Episode #8: Building A TOwn for a New Era: Alex Wade
Alex Wade, Dir. Community Development, Orange (MA)
In Episode #8 we spoke with Mr. Alec Wade
Alex is a recent graduate of the Isenberg School, University of Massachusetts and a proponent of modern, smart growth. He is a part of a trend in urban planning and rural development to end sprawl and create communities of more diverse and vibrant economic landcscapes.
Orange Fun Facts
- On February 24, 1810, the Town of Orange was incorporated.
- The town was named after William, Prince of Orange.
- Many of the early settlers were lineal descendants of the first settlers at Plymouth and vicinity, and of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. They first settled in North Orange, which remains a scenic village.
- From 1780 to 1840, Orange was primarily a farming town. Many of the farms were large and well managed. However, various industries eventually sprouted along the banks of the Millers River, including the New Home Sewing Machine Company, which in 1892 produced 1,200,000 sewing machines.
- By 1879, the town had a population of about 2,000 people, many employed in industry. Orange was also the site of the first automobile factory in the United States, at the current home of Pete’s Tire Barn on East Main Street, built in 1900.
Today’s Guest is Alex Wade, director of Community Development for the Town of Orange, MA.
Alex is a proponent of what’s generally considered more progressive concepts in civic planning. We talk about density, tax revenue/acre ratios and how post-WWII development patterns became un-sustainable.
Many of his community’s challenges are shaped by its rural character and by changes to the regional and national economy.
Web Links mentioned in today’s Episode
https://www.townoforange.org/community-development
Orange Innovation Center: https://orange-innovation.com
Launchspace Makerspace: http://www.launchspace-orange.com
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