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Date: 3/2/2022
WEST SPRINGFIELD — A vote on the proposed zoning change on Whitney Avenue was set to take place during the West Springfield Town Council meeting on Feb. 22, however another public hearing is required before a vote can be made.
On Jan. 18, the council hosted its first public hearing on a proposal to change the zoning of the parcel at 711 Whitney Ave. from Residence A-2 to Residence C. Pyramid Co., owner of the Holyoke Mall, wants to use the nearly 18 acres of never-developed land near the West Springfield-Holyoke line to build high-end apartments.
During the Ordinance and Policy Subcommittee meeting on Feb. 7, Ed Sullivan, council president, said several concerns were raised by residents and town officials. He noted that most people did not speak in approval of the zone change.
As some councilors were not present during the subcommittee meeting, subcommittee Chair Sean Powers suggested making a draft copy of the minutes available for all councilors to study. Sullivan agreed to table the zoning change vote until the council’s Feb. 22 meeting.
During that meeting, Sullivan made a motion for the council to reopen the public hearing, and explained his reason for doing so.
“This public hearing was originally closed. The petitioner, after discussion with me, said that they would allow to have the public hearing reopened.”
He went on to say that Pyramid Co. is “doing and completing geotechnical and environmental studies” which may affect the overall project. Based on this, Sullivan said they want to present this information to the council and the public.
As a public hearing requires 14-day notice, the hearing is set to take place during the council’s March 21 meeting.
Councilors voted unanimously to approve Sullivan’s motion.
Appointment to Commission on Disabilities
Councilor Jaime Smith, vice chair of the Human Resource Subcommittee, said prior to the meeting, the committee voted 2-0 to recommend Matthew Bernard to be appointed to the Commission on Disabilities. The council also voted unanimously in favor. Bernard’s term will expire Dec. 31, 2022.