We help challenging developments win approval.
Montagne Powers can’t take credit for Paul Revere’s midnight ride. But we did lead the effort to revitalize and redevelop 35-acres of contaminated land and his historic Copper Rolling Mill and Barn.
Over the past 20 years, Montagne Powers has provided strategic counsel and built community support for some of the region’s most high-profile projects, scroll down for more.
Contact us to learn how we can help your project.
Paul Revere Rides Again
For nearly a decade, efforts to redevelop 35-acres of historic but highly contaminated land in the heart of Canton, MA fell short. Developers turned to Montagne Powers to rally community support for a mixed-use, community-centric development consisting of luxury residences, retail/commercial space, walking trails, recreation space and the renovation of Paul Revere’s historic Copper Rolling Mill and Barn.
This was no easy task given previous unsuccessful attempts at redevelopment and the condition of the of the site, which was home to a dilapidated and toxic former rubber factory. In addition, the project faced negative public sentiment and the requirement of securing a supermajority vote on seven warrant articles at Town Meeting.
MP undertook a strategic communications campaign consisting of public and media relations, grassroots and grasstops coalition building and get-out-the-vote effort. We touted numerous site improvements and a comprehensive development agreement that greatly benefited the town including increased tax revenue, infrastructure improvements and renovation of Paul Revere’s mill and barn for town use.
The unthinkable was achieved – a supermajority of voters approved the project at Town Meeting.
Today, residents can enjoy the luxury Copperworks Condominiums and amenities including a highly acclaimed restaurant, public park and Riverwalk and easy commuter access to Boston.
Transforming Historic Portsmouth - Portwalk
When Cathartes Private Investments, a Boston-based real estate investment and development company wanted to demolish Portsmouth’s dilapidated Parade Office Park and replace it with a large mixed-use development, it turned to Montagne Powers to help communicate with abutters, the media, and key community stakeholders.
We managed all media relations for Portwalk, serving as spokesperson for the project for more than eight years. We set-up neighborhood information meetings, met directly with concerned abutters, staged media events and managed a fully integrated community relations effort that helped secure passage of the landmark project, called Portwalk.
Built in three phases and completed in 2015, Portwalk, has become a vibrant, active, pedestrian-friendly, LEED-certified development featuring boutique shops, restaurants, downtown residences, prime office space, and three hotels.
Merrimack Premium Outlets
When the world’s foremost developer of Premium Outlet malls wanted to establish a presence in southern New Hampshire, they turned to Montagne Powers.
Montagne Powers principals began working with Chelsea Property Group (now Simon Property Group) on the Merrimack Premium Outlets project in late 2004. We provided strategic communication services to this project for eight years, starting with a successful campaign to pass a zoning amendment at Town Meeting – continuing with public relations counsel through several years of litigation and permitting – continuing further with crisis communications during a difficult construction period (blasting) and concluding with a grand opening in June 2012.
Today, the Merrimack Premium Outlets is living up to its promise as a major employer and a mecca for cost-conscious shoppers looking for upscale brands and a premium shopping experience.
A Ray of Light - Westford Solar Farm
When a Boston developer proposed Massachusetts’ largest private solar farm (at the time) overlooking a gravel pit in Westford, it turned to Montagne Powers. For two years we provided expert strategic communications services, including media and community relations as well as special event planning.
The effort culminated in Westford Solar Park’s very successful “Flip the Switch” event with Governor Deval Patrick, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Richard Sullivan, UMass Lowell Chancellor Marty Meehan and project partners. The tented event next to the array featured live entertainment, sun-themed refreshments, speeches and a media question-and-answer session.
Then, with the Governor’s ceremonial switch-flip, the 4MW facility, with solar panels covering more than 20 acres, was successfully launched and hailed by political leaders and activists within the renewable energy community.
A rail connection from NH to Boston
New Hampshire is facing a workforce crisis and silver tsunami. Each day, tens of thousands of Granite Staters leave the state and travel to Massachusetts for work. A lack of in-migration and aging workforce is having a negative impact on employers who are unable to attract talented professionals. For companies to grow and prosper right here in New Hampshire, they need access to a younger, highly-educated workforce. That means the state needs to be able retain its homegrown talent, while at the same time drawing on Boston’s vast talent pool. An expanded rail system makes this possible.
Montagne Powers led a coalition of communities, chambers of commerce and businesses in a multi-year public relations, education and advocacy effort to turn the tide of public and political opinion and secure critical funding for an in-depth analysis for passenger rail expansion from Boston to Nashua and Manchester.
We created NH Business for Rail Expansion, a statewide, non-partisan coalition of 120+ businesses to voice these concerns and advocate before the legislature. We touted the tremendous economic benefits of rail expansion and public support (75.5% approval), participated in public forums, and worked with local, state and federal officials. Thanks to these efforts, Senate Bill 241 was signed into law, funding an analysis that will soon be shared with policymakers to make an informed decision on proceeding with the project.
