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Michelin to help clean Uniroyal

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



CHICOPEE Mayor Michael Bissonnette has said that international tire manufacturer Michelin has committed to pay for cleaning the groundwater at the former Uniroyal tire factory in Chicopee Falls. Work should begin in the spring for the $5 to $10 million project.

The cleanup is one of a series of steps that must be taken to prepare the site for re-development, Bissonnette explained. Recently city officials met with Cedric C.I. Kim, an economic development specialist with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to discuss what federal grant and loan programs may be available for that project.

"We want to get more tools in our toolbox," Bissonnette said.

Bissonnette called the 40-acres parcel that includes both the Uniroyal and Facemate properties as one of the city's "two toughest nuts to crack" when it comes to redevelopment. The other problem areas are the junkyards on Center Street, he added.

When it comes to redevelopment in the city, Bissonnette said, "All the easy stuff is done."

The city is "actively working on a proposal for the junkyard and commercial development on Center Street," he said.

He explained the Uniroyal and Facemate properties are still in private ownership because the bankruptcy court determined the cost of the clean up of the site exceeds its commercial value. Between the two parcels, there is approximately $2 million in back taxes and fees due to the city.

Bissonnette said the 17 buildings on the Uniroyal property pose a demolition problem as they are in various states of decay and contain asbestos. The mayor said the demolition and asbestos disposal costs are about $15 million for those buildings.

Not all of the parcels that compose the 40 acres are polluted and Bissonnette said the city has three legal actions in three different courts to prevent the owner from selling off the clean parcels.

If the case pending in Hampden Superior Court is settled in the city's favor, the entire complex will become city property and then city officials can begin working on assembling a funding package.

Bissonnette said that his administration is working on an event for September that would invite state and federal officials to tour the property as a way to explore funding options.

Bissonnette's vision for the property is a mixed-used development that would include housing. He noted that many people are unaware of the wildlife that lives along the river.

"Uniroyal has been sitting there for 15 years," Bissonnette said. "It's not going to sit there another 15 years."