Computing center gets pledge of $25 million from state

Date: 3/31/2010

March 31, 2010.

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



HOLYOKE -- At one point in his speech at the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce's "Issues 2010" luncheon Monday at the Log Cabin, Gov. Deval Patrick touched on the subject clearly on the minds of most of the people in the room the proposed Holyoke High Performance Computing Center (HPCC).

He responded to a buzz in the room with a smile and an admonition he was getting back to it.

What people had hoped to hear was the final site for the computing center. Instead they heard the project is now down to considering two sites the Open Square complex and the location of Mastek Industries and the state has put up $25 million to ensure a fall groundbreaking for construction.

There is now $65 million in guaranteed funding for the project.

Patrick also announced the designation of the Holyoke Innovation District as the state's 20th Growth District. Both sites are within this area and will offer incentives for businesses such as faster permitting and marketing assistance.

He called the HPCC "a source of pride for the whole state and Holyoke gets the bragging rights."

Patrick said after the speech the final site decision would be made later this spring and the two locations do offer a difference that require further evaluation. Open Square would be a renovation of existing space while the Mastek location would be new construction.

With either site, Patrick said construction jobs would be created and a fall groundbreaking would take place.

Mayor Elaine Pluta said she was "just thrilled" about the governor's announcements.

When asked which site she supports, she said, "I don't have a preference. Either would be a great location."

Pluta said at the luncheon the city is now 50 days into the planning process with Cisco to become the first American city as a location for the company's "Smart+Connected Community" program, which would use new technologies to deliver urban services.

Pluta also noted the city will begin an urban renewal plan for four neighborhoods, as well as plan the second phase of the Canal Walk. Other projects in the city include the completion of the multi-modal center, which Pluta said was on schedule to open in August and the continuing efforts to re-open the Victory Theater as a performing arts center.

Patrick said his administration is focusing on solutions for small businesses, especially in light of a report from the Pioneer Institute that the average number of employees in Bay State businesses has shrunk from 16 in 1990 to nine now.

The governor went through a list of achievements for his administration that included cutting the corporate tax rate, ethics reform, the hiring of civilian flaggers, infrastructure investments and advances in education.

He asserted, "Slowly but surely, the Massachusetts economy is coming around."

He added that for the first time in 20 years the state is retaining and attracting young people and families.