needs and problems, especially those of low-income families and individuals, in the City's Weir Village neighborhood. The focus of the WEIR Corporation is towards commercial revitalization, the removal of slums and blight conditions, increasing employment opportunities for low-income persons, promoting small business growth, creating affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, and fostering neighborhood safety, youth leadership, environmental protection, and community empowerment.

History

In 1979, a small group of neighborhood residents who were concerned about the neglected status and image of Taunton's Weir Village united to form the WEIR Corporation. In the decades since, the organization has experienced significant growth while remaining true to the vision of its founders. The WEIR Corporation's accomplishments include:

-  Robertson on the River Historic Mill Conversion, the $15-million redevelopment of an historic mill located on the Taunton River. Construction of 64 units of affordable housing and 18,000 SF of small business incubator space was completed in October 2005.

-  Weir Village Riverfront Park, developed where abandoned hazardous lots once stood. The WEIR Corporation developed the Park’s design and obtained funds and donations for its construction. WEIR Corporation members committed hundreds of volunteer hours to the project.

-  Brownfields Clean-Up in the Weir neighborhood, including the former Bricktowne site in the Weir's commercial district which is now home to a Chinese restaurant, laundromat, and apartments.

In addition, the WEIR Corporation has taken a leadership role on many projects which enhance quality of life and promote economic growth in the Weir, including administration of Façade Improvement Grants, sponsorship of an Historic Mural, Lamppost Banners, and Signage in the commercial district, advocacy for a Community Police Substation, and awarding of WEIR Corporation Scholarships to local college-bound youth.

Current Projects

The WEIR Corporation is currently engaged in several projects designed to promote economic development and improve quality of life in the Weir neighborhood and throughout the City of Taunton. Highlights include:

-  Taunton Business Start-Up and Expansion Program for Taunton entrepreneurs. This program consists of three, integrated components: the Business Starters Workshop, Business Support & Counseling, and the Taunton Business Loan Fund.

-  River Lofts at FB Rogers, the redevelopment of a 250,000 SF brownfields historic mill building that occupies an acre of land along the Taunton River into new, loft-style condominiums.

-  Village Townhouses at 117 Ingell Street, a new condominium development offering attractive and affordable homeownership opportunities in the heart of Taunton's Weir Village.

Upcoming events for the WEIR Corporation include the 15th Annual Taunton River Festival, a free, neighborhood cultural celebration held each June at the Weir Village Riverfront Park. For more information about WEIR Corporation projects, programs, and special events, we invite you to contact us. See below for more information.

Contact the WEIR Corporation

Teri Bernert, Executive Director

tel:  508-821-9347

fax:  508-821-3257

mail:  120 Ingell Street, Taunton MA 02780

email:  teri@weircorp.org