Editorial - Pepperell Free Press

Admittedly bereft of industry, Pepperell’s movement toward putting the town on the map as an Economic Target Area (ETA) couldn’t come at a more opportune time, for it may keep one of its rapidly expanding “home grown” industries in Lomar Industrial Park.

When a vote to establish the town as an ETA came before town meeting last year – and for every discussion of the Economic Opportunity Areas that the ETA designation allows – John and Laurie Masiello have been there.

Owners and operators of Masy Systems, Inc. – a high-tech validation and equipment calibration firm that manufactures and rents highly sensitive temperature-measuring devices for the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and chemical industries – the Masiellos are pursuing a tax incremental financing (TIF) agreement.

TIFs guarantee reduced taxes on improvements or upgrades to industries via state and/or local agreements over periods ranging from five to 20 years.  To qualify, a firm must spend a minimum of $1 and hire at least one person.

The Masiellos have done much more than that – investing $1.5 million, and climbing, in the purchase and renovation of 6 industrial condominiums in Pepperell’s Lomar Industrial Park.  They plan to spend about $700,000 more to install high-tech storage capability for biotech products.

They have hired several local people and will continue to pay about $20,000 in property taxes to Pepperell … if they can acquire a TIF on future growth.  The business operates on a unique family-style work environment and has expanded strictly through word of mouth.  They are good at what they do.

The concept of Pepperell becoming an ETA was sold to town meeting voters based on future development of its former paper mill.  The town didn’t qualify on its own, but because it borders Groton, which is a member of the Devens/Ayer/Shirley/Groton ETA, it could join that ETA with an OK from those communities.

That happened, but in the process Ayer learned about Masy Systems. Ayer selectmen Vice Chairman Cornelius “Connie” Sullivan said this week that Ayer would love to attract Masy itself.

Pepperell Selectmen were wisely thinking of more than the paper mill when they pursued an ETA.  They’re now in the process of applying for EOAs but are hearing some local concern about potential tax loss by granting a TIF to Masy Systems.

Who’d have thought that an industry-deprived small town could lose what little industry it has?

Residents would be smart to wholeheartedly back its officials in pursuit of agreements that would keep a home-grown, quality taxpayer safely at home.