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Date: 1/4/2022
CHICOPEE – Viewed as a potential community destination, Chicopee is currently reviewing request for quotation submissions for the Center Park downtown space at 181 Center St.
The Center Park space is made possible with $10,000 from MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative and $10,000 from MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places program.
In a press release from Communications and Special Projects Manager Rachel Beaulieu, she detailed what the city is looking for from applicants interested in the .28 acre space.
“Prioritization will go to an entity that can demonstrate a project that meets the following criteria: provide public benefit and access, support area business economy and local establishments and operator expenses for build out and programming need to be reasonable, appropriate, and directly attributable to the delivery of programming and services that predominately benefit low and moderate income persons,” said Beaulieu via press release.
The communications manager also revealed that an additional $30,000 in funding could be available for the project build-out if its able to be completed by December 2022. After accepting applications on Dec. 8, the city office is currently in the process of reviewing the applications.
In an interview with Reminder Publishing, Mayor John Vieau discussed his vision for the space, which was officially unveiled in April 2021. “I imagine it as a potential gathering space that would bring activity to downtown Chicopee,” said Vieau. Some potential ideas Vieau batted around for the outdoor area was utilizing it for food trucks or communal events during active nights.
“I picture Thursday night events where the community can come together and celebrate in a safe and fun way,” said Vieau.
Planning Director Lee Pouliot also spoke to Reminder Publishing about the process behind the RFQ submission review. “We are looking for an entity to program the space and license for the city over the years. We will review the proposals and select the applicants with the most potential,” said Pouliot.