Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 6/21/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – The town of West Springfield has recently been awarded $60,000 in Local Rapid Recovery Planning (LRRP) grant funding.
Mayor William Reichelt announced on his Facebook page, “The town of West Springfield was recently notified by the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative (MDI) program that it was selected for participation in the commonwealth’s LRRP program, focused on revitalizing downtowns, responding to the effects of COVID-19 on local businesses, and prioritizing actions and strategies.
“The LRRP program is part of the Baker-Polito Administration's Partnerships for Recovery Plan to help communities stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy. Local Recovery Plans will include analysis and exploration of challenges, barriers, strategies, and actions, with a focus on developing tactical and strategic project recommendations that help communities achieve their recovery goals,” his post continued.
Reichelt told Reminder Publishing that Planner Allyson Manuel applied for and received this federal grant that’s run through the state.
West Springfield has been paired with Hagerty Consulting, which is working with Town Planning and Community Development officials.
Reichelt explained, “Our downtown expanded a bit so it includes all of the Central Business District, Westfield Street businesses, as well as Merrick, and Memorial neighborhoods. The idea is to look at coming back stronger - seeing what we can do post-COVID to make it better for businesses.”
Businesses located within these specific areas were surveyed in the beginning of June as part of this program. The survey results will be used to inform the development of actionable items that address the needs of local business and assist future policy decisions.
Between all of the businesses, Reichelt said restaurants in the service industry struggled the most. Regardless, this grant will allow them to look at smaller businesses as well.
“I think everyone struggled, but in nature of them being in West Springfield, and West Springfield being kind of the crossroads of New England and easy access for everyone, they benefited from that in the recovery,” stated Reichelt.
In the next couple of weeks, Reichelt said they will be putting together a suggested path forward list.
He said he remains confident that the Planning and Community Development staff will maximize this program’s potential to benefit these designated areas within the town.