Will history be made in Hampden?

Date: 4/20/2009

Zone change could lead to more, 'green' business



By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



HAMPDEN -- In January, Michael Cimmino, who lived in Hampden for 23 years, purchased the land adjacent to the strip mall and Hampden Nurseries with the intent of developing it to bring new business into town.

The land is located between East Longmeadow, Somers, Meadowbrook and Cedar Oak roads, and only the first 150 feet back from East Longmeadow Road and the first 100 feet back from Somers Road are zoned business, with the rest of the land zoned as residential. Cimmino is looking for residents to vote to change the zoning to all business at the Annual Town Meeting on April 27.

"I believe this [future development] would be a good addition to the town," Cimmino told Reminder Publications, "but I also believe there will be concern from residents. I understand perfectly that people have concerns. They had the same ones 10 years ago, when I developed the area of Monson Savings Bank and Rediker Software."

At an informational meeting that took place April 14 in Hampden Town Hall, residents voiced their concerns over light pollution, increased traffic and, according to resident Claire Sibilia, "changing the character of the town."

Cimmino noted that the site is the most practical one for future business in the town, envisioning it as "a gateway to Hampden." He added that he doesn't expect the land to be built out to full capacity within the next 10 years.

While other residents raised their concerns about what types of businesses would be allowed in the development, resident Joe Sibilia asked Cimmino if he'd like to make history.

"By making history, you could increase the value of [abutting] homes," Sibilia said. "Make this a totally green development. Make it LEED certified. Bring in businesses that are green. There's money out there to help develop this."

LEED, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, "encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria," according to the U.S. Green Building Council.

"If 'green' tenants are willing to come to town, I'd lease to them tomorrow," Cimmino said. "I'd love to make history -- I also have to pay the bank."

In an interview, Cimmino said he was "100 percent considering green" but admitted he doesn't know much about how it works or how to do it as a developer.

"I would entertain [building green] if it made sense for the town and for me as a businessman," he stated.

Cimmino is also figuring out which businesses would work best in town. He would be looking for services not currently provided, like medical offices.

"I wholeheartedly believe this project will be a positive one for the town," he said. "I believe others will see it this way as well. We need to bring business to the town."

Selectman Vincent Villamaino said that built out, the development would bring $140,000 more in tax revenue to the town.

Richard Green, chair of the Board of Selectmen, noted that it will take a two-thirds majority vote to allow the zone change at the Annual Town Meeting, and that if the change passes, all future development will need to be approved by the Planning Board.

The Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for April 27 at 7 p.m. at Thornton W. Burgess Middle School. This zoning change is Article 14 out of a warrant of 20 articles.