There may be one bright spot on the economic horizon for Worcester today; the start of a redevelopment project at the South Worcester Industrial Park. Today crews began the initial demolition work at the old mill area.

For some residents in South Worcester the demolition of these industrial buildings marks a new beginning.

Ron Schurette's family has lived in the neighborhood for decades. His grandfather worked in the mills here during the industrial revolution. And for the last 15 years he has been leading a grassroots effort to revitalize the area.

On Wednesday -- city and state officials announced work to rehab the South Worcester industrial park. Eight million dollars of state and federal funds is paying to demolish the neighborhood's run down buildings and clean up the grounds to make way for new businesses.

Bob Culver is the president of MassDevelopment. He says another industrial boom on this site in Worcester may not be far off.

City Manager Michael O’Brien says that businesses have already shown interest in the site and he hopes that announcements about future tenants will be made in the next few months.