The Southborough Conservation Commission meeting on May 1, 2025, highlighted the potential economic benefits of developing the Route 9 Corridor. The discussion centered on the significant amount of undeveloped and underdeveloped land along Route 9, which is seen as a key area for enhancing both residential and commercial value in the town.

Currently, there are 67 acres of property with Route 9 frontage that remain largely untapped. These properties are assessed at approximately $237,000 per acre, which includes some tax-exempt land. In contrast, modern buildings in the area are valued at around $1,200,000 per acre. If the 67 acres were developed to modern standards, it could lead to an increase of $161 million in assessed property value, translating to an estimated $2.3 million in annual tax revenue.

The Commission emphasized that developing Route 9 is crucial for alleviating the financial burden on residential taxpayers. The potential growth in tax revenue from this corridor is viewed as a vital strategy for the town's economic future. The meeting underscored the importance of this development as a pathway to achieving broader fiscal stability for Southborough.