Lisa Wong has a vision. The new mayor of Fitchburg thinks the old mill city is ready to be reborn as a tourist destination and a business center – if residents and investors buy into the idea of a brighter future. Can she overcome the odds in a city challenged by crime and poverty? Anthony Everett goes to Fitchburg to find out. Plus, Mike Barnicle remembers the Fitchburg of his youth, and weighs its chances for a turnaround.

Discuss: Can Fitchburg Be Revived?

Show Resources:

MassInnovation Center
1 Oak Hill Road
Fitchburg, MA
MassInnovation

The Johnsonia
524 Main Street
Fitchburg, MA
978-343-8800
The Johnsonia

Fitchburg State College
160 Pearl Street
Fitchburg, NH
978-345-2151
Fitchburg State College

Design at 639
639 Main Street
Fitchburg, MA
978-345-3639
Design at 639

Rollstone Studios
633 Main Street
Fitchburg, MA
978-503-9582
Rollstone Studios

Destare
320 Main Street
Fitchburg, MA
978-345-5734
Destare

Fitchburg Historical Society
50 Grove Street
Fitchburg, MA
978-345-1157
Fitchburg Historical Society

North Central Charter Essential School
1 Oak Hill Road
Fitchburg, MA
978-345-2701
North Central Charter Essential