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Date: 1/18/2023
SPRINGFIELD – Looking ahead in the new year, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno envisions several critical developments set to occur in 2023.
In comments sent to Reminder Publishing, Sarno reflected on the hardships endured throughout the past two years as the nation dealt with lingering ramifications from the coronavirus pandemic. He said his general focus for 2023 is continuing to heal issues worsened by the health crisis.
“Today, we view the [coronavirus] pandemic and its ongoing inconveniences with a healthy sense of control that comes from the availability of vaccines and booster shots and daily life finally seems more normal and cautiously optimistic … The work of building the city back from the [coronavirus] pandemic economically and physically, with intention to equity and inclusion continues to be our collective priority in 2023,” said Sarno.
The mayor highlighted his economic team’s ongoing distribution of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the federal government. The city was awarded $123.8 million to finance improvements and mitigate impacts stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.
“My administration has awarded these funds to address the direct health and economic impacts of the [coronavirus] pandemic, as well as to confront the underlying challenges that exacerbated the [coronavirus] pandemic’s negative effects on vulnerable individuals, businesses, and neighborhoods. To date my administration has invested millions of dollars for this purpose and we are actively working on implementing the projects, programs and initiatives that have been awarded funding,” said Sarno.
One of the significant ARPA projects includes the development of a Big Y supermarket in Tower Square. Sarno shared that the project is underway and will add a crucial source for groceries in downtown Springfield.
“Big Y’s work on their new downtown location at Tower Square has commenced and once completed, will end the food desert condition that has challenged those living in downtown for decades,” said Sarno.
Springfield also features several other projects in progress. Sarno highlighted the continued development of a “true dining district” in Worthington Street with the addition of new restaurants alongside several other dining spots that opened in 2022, including Jackalope Restaurant.
The construction of a new Civic Center Garage is expected to be completed in 2023. Sarno envisions the parking garage as a critical tool for unlocking additional economic activity in downtown Springfield.
“The new garage will be so much more than just a garage. It will have significant amenities including ground floor retail and restaurant space. The garage will look out on to active open space that will be programmed with entertainment and retail uses,” said Sarno.
Sarno highlighted several housing projects that continue to build momentum, such as market rate apartments for the 31 Elm St. and affordable apartments for Knox Building in Mason Square. A total of 424 housing units are expected to be developed in 2023 between 22 homes and 402 multi-family residential units.
Infusing additional activity in Main, State and Stockbridge streets is another priority for Sarno as several redevelopment efforts continue to occur.
“A request for proposals has gone out to the real estate development community both nationally and locally regarding the redevelopment of the Colonial Block and the Masonic Building on Main and State Streets and a third smaller office building on Stockbridge Street. Bringing economic life back to these buildings through adaptive reuse which is complementary to the Main Street Convention Center District is a key priority of my economic development team in the coming year,” said Sarno.
Several improvements in neighborhood commercial districts are also expected to be implemented.
“As we come into spring residents will see millions invested into planned improvement projects throughout the city. These improvements include infrastructure, traffic controls, open space, lighting, tree planting and trimming, just to name a few. Reinvestment in neighborhood commercial districts and the small businesses within provides residents with direct access to goods and services and enhances neighborhood identity,” said Sarno.
In addition, Sarno is looking forward to forging a partnership with Massachusetts’ new leaders, Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, as he advocates for Springfield projects, like the East-West Rail.
“The election of Gov. Healy and Lt. Gov. Driscoll was indeed historic and consequential, I look forward to working with them in addressing the needs of Springfield at the state level such as East-West Rail, economic development and infrastructure investment,” said Sarno.
Sarno concluded his 2023 outlook by thanking the contributions of Springfield residents and business owners.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to Springfield’s residents, businesses and employees for their continued belief, investment, dedication and commitment to our city. I recognize and appreciate that Springfield would not be the great city that it is without the contributions made by each and every one of you,” said Sarno.