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Neffinger hires Rairigh as Town Planner

Date: 12/26/2012

By Carley Dangona

carley@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Dec. 18, Mayor Gregory Neffinger introduced Shawn Rairigh, 37, as town planner for West Springfield, whose anticipated start date is Jan. 7, 2013.

Rairigh's background includes 12 years as a planner and urban designer in Pennsylvania. While he has never dealt with the aftermath of a tornado, he has what the mayor described as a "unique qualification." While Rairigh lived in Fishtown, a neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pa., a casino was built in the area.

"I've seen what comes to pass," Rairigh stated. "In Pennsylvania, there was not a lot of planning with or local say in the casino. The state made the decisions and its choices usurped all local laws. I like that here, you steer the process."

He continued, explaining that the casino there was "commuter-focused," and did not do well compared to casinos that were entertainment destinations. Rairigh described the casino as "a box with slots in it."

He also noted that the laws in the Commonwealth are markedly different from Pennsylvania, where gaming establishments are allowed to be constructed in phases rather than completed all in one step.

Neffinger added, "We are concerned about the well being of the Memorial Avenue businesses, and we want to sustain the property values in the area. All can work together in a sustainable way."

Rairigh commented on his move. "Western Massachusetts really appealed to us," Rairigh said, adding that he and his wife Elizabeth decided to move in order to provide their two-year-old daughter with a bright future. The family has lived in Springfield since June. He described West Springfield as "nice with a capital N."

He continued, "I find this town an intriguing place. I am an avid hiker and have already taken advantage of the trails within the town. The variety of housing stock also appealed to me."

Rairigh noted that the majority of his experience has been working with communities just like West Side.

His goal is to look at the infrastructure of the town to create a sustainable, vibrant community, while maintaining the features that make it unique.

Overall, Rairigh is pleased to live in "a pretty incredible state that invests in its towns and infrastructures."