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Date: 2/22/2022
SPRINGFIELD – As an extension of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, Mayor Domenic Sarno, Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan and Disaster Recovery and Compliance Director Tina Quagliato-Sullivan approved the Neighborhood Economic Recovery Fund during a Feb. 17 press conference.
The new $12 million initiative is composed entirely from ARPA funds. According to the city’s press release, the recovery project is set to aid local businesses with a focus toward equity and inclusion for disproportionately effected communities. The funds will go toward improving neighborhoods through street infrastructure projects and developing market-rate housing options, as well as fortifying shopping services, cultural programming and food accessibility.
The conference gathered representation from each of Springfield’s neighborhood councils, including New North Citizens Council, Lower Liberty Heights Neighborhood Council, Hungry Hill Neighborhood Council, Old Hill Neighborhood Council, Upper Hill Residents Council, McKnight Neighborhood Council, Armory Quadrangle Civic Association and Maple High Six Corners Neighborhood Council.
Sarno said he met with the neighborhood councils starting August 2021, utilizing the meetings to develop the best strategy related to ARPA funds. In his presentation of the grant, the mayor stressed the positive impact the Neighborhood Economic Recovery Fund will have on the community.
“This has the chance to be a game changer for our Springfield. My administration is looking forward to working together with our neighborhood councils to enhancing our community for the betterment of all,” said Sarno.
In his role aiding economic recovery, Sheehan explained how the fund will create a strong partnership between the city and local businesses.
“Today’s announcement of the Neighborhood Economic Recovery Fund is a continuation of that conversation with neighborhood organizations, businesses and institutions that meet the needs of the neighborhood for goods, services and programming. It is truly a unique opportunity for the city to collectively work with our neighborhood partners,” said Sheehan.
The fund presents two different applications for neighborhood entities to apply for. The first involves Qualified Census Tracts (QCT), which are areas that 50 percent or more households possess incomes below 60 percent of the area’s median income. The eligible uses for this application includes essential community facilities, the revitalization of public and commercial spaces and general economy upgrades.
The second application is applicable neighborhood councils and nonprofits. Both organizations can submit propositions that improve neighborhood commercial districts through infrastructure and business aid.
The deadline for submissions is June 15. Readers can find both applications at https://www.springfield-ma.gov/dr/disaster-recovery/neighborhood-economic-recovery-fund.