A major change in Devens City is in the residential market. MassDevelopment is promoting a new urbanist model of compact development, but its focus on residential construction will likely go beyond the current by-law limit. This new residential development could significantly alter the character of Devens.
Today, Devens is a growing industrial town, and more than 70 businesses employ more than 3,000 people. The city's overall plan to attract new businesses to the area is already running ahead of schedule. However, the town still faces problems with traffic, environmental issues, and property values.
Devens City is located on the central coast of Massachusetts, and sits on the head of Boston Bay. As a result, the temperatures are pleasant in most months. The least comfortable month is January, and the most pleasant months are August, July, and June.
While Devens is considered a safe city, some concerns exist regarding the city's safety and quality of life. The Devens Enterprise Zone legislation calls for a study on governance options by 2033. With the city's rapid buildout and ongoing change in character, more collaboration is necessary.
Devens was the first new town in Massachusetts to be created since the 1920s. However, the proposed residential development would create new challenges and implications for the surrounding communities. Residents should be directly involved in the process to ensure a healthy, prosperous residential community.