The Cross Roads at Route 129

Not Your Average Business Park

The Cross Roads at Route 129 in Chelmsford has it all—strategic location, regional accessibility, and everything a successful business (new or existing) and its employees would ever need or want. This unique business district offers multi-family housing, hotels, lifestyle amenities such as restaurants, bars, and recreational activities, plus conveniences like daycare, healthcare, and retail.

129 Profile
 Total Building Space: 3.6 million square feet
 Class A Space: 10.4%
 Class B Space: 58.4%
 Class C Space: 31.2%
 # of businesses: 183
 # of employees: 9,735

Employee Profile
 < 29 Years Old: 946 (12%)
 30-54 Years Old: 4,552 (62%)
 > 50 Years Old: 1,892 (25%)

Workforce
 40% of employees have a college degree
 # of employees: 9,735
 Average Annual Wages: $81,000 (excluding benefits)

Supportive Services
  Childcare: KinderCare Knowledge Beginning South & Klub Kid Too

  Healthcare: Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates/Atrius 

  Co-working Space: OfficeLink-Chelmsford

Amenities
  Bike share program
  Walking paths
  The University of Massachusetts at Lowell Business Partnerships

Here are just a few reasons why the Cross Roads at Route 129 in Chelmsford is the perfect place for your business:

Technical Project Overview
 Our team can review preliminary project plans, offer advice on appropriate locations, and help you identify opportunities.

Expedited Permitting
 Time is money when it comes to development. Chelmsford has an expedited permitting process for the Cross Roads at Route 129.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
 Our team can help put together TIF packages for specific projects that make the right impact and help transform this area.

Coordinated Team
 Inter-board cooperation and a unified approach to economic development means less frustration, saved time, and better communication. Chelmsford Business Development collaborates with a variety of state and local partners to support the needs of businesses interested in locating at the Cross Roads, including training, education, recruiting, networking, and more!

Zoning Overlay
 The Route 129 zoning overlay is flexible and responsive. It was designed to enhance the business corridor by allowing broader use and larger-scale development and redevelopment. View the interactive zoning district map. 

We are Home to World-Class Companies
 Here are just some of the companies that currently call the Cross Roads at Route 129 home:

What People Are Saying

“We found the Town and Chelmsford to be a great community that really valued business. They were extremely helpful as we were navigating the purchasing and permitting process. We met with Lisa [Marrone] and others during this time, and everyone’s attitude was pro-business and ‘what can we do to help’. We like the 129 Corridor for its proximity to the highway and also for the ability to attract employees from Chelmsford and the surrounding towns.”

BILL BUTTS, MCLP • VICE PRESIDENT OF CLIENT RELATIONS & SALES, OUTDOOR PRIDE

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“I’ve seen what the Center Village Overlay did for the town of Chelmsford, and now with the Business Amenities Overlay District, I see it as a real opportunity and … the next big thing.”

KATIE ENRIGHT • ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL, HOWARD STEIN HUDSON

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The Overlay District immediately captured my attention. I saw that Chelmsford is a town that is serious about supporting and putting a focus on the business/commercial segments of the community. Chelmsford has an open-door policy when it comes to listening to the business community. From top to bottom, they are receptive and engaged.”\

ALAN COLMAN, CKM REAL ESTATE

***

“Chelmsford offers recruitment opportunities for many industries. If you’re looking for talent, it’s often determined by the businesses located nearby. Fortunately, Chelmsford and neighboring communities have that in spades, making it easier for local companies to find qualified, stable employees.”

JOE READY • COMMERCIAL REALTOR, READY REAL ESTATE

***

“The Cross Roads at Route 129 is proximal to major arteries without being as high cost as towns closer to Boston. Chelmsford has responsive and knowledgeable Town officials, good infrastructure, and networking associations. The Town supports its businesses and it shows.”

DAVID MODEL • CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, TRITON SYSTEMS, INC.

Additional Resources

• Chelmsford Permitting Guide
• The Route 129 Business Amenities Overlay District Interactive Map 

Chelmsford By the Numbers 

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2021 Demographics
 Population: 35,772
 Median Age: 46
 # of Households: 13,967
 Average Household Size: 2.55 persons

Source: Esri

Workforce
 Education: 59% have a BA or higher
 Labor Force (age 16+): 20,156
 Talent: 80% white collar | 12% blue collar | 8% services
 Largest Industries: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Manufacturing | Health Care and Social Assistance

Source: Esri

Economy
 Total Employees: 22,657
 March 2020 Unemployment (Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford): 3.5%
 Total Establishments: 1,605
 Median Houshold Income: $122,131/year
 Average Household Expenditure: $83,868

Source: Esri

Housing
 2022 Median Sales Price
 Single Family:    $705,000
 Townhouse:        $439,900
 Condominium:   $290,000

2022 Average Rental Price
 $2.40-$3.25 per square foot
 1 bedroom:          $1,600- $2,000
 2 bedroom:          $1,900- $2,500

Source: Esri

Approximate Distance to Area Cities
 Lowell:         4 miles
 Bedford:      9 miles
 Burlington: 12 miles
 Nashua:        16 miles
 Waltham:     20 miles
 Boston:          25 miles

2021 Average Household Spending
 Entertainment: $5,157/year
 Restaurants: $5,910/year
 Retail Potential: $21,752/year

Source: Esri

Tax and Financial Incentives

Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP)
 Administered by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, EDIP is a tax incentive program designed to foster full-time job creation and stimulate business growth throughout the Commonwealth. Learn More

Massachusetts Life Sciences Tax Incentive Program
 Through this program, companies engaged in life sciences research and development, commercialization, and manufacturing can receive tax incentives for creating new, long-term jobs within the state. Learn More

Research Tax Credit
 Massachusetts offers a tax credit to businesses that have incurred qualified research-related expenses, including wages and supplies. Learn More

Investment Tax Credit
 The Massachusetts Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offers a tax credit for qualifying businesses against their Massachusetts corporate excise tax. The credit is to be used for the purchase and lease of qualified tangible property used for business operations.Learn More

Single Sales Factor
 This state tax allotment can significantly reduce the tax burden for manufacturers and other qualifying companies. Learn More 

Sales & Use Tax Exemption
 Massachusetts exempts manufacturing equipment and R&D equipment from sales and use tax. Learn More 

MassDevelopment Financing Solutions
 MassDevelopment provides real estate and equipment financing with higher advance rates and lower interest rates. Learn More.

Abandoned Building Tax Deduction
 If a project involves the renovation and reuse of an abandoned building where 75% of the space has been vacant for a period of 24 months, the project may be entitled to receive a one-time corporate tax deduction equal to 10% of the cost associated with the renovation of the abandoned building. This deduction is available for personal income taxpayers (Schedule C or E) or for corporations whose tax liability is determined by net income. Learn More 

100% Personal Property Tax Exemption
 Companies that are classified as manufacturing corporations are exempt from paying local personal property tax on tangible, depreciable assets (with a small number of exceptions).

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
 The Town of Chelmsford and an existing or new business agree to a property tax exemption based on a percentage of the value added through new construction or significant improvement for a period of 5-20 years. The benefit is provided based on need and the project’s potential for new investment and job creation.

Special Tax Assessment
 This local property tax abatement with a minimum duration of five years is available to property owners. It is assessed based on the full value of the existing or proposed building and the value of the land. The benefit is provided based on need and the project’s potential for new investment and job creation.

Workforce Development

[Button Link at Top:] Workforce Development Guide for the Business Community of Chelmsford (PDF)

Middlesex Community College Corporate Education & Training
 For more than 30 years, Middlesex Community College has educated and trained thousands of employees in hundreds of industries and municipalities throughout Middlesex County. Its goal is to provide businesses with the educational and training tools needed to make the best use of their most important assets — their employees. Learn More

Workforce Training Fund Program
 Administered by the Commonwealth Corporation, the Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP) provides grants of $10,000-$250,000 to help small- to medium-sized Massachusetts businesses provide training for current and newly hired employees. All for-profit businesses and some non-profits that pay into the fund are eligible to receive grants. Learn More 

For a small fee (if a grant is awarded), Middlesex Community College will write the Workforce Training Fund grant application for you. The college also hosts regular information sessions for companies/employers to learn more about the application process. Learn More 

Workplace Safety Training Grants
 In an effort to help prevent worker injuries and help employers lower worker’s compensation costs, Massachusetts’ Department of Industrial Accidents administers a safety training grant program with maximum award amounts of $25,000. The grants can be used to provide employees with a variety of safety training programs, including ergonomics, hazardous materials handling, proper heavy lifting techniques, and more. Learn More 

MassHire Lowell Career Center
 The MassHire Lowell Career Center is part of the Massachusetts One-Stop Career Center System. It serves the communities of Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Tewskbury, Tyngsborough, and Westford. The mission of the Lowell Career Center is to work closely with businesses to identify and meet their employment needs and provide job seekers with a wide range of job search and training services, including job fairs held at the Chelmsford Cross Roads at Route 129. Learn More

Transportation

The exceptional transportation systems serving Chelmsford and the region help keep transportation costs low and response times competitive, thus providing a distinct economic advantage.

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Highways

Chelmsford is strategically located at the intersection of I-495 and Route 3 with average daily traffic volumes of 100,000 and 90,000 respectively.  Other state routes through Chelmsford include Routes 3A, 4, 27, 40, 110, and 129.

Airports

Chelmsford is centrally located between two major airports: Boston’s Logan Airport (31 miles to the southeast) and Manchester Airport (24 miles to the north). For regional service, Laurence G. Hanscom Field is in Bedford (9 miles south) and Lawrence Municipal Airport is in Lawrence (16 miles northeast).

Ports

Port of Boston | Operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority and located in Boston Harbor, it is one of the of the principal ports on the east coast. It offers facilities dedicated to bulk cargo, petroleum, and LNG shipment and storage. Major terminals include Conley Terminal and Boston Autoport.

Port of Salem  | Operated by the Salem Harbor Port Authority, it is the second deepest port in Massachusetts. The commercial marina supports approximately 11 small commercial vessels.

Train

Freight | Pan American (Pan AM) Railways is the region’s main freight rail operator, and its main line runs through Lowell, which is across the river from Chelmsford. Pam AM Railways is a privately owned Class II/regional rail carrier with operations in five New England states and New York and connections to several other regional railroads operators. It was acquired by and became part of the CSXT Transportation network in 2022.

Passenger | Amtrak’s high-speed Acela Express, connecting Boston with New York City, stops in Woburn, which is 17 miles southeast of Chelmsford.

Commuter | The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail service to North Station, Boston, with stops in Lowell and Billerica.

Bus/Shuttle

Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA) | LRTA provides fixed route bus services and paratransit services to Chelmsford and 14 surrounding communities. These connect at the Gallagher Intermodal Center to the Lowell Line of the MBTA commuter rail system , which connects Lowell to Boston. The terminal is also served by several intercity bus lines including Greyhound and Peter Pan.

The LRTA offers commuter parking at the Gallager Intermodal Center and at the North Billerica Train Station.

View the LRTA Route 15 map and schedule. 

Middlesex 3 TMA Shuttles (link to: https://www.middlesex3tma.com/shuttles) | This local shuttle service is operated by the Middlesex 3 Coalition, providing employee shuttle services to its member businesses. Learn how to become a member. (link to: https://middlesex3.com/get-involved/become-a-member/) 

Parking

Quality of Life and Amenities

Chelmsford is a scenic community with easy access to the city of Boston, the Atlantic coastline, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

The breathtaking beauty of its trails, riverfront beaches, and open spaces combined with its historical charm gives Chelmsford a small-town feel that reflects its rural past. The Town of Chelmsford takes great pride in its recreational and open spaces, highlighted by over 1,000 acres of conservation land, parks, a country club with a public nine-hole golf course and practice range, a public boat launch on the Merrimack River, and the 6.8-mile Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.

Chelmsford has four business districts offering a diverse range of restaurants, shopping, and specialty services. We also have three hotels to accommodate you, your guests, or business associates. Our school system is ranked among the best in the state.

As a community, Chelmsford thrives on the enthusiastic sense of volunteerism and engagement exhibited by the people who live and work here. Whether you are contemplating a move to Chelmsford, opening a business in town, or looking to relocate your business here, Chelmsford is the place to be.

Lifestyle Amenities

Chelmsford offers a top-quality suburban lifestyle highlighted by the Town-owned Center for the Arts, a public golf course, an ice rink, two distinctive historic villages, the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, and a variety of other amenities, including restaurants, hotels, retail stores, conservation lands, and beaches.

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Chelmsford Center for the Arts (CCA)

Chelmsford Country Club 

Chelmsford Forum Ice Rink

Chelmsford Cultural Partnership & Cultural Districts 

Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

Restaurants 

Hotels

Retail

Advanced Health Care 

Conservation Land & Trails
Chelmsford Land Conservation Trust 
MassTrails-Chelmsford

Freeman Lake & Varney Playground

Heart Pond