Forum discusses impact of computing center
Date: 5/12/2010
May 12, 2010.By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
HOLYOKE -- Will the proposed Green High Performance Computing Center (GHPCC) do for Holyoke and the region what the Springfield Armory did more than 200 years ago?
Amy Gilburg of Gilburg Leadership Inc. takes detailed notes during the half-day discussion on the present status and future possibilities of economic development in the city of Holyoke. The meeting was sponsored by Citizens for the Revitalization and Urban Success of Holyoke (CRUSH) and the Mount Holyoke College chapter of the Roosevelt Institute.
That was one of the subjects addressed at a half-day event at Holyoke Heritage Park on Friday examining the city's present and potential future economic development sponsored by City Councilor Rebecca Lisi, Citizens for the Revitalization and Urban Success of Holyoke (CRUSH) and the Mount Holyoke College chapter of the Roosevelt Institute.
When it comes to economic development, Mayor Elaine Pluta believes the city of Holyoke is "on the brink of a renaissance."
Although there is considerable potential of the GHPCC for bring greater development to the city, one of the speakers warned the area might not have the trained workforce needed by new companies.
Robert Forrant of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell is a professor of regional economic and social development. Once a machinist who worked at the former American Bosch facility in Springfield and a former Holyoke resident, Forrant noted that as exciting a project as the GHPCC might be, there are still "frightening economic conditions" -- among those the continuing mortgage and foreclosure crises -- that could hinder local development.
Forrant said the nation needs to recover 18 million jobs "just to get 'normal.'"
While the focus on the creative economy in urban centers has been "all well and good," Forrant said there must be emphasis on well-paying manufacturing jobs.
He noted that advanced manufacturing -- or precision machining -- is not declining in the United States and is projected to add 24,000 jobs over the next three years.
He said steps should be taken to align educational programs in the Commonwealth to prepare workers for these jobs. He noted Massachusetts is ranked 46th for the amount of money the state spends on education nationally and has decreased that amount 9 percent from 2000 to 2007.
He said there should be a coordinated effort to increase science and math programs collaboratively between Holyoke High School, Dean Vocational High School, Holyoke Community College and the Five Colleges.
Politically, he noted the local colleges and the University of Massachusetts are "under great pressure to do a hell of a lot more in Holyoke and Springfield." He suggested the local educational infrastructure also work with Baystate Medical Center to build more career opportunities in the health field.
Forrant explained the technological catalyst for the region was the establishment of the Springfield Armory, which built a pool of skilled workers to the region -- a population utilized by private manufacturers in the following decades.
He also said the "green" potential of Holyoke needs to be exploited and said a 2010 version of the Civilian Conservation Corps -- the organization formed by President Franklin Roosevelt to undertake necessary conservation projects and provide employment during the Great Depression of the 1930s -- should be formed to take on urban green projects.
"Green" technology is a priority of Holyoke Gas and Electric, Brian Beauregard said. Beauregard, the electric superintendent for the municipal utility, said the department has bought part of the Mount Tom range in anticipation of placing wind-powered generators there and owns the water rights of the Connecticut River from Holyoke to Sunderland. He said the department is working with a private developer on an underwater turbine that could be placed in the river and generate electricity from the flow of current.
John Dyjach, the assistant director of the Holyoke Economic Development and Industrial Corporation, said that while "it's not easy at times" to attract new businesses to the city, Holyoke does have some key advantages such a comprehensive effort to offer employers various tax breaks and incentives as well as the lowest electric rates in the state.
Other pluses include a growing Arts and Industry District, the adoption of a Smart Growth zoning, as well as the construction of a new senior center and plans to renovate the library, he added.
He said there is also a new Hope Six housing initiative, similar to the one that transformed the neighborhood across from the playing fields of Holyoke High School, planned for the Lyman Terrace neighborhood.
Dyjach called the GHPCC "the most important development since the inception of the city" and that "developers are flocking to the city looking for opportunity."
